A few weeks ago I sat in my office, watching snow fall from my office window.  Those big, perfect fluffy snow flakes that even for those that hate winter, have to take notice and smile. It was one of those days I was inspired by the snow. The perfect white that covered all the dark and dreariness outside.  And it’s also just about the time of year that I haven’t shot any weddings in a few months and dearly miss photographing lovely people in love!

So a fun shoot was definitely in order and I knew that I couldn’t do it without collaborating with sweetie-pie Daisy of Pixel&Hank (remember some of our other fun shoots?).  And my dear friend Jamie and I have been talking for way too long about collaborating on something lovely together.  Jamie is the owner and talented videographer of Shutter Speed Productions and I just love her to pieces.  A few months back, the sweet couple featured here contacted me about the possibility of doing a ‘trash the dress’ session and I knew they would be perfect for this! I have known Jen since she was just a youngin’ and it still blows my mind she’s a married adult now.  She and Matt have big hearts and Matt loves this girl a lot.  For him to shiver through the session, rocking out a polka-dot bowtie in the middle of the woods…well, he didn’t do it for any other reason than for her alone ;).

A huge big thank you to the talented Stacy Jensen who came out to do hair and makeup (she rocks and it’s just not a collaboration without her) and to September’s Bride for the tux Matt wore.  And of course my parents who let a troop of girls take over their house and property.  Look for a little cameo from my little pup Tanner J. and my sweet little goats!   And make sure to click on the video link at the end of the blog post to see Jamie’s video of our shoot!

LOVE from Shutter Speed Productions on Vimeo.

Once again I had the fabulous opportunity to capture the Design 1 Fashion Show to benefit Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital this year.  The hair and makeup, as always, simply blew me away.  Photographing this looks is ridiculously fun…pink eyelashes, hair shaped into a sky-scraper? I died and went to fashion heaven.

A big round of applause to all those who made this event happen and done so fabulously.  The event was amazing and the biggest bonus was all that was raised for the DeVos Children’s Hospital!

The runway show was held at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.  An amazing venue for this event.

Oh Owen…your cute little smile melts my heart!

Just in time for the holidays, Owen and his mom and dad along with his adorable cousins and his grandpa had a session highlighting just how amazing family is.  The pictures of the kids with their grandfather warmed my heart and Owen’s silly perfect smile made us all laugh. The wind was chilly but our hearts were warm.

Grandpa and Owen matched their argyle sweaters together…so adorable ;).

Oh Alaina…you never cease to make us all laugh.  I love your spunk!

Tracy’s super sweet sister Kristen purchased a gift certificate for her and her husband Ibrahim for Christmas last year.  While they have been married for 3 years, they had yet to have professional pictures of just the two of them.  So last week, during the peak of lovely weather and pretty fall colors I got to see just why these two needed a session. They are so in love, so much fun and such a sweet couple.  Ibrahim had us laughing the entire time…a great afternoon in my book.

Thank you to Megan for coming along to assist again and sharing in the laughs!

A few things you should know about this maternity session. First of all, Michele is one of my oldest and dearest friends (we’ve been friends since elementary school!) and when I heard this past spring that she and Steve were expecting their first little one I literally shrieked and jumped up and down on the trail we were walking on that morning.  I’ll never forget that day, just before Mother’s day, and how thrilled I was for both her and Steve.

Fast forward to this past Sunday, the day of their maternity session. It’s times like this where I am truly delighted that I am a photographer and get to capture something so momentus for a dear friend.  Michele’s husband Steve was a good sport….hauling their cute rocking chair out into the field, grabbing some apples, sitting in a pile of weeds all for some pretty pictures.  Michele was as glowing and radiant as she always is.

Michele and Steve - I was going to write something sappy and tear-soaked about how much I love you both but I’ll save that for when I meet your little bundle of joy.  For now, enjoy some pictures ;).