Jordan + Molly, thank-you for allowing me to be a part of your day – it was absolutely wonderful through and through!
See those little kiddos back there? Molly is a kindergarden teacher and she invited her class to the ceremony! The priest was sure to include them in the event!

As I figure out the new rhythm of the season, I’m excited for the newness that is to come in the next few months. New couples, new marriages, new families, new destinations… this summer is bound to be a great one and I can’t wait to share the adventures along the way! Tomorrow, I’m thrilled to share my 100th wedding with you – Jordan + Molly’s beautiful Birmingham nuptials from early last month. But while you wait in suspense, I thought I would share a few of my favorite images from the lifestyle family sessions I’ve had the passed few weeks!

First up, Baby Lucy, with her awesome parents, Mike + Janelle:

I was honored to spend some time with this handsome fella, Adam, who is no stranger to my camera! I can’t believe he is two already!!

Last week, I got to spend a couple hours with Paige and her family. Her big sister, Alaina, absolutely adores her and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing some sweet moments with them.

And finally, I’d like you to meet, Silas! This sweet babe is the firstborn of Tim + Lauren, dear friend’s of mine from our college days. The last time I photographed these two was on their wedding day, back in 2009. Amazing to see where life has taken all of us since then :)

Over the last few months as I’ve gotten to know them as a couple and learned more about the two of them, I’ve come to realize that they actually are perfect for each other :) James + Sam adore one another, make each other laugh constantly and deeply care + respect for each other and their loved ones. It was pure joy to watch these two interact with each other and their guests on their wedding day. I’m pretty sure they didn’t stop smiling all day long – they were just too excited that their wedding had finally come! They were wed at Baldwin Street CRC in Jenison, MI and celebrated at Wallinwood Springs Golf Club nearby. The typical March weather tried to “rain” on this party… but as I learned over a year ago, James (+ Sam) won’t let a good party be stopped by anything ;) Congratulations, you two! Enjoy the preview of your day!

David + Karen met in high school. They were in choir together and shared many mutual friends. College plans took these two separate ways for years. They lived in different states, pursued separate professions and each had a few amazing children. It wasn’t until fate (or their high school homecoming game) brought them back together… And it was love at second sight ;) For the past three years, they have dated across state lines, but it was clear that they were meant to be. Last month, in a stellar venue, with their family and friends next to them; they committed the rest of their lives to each other. The ceremony was simple, but full of grace and love (and a few embarrassing stories from the high school friend who officiated ;)). Jonathan and I couldn’t stop talking about how awesome this day was through and through. David + Karen – THANK-YOU for inviting us into your story and allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful occasion. We are excited for this new chapter for you and wish you nothing but the best! Enjoy the preview of your AWESOME Detroit wedding!

Stacie, is married to Ben. They’ve been married almost six years and in that time have traveled the world together, lived in a few places (near and far), studied for graduate degrees, and shared a passion for students – specifically college students. Currently, they find themselves working at a college ministry in Michigan where they spend all hours of the day hanging out with and mentoring students (these two are pretty rad!). Throughout their relationship, Ben + Stacie have accomplished many dreams together, but there has been one that has specifically been on their hearts and minds in the most recent years – they have dreamt of being parents and raising a family! After much prayer, consideration and anticipation, it became evident that they should begin the journey to adopt. So they started the process, filed paperwork and readied their hearts to become adoptive parents. On Monday, February 18th, when almost everything was complete, Ben + Stacie joyfully emailed their close friends and family to announce that they were officially pursuing adoption! At that point, all they had left to do was wait…… and that waiting could take anywhere from three months to three years. So they invited their close community to pray for them and join in the excitement of anticipating a little one with them.

The next day (about 12 hours after sending the email), Ben + Stacie got a phone call from their case worker that would change their lives. A baby boy had been born on Monday and needed a home! “Would you like to be considered by the birth mom to adopt this baby boy?” the case worker asked them. This shocked Ben + Stacie because they were told they would probably wait at least a few months to hear anything and they still had a few minor paperwork things on their end to wrap up. The case worker assured them they could be considered if they were willing, but they needed to respond ASAP. Within the hour, Ben + Stacie affirmed that they would like to be considered as parents and they spent the afternoon chatting about potential baby names, praying and waiting…

Wednesday morning, the case worked called once again and announced that Ben + Stacie had been chosen by the birth mom!! The wait was over – they were finally going to be parents! They immediately jumped in the car and headed to the hospital a few hours away. That afternoon, less than 48 hours after announcing their plans to adopt, Ben + Stacie were holding their SON. That little one was a miracle, a blessing and the sign of many promises fulfilled. They named him Jaden, which means, “God hears us.” God had heard Ben + Stacie’s desire to become parents and blessed them with a handsome and healthy little child. What a joy!

