Taking down time is good for the soul. This winter, I feel like I actually had that rest, which is something I truly never allow myself to do.  But now that the air is warming, the nights are staying lighter a little bit longer and spring is right around the corner, I am more than ready to pick my cameras up more and have cute little ones like little Belle here in front of my lens!

Last week I traveled to the Ann Arbor area where I met little Belle…the newest addition to Leo and Kelly’s household!  Belle was sweet as could be, yawning, smiling and cooing sweetly.  The family pup Lily had to make her presence known and was quick to show us she was still worthy of everyone’s love and affection. Super bonus? Kelly’s mom was there for some snuggle time and was able to get some pictures with her first grandchild.  What a special day!

A few years ago, I met the super sweet and super talented Amy Hofacker, artist extraordinaire behind the whimsical watercolors of her business Funamals.  I was delighted by the colors and her technique and the art show I met her at was filled with her pretty work of not only pets, but woodland creatures, elephants and more. I snatched a card and ended up commissioning her to do a portrait of my own little pup Tanner last winter.

While enjoying a cup of coffee together a few weeks ago, we started chatting about her business, her new promotional materials and the excitement over her new handmade paper.  She wanted some pictures to promote her art and I couldn’t have been more delighted to spend some time with her and watch her work.  The art of photography is what I know and an artform I enjoy doing. But I have absolutely no skill when it comes to painting or drawing so to watch someone paint and have a picture come together before my eyes was a true delight!  Not only do I respect her work, but she’s also environmentally conscious by upcycling materials and using local vendors.  Her handmade paper is truly it’s own work of art…created by Whitney Korstange of Maple Street Paper Co. in Fremont, MI.

Amy specializes in painting custom pet portraits and has her work displayed on Etsy here.  She also does cards and other pretties so make sure to check out her work and follow her fun blog.  Funamals is also featured in local boutiques, including one of my personal favorites, Minty Keen.  Think of how unique a hand-painted watercolor of a loved little pet would be to a spouse, friend or family member!  Support our local artists and show them we value their work!

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.