My brother's wedding! :)

Paul and I have traveled a lot more than expected the last few months for destination weddings, but this one is one that I've been looking forward to for quite a while and I have good reason, it's my brother's wedding!!! Though it was one of my biggest challenges, it was well worth it. A few days before the wedding, I got together with Jen & Cory to do a quick engagement session for the "practice run" for the big day. It was so great getting to know Jen, his wifey-to-be!







I got home from the shoot and many of the images brought tears to my eyes, I haven't seen my brother this happy in such a long time. I feel honored to have captured this part of his life and the beginning of a great journey forward. He has been through more challenges than some have experienced in a lifetime, but as my previous blog post says, "everything happens for a reason", and even though it's taken him 34 years to find the love of his life, I think he & Jen can agree that it was worth the wait!





It was so wonderful to spend the past two weeks with family in Michigan & helping prepare for the big day. My sister, her hubby and their newborn (6 weeks), & 3 year old traveled all the way from Melbourne, Australia to join the fun...here's Ethan and me, the proud Auntie "T"!



...family came down from up north and we had such a beautiful day out at the lake for their wedding. Here is one of my favorite moments which reveals just how much Cory adores Jen...



My good friend Janelle just started photography and brought her brand new Nikon D90 to show off - she took some awesome shots, here's just one of my favs of the two in a junkyard. Gotta love it! Thanks Janelle!!! :)

Home Sweet Home

I'm back from Michigan! Home sweet home! I had to step out of CA to take a quick vacation & visit the family, but of course, can't leave the camera behind!


One of my favorite candids, I feel like it really captures Jacob, the youngest...


Tristyn, Hunter & Jacob, my crazy but precious little niece and nephews!







Oh Mama bear!!! I LOVE this pretty lil lady, an amazing woman. The strongest and most inspirational woman i've ever met, we shared tons of laughs, tears & memories this trip. I can say this one has been the most rewarding trip i've taken in a while and I realize how much i miss my family & how much they mean to me, they are my everything. Thank you for all your support and love, LOVE YOU!

Below is my nervous smile as i'm trying not to freak out while my 10 year old niece uses my camera!!! The best part is that she said she wants to be a professional "Photo...Grapher" when she grows up, just like me, she's so cute & off to a good start! :)



My brother is one determined, unique and strong individual. We have the type of relationship where we can just sit around for hours and not say a word, yet feel closer. Cory has been through more tradgedies than any 30 year should have to face. He stays strong and strives to become a better person as each day passes. He recently got engaged to a wonderful little lady, Congratulations brother, on everything!!! I am so excited to see the wonderful things God rewards you with this year.
I also headed to downtown Kalamazoo to get Senior portraits of my step-brother, Evan. I can't believe he's already a SENIOR!!! I feel like i've only been gone a couple years and i've almost been out here in CA for FIVE years! Time flies when you're having fun! :)





AND then my new little friend, Preston ( a friend's son). He was my little buddy while hanging out in Martin and kept me busy for sure while capturing some fun shots!


I had to let him try on my stylin' bug eyes!




...this creek was a perfect backdrop...


Preggie shots with the beautiful Dawn- her 3rd child due in TWO weeks!!! She was up for anything, even roaming through the fields of Marshall, showing off her belly, can't wait to see the little one SOON!



The twins giving little brother hugs!



...and the shot i was obsessed with getting, woohoo! Thank you Dawn for trusting me with this vision!







Thank you all for your patience on my response time while i was takin' a breather!

I'm recharged and ready to go - more posts soon! :)