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When Stacie called me that Thursday afternoon and said, “Jenn, I’m looking at my husband right now as he holds our son” it came as quite a surprise, since three days earlier I had received that email from them!! We immediately scheduled a newborn session and I could hardly wait to meet the sweet babe! Jaden is already loved by many and it was such a joy to spend a few hours with the three of them celebrating his arrival. Without further adieu, here are a few images of Jaden on one of his first days home with his mom + dad!

Matt + Kristin love each other with a true love that is simple, but full. You can see the depth in the way he looks at her and the way she talks about him… their love is sweet, but fun. And on a wintery Saturday, Matt + Kristin had themselves a January wedding. They vowed forever, toasted with family and friends and celebrated into the snowy eve in Rochester. Personally, these two kicked off the 2013 wedding season for me and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the year. If this wedding was an indication of what 2013 is going to hold, I’m totally on board :) Matt + Kristin, thanks for sharing your love… enjoy the preview of your amazing day!
Matt + Kristin had their ceremony in chapel of Faith Lutheran Church in Troy, MI:How do you keep bridesmaids warm during outdoor portraits in the snow? Just like this… :)Their reception was held at the Rochester Community HouseOne of my favorite parts of the day… their first dance. “January Wedding” by the Avett Brothers was just absolutely perfect for this moment.

Mike + Janelle briefly appeared on the blog last summer for their anniversary. We had a session celebrating their 2-year wedding anniversary… and, a baby announcement! In case you missed it, here’s a little peak…

Well, fast-forward about six-months and it was time for a maternity session! Mike + Janelle braved the wintery elements and headed to downtown Grand Rapids for their photos. We had blue skies and sunshine for just a couple hours that afternoon and it was perfect! Their little one is due next month and I can hardly wait to see these two be parents! If you ask me, I think they are going to be pretty great at it. I’ve watched them be an awesome aunt + uncle and now it’s their turn to be mommy + daddy! Yay! :)

Mike + Janelle, we are so excited for you and are honored to be a part of this amazing time in your lives. Can’t wait to meet your sweet babe SO soon!I’d dare say that Janelle is a glowing momma-to-be. You’re beautiful, Janelle!Oh, Mike. What a funny guy… ;)

Blog, I’d like you to meet Tina. Tina is an artist, a musician and has mad style. This woman is a strong individual – full of life, depth and grace. Tina has walked through some tough battles, but she is a fighter, with an amazing soul. She is spunky, knows how to make you laugh and always has a fun time. And, she also happens to be a rad photographer, too!

This summer, we had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together – working, dreaming, and taking lots of photos. She might tell you she was trying to learn from me, but really, I found myself learning from her. Tina motivated me, encouraged me and taught me to see beauty and life in new ways. I’m forever grateful for her role in my life as a fellow photographer and friend. I’m excited to see where her journey takes her in the coming years!

Tina, my friend, you are a blessing to me!

I recently spent some time with Russ + Courtney in downtown Grand Rapids for a maternity session. Maternity sessions are not my most popular type of shoot, but I always love being able to hang out with soon-to-be parents! I’m honored that these two would allow me to commemorate this beautiful time as a family. Russ + Courtney’s personal journey to parenthood has not been easy – it’s been a path marked with difficulty and grief. But in just a couple weeks, they are anticipating the arrival of their son… and that is a wonderfully awesome, good thing to celebrate. Russ + Courtney, THANK-YOU for sharing your story with me and allowing me to capture this exciting time in your lives. Can’t wait to meet the little guy!!

I have come to really appreciate and enjoy my time with these two. The way Michael + Trisha care about each other and their family and friends is admirable. They respect each other, know how to make each other laugh and know how to love each other so well. Michael + Trisha so graciously invited me into their story and it has been an honor to share in it with them.

These two chose to enter their marriage amongst an intimate gathering of family and friends in southeast Michigan. The ceremony was held at North Hills CRC and dinner followed at The Iroquois Club. There was no snow for this December wedding, but we dodged the rain drops for portraits and stayed warm with a fire and hot cocoa at the reception. It was a perfect Christmas wedding and a wonderful way to cap off the 2012 season! Congratulations, Michael + Trisha!
Trisha, you were a gorgeous bride!Snuck this frame right before Trisha saw Michael for the first time that day. She was nervous, but excited to see her groom!