They have been together for six years already... since the start of high school, and through so many changes and challenges, they have stuck together. They have a lot to look back on, but so much more lies ahead. When we met up in Grand Rapids for their engagement session, it was pretty clear that they are completely themselves when they are together, with no pretense. Somehow though, they still have that spark, they are still vibrant, and there is something about their relationship that still seems new and exciting. Even as we walked around the city, freezing, they were so cheerful, smiling, and joking, totally comfortable, and still totally infatuated with each other.

If they could go back to 9th grade, when Kristen finally agreed to go out with Joe, and they went to that high school winter dance... could those kids possibly have known that it was the beginning of the rest of their lives? You just never know what the future will hold, but they will be facing it together. Thanks so much for choosing me to photograph this time for you. Your engagement session was so much fun, and I look forward to your wedding in September!

Some friendly neighborhood ducks swam up to say hello while we were right by the edge of the Grand River. Unfortunately for them we had no food. However, it worked out to our advantage, and I think they made a nice addition to a few of their photos!

We left the city and went over by Kent Trails, near Johnson Park, for a few more rural photos that would show what a beautiful wintry day we had. We again found ourselves near the banks of the Grand River, but with a totally different feel.

Love this...

Thanks again for braving the cold, and for bringing handwarmers...
you guys are great!

High school sweethearts...
now about to become parents for the first time!
I have known Jason for his entire life (we're cousins),
and he and Megan have been together for several years,
so she has been a part of our family for a very long time.
They were married a few years ago,
and now they are about to welcome a little girl
into our big crazy family. ;)
In just a few weeks we will all be taking turns holding
the newest little bundle of joy!
I can't wait.
So, on New Years Eve I visited them at their home
to get these portraits.
I hope someday they look back at them,
remembering this time fondly, who they were, and what they felt.

Gorgeous!

Here she is in the nursery - she painted it pink and chocolate brown...
it looks so cute! I love the stripes. Nice job!
Finishing touches are probably going in now,
she's had her baby showers, and the only thing missing is
their little girl! So exciting.

Something got Jason laughing here...
I'm not even sure what it was anymore, but I love it!

I am sorry to say this, I can't resist:
it really is something to see my "little" cousin all grown up,
and about to become a dad!!!
I am really proud of both of you.
You are going to be wonderful parents,
and I can't wait to meet your daughter!

2009 ended with a pretty memorable cold snap,
but that didn't stop Ashley and Alex from meeting me
in downtown GR for their engagement session
the day before New Years Eve!
They had each other to keep warm and cozy...

They sat in the snow... willingly!
I obviously have awesome couples to work with.
I didn't even have to bribe them!

This is a popular spot for photographers for its pretty light, dramatic lines...
but I will be honest, that day it was not my initial plan to stop there!
However, we had already gone halfway across the bridge so I figured,
why not keep going?
Then we found it: shelter from the cold wind...
and some of my favorites of the day! :)

We needed to warm up some more... ;)

Another favorite:

Ashley and Alex, you are an adorable couple
and I so very much appreciate you braving the chilly weather
for your engagement session! It was fun to get to know you both better,
and I am very excited about the wedding, meeting more of your friends
and family, and capturing all the details and moments of your day!
It means a lot that you have chosen me to be a part of it.

Last fall I met Matt and Kim,
who were expecting their first child in December.
Immediately I felt so welcomed into their home, and into their lives in
a tiny way. We had never met before then, but I had such a lovely time talking with them during their maternity session, and I looked forward to their child's birth, anxiously awaiting news to hear if they had a girl or a boy,
and what name they chose!
Yes I love taking newborn photos...
but I think somewhere along the way I started to think of them as friends,
not just clients,
and the pictures I'd get to take were just a bonus ;).

So it was an honor to be able to meet their little girl Falon,
at their home, at just 1 week old!
Sidenote - Falon Vale - such a lovely, unique name!
It just sounds so pretty, and certainly suits the owner.

Matt and Kim had just settled back in at home,
and were willing to let me visit them so I could capture these images
as soon after her birth as possible.




This crocheted blanket was a gift from Matt's mother,
made for someone else in the family, who passed it over to Matt & Kim.
Falon's grandma is watching over her from Heaven now.
What a treasure...



















Matt, Kim, & Falon,
I really do appreciate you choosing me to take these photos
during such a special, life-changing time.
Your daughter is going to be so loved, so happy in a peaceful home,
where art and literature (and really cool movies) are celebrated.
I see her growing up to be a pretty awesome kid!
For now, however, enjoy your darling little baby girl, every moment.
Even at 4:00 AM.