Most of my wedding clients receive a gorgeous flush mount album featuring their best images. I have to admit that I am a little envious that I don’t have something quite this beautiful of our own wedding photos! Over the past few months I have been wrapping up the 2011 wedding albums, placing orders as the finishing touches and final decisions are made. Today I wanted to share one that just arrived. I love the accent fabric, which adds a twist to a traditional brown leather album, and ties in with their colorful, summery wedding theme. These albums always amaze me, both in construction and image quality. Some of you are currently awaiting your albums, and there are some which are still in the design process. If you have an idea for the cover materials you’d like for your book, I just want you to know that I can do just about anything you can imagine. I would love to help you choose something that will reflect your wedding style in a totally personalized way!
I met Youa almost a year ago when she came to Grand Rapids to observe a portrait session (and she happened to contribute some great images to the client’s collection too!). I really enjoyed meeting her, and we stayed connected through Facebook throughout the past several months. Then, a couple of months ago, she sent me a message asking if I would take her maternity photos! I was so excited that she would choose me to document this part of her and her husband’s life. She and Will drove to Grand Rapids and met up with me downtown. A cold wind was blowing in the city, but I’m so glad we were able to take some cute photos in an urban setting. Afterward, we headed to a park not far away. I really wanted to showcase the winter wonderland that we were fortunate to have that day, and a serene, glowing landscape just seemed perfectly suited to a maternity session. Youa is 35 weeks along, and she looks fabulous… and she is as sweet as can be. I enjoyed meeting her husband Will, too. He’s strong and calm, with a good sense of humor. I know they will make great parents, and I’m very excited to hear the news when their baby makes her arrival. I’m also excited to find out what they end up naming her… it’s still up for debate!
Youa and Will, I hope the next few weeks go by smoothly and quickly, although as I say that, I also want to you to enjoy this time: time as a couple, as well the experience of pregnancy. It’s pretty amazing. Best wishes, and thank you again for making the trip from Lansing for this session, I’m so glad you did! Here are some of my favorites from our session:
I think this one is my favorite:
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Today the kids played in the snow a lot. They went sledding in my parents’ backyard, and we all went for a walk through the woods (the kids, Ron, my parents, and I). The twiggy branches are all holding so much snow, everything looks white. It was cold, and the kids were definitely sporting some pink cheeks. Nothing hot chocolate can’t cure.
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This afternoon I had my first session of the year – very cool maternity portraits with Youa and William, who were amazing enough to drive all the way from Lansing today! They can’t wait to meet their little baby girl, and I can’t wait to post more pictures on the blog soon! All you West Michigan friends know how gorgeous it was outside today… but that’s all I’m going to say for now. Here is one from our time in downtown Grand Rapids.
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I can hardly believe that we are here, December 31, 2011. It seems like this year went by more quickly than any other… and I’m sure I will feel the same way 12 months from now as well. It just reminds me that days, and years fly by, and I need to treasure every moment. It’s much easier said than done, we all get caught up with work, with obligations, with stress, with mixed-up priorities… but now is the time when many of us reflect, and maybe make resolutions for the year to come. If there is one thing that I have taken away from this year as a wife, mother, friend, business owner, and artist, it is that I have to live in the present, and stop worrying about the past or the future. So much of it is out of my hands anyway, and I’m becoming more and more aware that things can change in a heartbeat, and how much I don’t want to have any regrets. In 2012 I will spend more quality time with my family, and more time focusing on my own wellness. My business will be a valuable part of my life, but not the center of my life.
I’m thankful for the times I have had with every client, and the special moments and people that they have let me capture. I’m thankful for my dear photographer friends (you know who you are), who have been there for me when I needed support, or to laugh, or to cry, and that you have trusted me when you needed someone to call on. I’m thankful for Ron, who reminds me so often that I’m good, I’m starting to believe him. I’m thankful for our kids Lucy and Henry, who ultimately keep the balance I need in my life. I’m thankful that all my equipment and my data storage have served me so well. I’m thankful for my health and the health of my family, that I’ve been able to work this year, once again, without serious injuries, illness, or tragedy!
Here are the highlights of some of this year’s work… it was tough to pick images, but it was a lot of fun to take one last look back at the sessions and weddings I had the honor of photographing (I recommend switching to full-screen mode after clicking “play”).
Sitting here on the brink of a new year, it’s difficult not to look back, or to look forward. It’s my challenge to you in 2012, to just look Upward and be thankful… just for the present, for wherever you are, and for who you love.
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