what a total doll!  this cutie is just about 7 months old, which is an awesome age for photos - they've still got the 'cute baby' look, but they've got personality too!  Baby E was so sweet - such a happy girl ;-)

I'd be smiling too if I got to hang out in a hot pink onesie all day!

LOVE this one - so tender....





thanks for a fun session, and enjoy the preview!

just got in sean and katie's awesome guestbook!  It looks so good, I had to show it off ;-)

I've experimented with a few different book styles for guestbooks over the years, and this one is hands-down the best - both in quality and value.

Standard guestbooks are 15 spreads, and feature a gorgeous, wraparound photo cover

Tommy and I are both big believers in the idea of eating as locally as possible.  And it doesn't get much more local than your own backyard!  Since we moved into our home, we've had a blast with our backyard container garden.  Here's some of the latest goods!

yummy heirloom tomatoes
snap peas
green peppers
little baby cucumbers!

these beauties went into my morning omelette - YUM!

sadly, our bok choy and arugula got savaged by some unknown critters this year ;-(  but overall our garden has been a smashing success!  I still haven't given up my dream of someday having chickens - maybe next year!

newborns are the coolest!  there's something about a brand new life that is so humbling and awe-inspiring...their skin is incredible - and they're adorable even when they're bawling their eyes out ;-) 

meet baby bella - just two weeks old!

mom Alexis was actually a bridesmaid in a wedding I shot a couple of years ago (hi Donelle!).  well, time flies, and now she's got this adorable new arrival!  what a sweet family...


the smile is totally what makes this shot!



soooo many images I love from this session - hope this little peak gets you excited for more ;-) 

this video's been burnin' up the internets and has landed in my inbox at least three times!  but if you haven't seen it yet - it's a must-watch.  how I would have loved to shoot this wedding!  If this doesn't make you smile, your heart is made of tar.

Stephanie and Charles' wedding last week was a great time!

The girls got ready at the royal park hotel in downtown rochester - this is always one of my favorite 'getting ready' hotels (great for boudior too!) because the rooms are just gorgeous and filled with great light. 

Stephanie's dress was amazing - the hem was killer!

And she looked awesome, too - so cute and petite!  hair and makeup by the always awesome Patty @ luigi bruni


me likey diamonds!!




Stephanie and Charles agreed to meet before the ceremony for some portraits with Charles' son Parker.  This was a great idea - I always encourage it, especially when the ceremony is later (theirs was 6pm).  This way, we had plenty of time for some special family portraits.


such fun colors for the bridesmaids!

charles presented each of his groomsmen with a custom pocket watch.  what a nice gift!

cute moment with grandma

some more shots at addison oaks, where the ceremony and reception were held


these two were total BFF's - so cute!

parker took his duties as ring bearer *very* seriously ;-)


the ceremony site at addison oaks is one of my favorites!



i really liked how they included Parker in the ceremony - their officiant did a really cute 'family ceremony'

their cake was super-adorable (by holiday bakery) - loved the cake topper!  it's actually edible!

first dance
father/daughter dance

and a little late-night romance (my favorite!)

Charles, Stephanie and Parker: congratulations!  You guys make a beautiful family ;-)

What an AWESOME time I had shooting these guys!  For family sessions, I always really encourage people to 'come as they are' - don't stress out about what to wear or how to pose - just make sure you're comfortable, and be ready to HAVE FUN!  This family totally 'got' that, and i'm so excited about the images we created!

Here's just a teeny tiny sampling of some favorites

seriously, how cute are they?

i think this is my favorite ;-)  definitely going on the website once I have a chance to update!



it was the *perfect* summer day for some ICE CREAM!




thanks for such a fun session guys ;-)  So glad you found me - you were a delight to photograph!

This kind of family photography isn't for everyone - definitely the not the typical 'white shirts and jeans, smiling for the camera' type imagery that many people associate with professional family shoots.  But for those who enjoy this, I'm scheduling sessions now through fall.  give me a buzz ;-)

Just a quick note to all - this is probably my craziest, busiest time of year.  With weddings every weekend, family and engagement sessions during the week, I'm shooting so much I've barely had a chance to edit!  I know my turnaround is dragging a bit - hang in there, and I so appreciate everyone's patience.   I have the best clients ;-)

Coming soon to the blog - favorites from stephanie and charles (and parker's!) wedding, and TWO adorable baby shoots.  stay tuned!

what can I say about alex and sara?!  I've been so lucky to get to know these two over the past year.  I shot sara's sister amanda's wedding last June, and have done portraits for her other sisters' family as well.  So by the time Saturday rolled around, we were old friends ;-)

It was so cool to walk in and see my photos displayed everywhere!

the wedding was held at the River Birch Lodge - an amazing location!  Full of rustic charm, but with all the modern amenities you could want. 

I got to work with some great vendors for this wedding: Katherine's Catering prepared the delicious and innovative dinner, yummy cupcakes by decadent delight, hair by Julie of Imagine Three, makeup by Dana (danaishome@prodigy.net), and DJ extraordinare Mary Ann Ross.

Sara's dress was AMAZING

cute little 'getting ready' moment

HOTT!




cute blue shoes ;-)

Taylor Rose stole the show!
also - how cute are the yellow shoes?!

there are no words for this kind of cuteness!
Alex was lookin' pretty good too

some relaxed portraits of the fellas

and onto the ceremony
traditional handfasting:

you may kiss the bride!
some portraits with the newlyweds...




the food was killer!  mini grilled cheese with tomato soup shooters, gourmet sliders, handmade sweet potato chips....YUM!

When Annmarie first emailed me to chat about her wedding plans, I knew this was just the kind of day I'd love to photograph - a classy, intimate affair held at Via Nove Restaurant in downtown Ferndale.

Her and Jason were looking for relaxed, photojournalistic portraits that would really capture the 'spirit' of their day - and I was happy to oblige!

Some favorites:
lovely bouquet and centerpieces by bloomz



after the ceremony we hit up downtown for some pictures.  Tommy was totally on fire!  I thought this would be a good opportunity to demonstrate why having a 2nd photographer can be so great.  While I was shooting this:
tommy was shooting this.  One moment, two great images! 

we passed by this adorable vintage shop with the cutest storefront...

honestly, is there *anyhting* more fun than green wedding shoes?!

jason and dana were married on a delightful Sunday in Ann Arbor.  It's always a treat when we shoot right in Ann Arbor - because, oddly enough, even though it's where my studio is based, most of my weddings are elsewhere in SE michigan.

This was such a fun wedding to be a part of - and Tommy and I also had a great time working with Jamie Honce video - looking forward to seeing the trailer!

We started the day at the four points sheraton.  dana's hotel room was brimming with friends and family to keep her company while she primped.  I've said it before, but the 'getting ready' part of the day is always one of my favorites to shoot.  So many pretty details, moments, and emotions...

makeup by Catherine @ Dessange





ceremony at temple beth emmeth

beautiful ketubah