Specializing in natural light wedding & portrait photography, serving West Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lakeshore, Holland, Hudsonville, Grand Haven, Rockford, Ada, Zeeland, Ludington, Traverse City, and everywhere in between. Available for travel throughout the Midwest, Country, & World.
We made it to Frederik Meijer Gardens today to see the butterflies. They were actively flying everywhere, and landing close enough on plants and nectar feeders, making it possible to get some great shots. None landed on the kids, but they still thought it was pretty amazing. It’s an incredible exhibit (although you will have to face some serious crowds and humidity!), and I’m so happy we have this kind of stuff right here in Grand Rapids.
Now that we’re well into spring weather, the days are getting longer, and it’s wonderful to get outside. We took our kids to a nearby park last night after dinner. Actually, it was not much before their bedtimes, but we went anyway, because it seemed like a shame not to. I brought my camera because whenever I don’t, something inevitably happens that makes me wish I had it with me. We arrived to find that about a thousand people (or so it seemed) had the same idea – the playground area (and parking lot next to it) was totally full! Maybe it was selfish of me not to want to go there, but we will have plenty of time this spring and summer to let the kids climb and slide and swing…
So, since it was kind of late anyway, we went the other route – deciding to just wander through some trails and weeds. The sun was quickly getting lower in the sky, but it was still warm. The light at this time of day is incredible. It was quiet, and peaceful, and to be honest, sometimes I’d rather the kids walk through tall weeds and pick up rocks and walnut shells, and ponder what lives in that hole in the ground. They weren’t dressed for a photo shoot, but I still couldn’t resist taking pictures. I hope no one minds if I post photos of my kids a little more often, I’m trying to make sure our they aren’t neglected in terms of photos, I’m sure they will hold me accountable when they are older! I grew up with a huge, wooded backyard, and my sister and I did a lot of exploring. Someday I hope we can have something like that, but for now our (fairly small) backyard consists of struggling grass and some pine trees. It’s great to go somewhere with our kids where there is more to discover.
My “deer” son has antlers in this picture. Ba-dum-chhh!
Even your just “out exploring” “not even dressed for a photo shoot” pics are amazing! Great work, Mindy! I’m in awe of your artistic eye and technique!
I wouldn’t worry if “anyone minds” if you post of your own kids…we love to look at your pictures and they don’t have to look if they don’t want to! 
I could see it building up throughout the morning. Erika, along with her friends and family, would have these little moments, punctuated with smiles and tears. The emotion was contagious, and it was amazing to watch her go through the preparations of the wedding with so much appreciation for what was happening, then and there. It was about the whole day – the people around them, sharing the excitement and love, while every detail they had planned unfolded into reality, taking her one step closer to marrying Danny. And when she walked down the aisle with her dad, everyone was in that moment with them… There we were, right in the middle of the happiest day of their lives. If you were present, take another moment to think about how special that is. The celebration, joy, and genuineness we witnessed was priceless, and I hope the feelings Erika and Danny had on that day stay with them for a long, long time. To the newlyweds, thank you for sharing your day with my husband and me! You need to know what a privilege it was for us to be there, and we had an absolute blast! Best wishes, and have fun in Jamaica !
Erika’s first glimpse of herself in her gown…
That’s Erika with her brother Larry on the right…
Such heartfelt toasts and blessings from their friends, as well as Erika’s dad and grandpa… probably not too many dry eyes in the room!
Beautiful…You always do an amazing job!
These are so great!!! I absolutely LOVE the ones under the gazebo (or wooden roof) – the colors pop beautifully! My favorite photo is the entire group on the brick stairway, though. LOVE IT!
I absolutely LOVE the color of the bridesmaids dresses! Such a great lavender shade – fresh, modern, beautiful! Great job, Mindy 
I have so many images I want to share, and so much I want to say about this incredible wedding day! I hope to get a full blog post up early this week. In the meantime, I just had to post this photo from their first look on Saturday – one of the many beautiful, emotional moments I will not soon forget. Erika and Danny, congratulations!
Mindy – Incredible shot!! I can’t wait to see the rest!
Erika & Danny – You are the cutest couple! And Erika, you were the most beautiful, stunning bride!! Love you both!
What an absolute PERFECT wedding day–from beginning to end! All of us felt privelged to be part of it. Mindy did a magnificent job of capturing the love and energy of the day!
We love you D & E!
I had the opportunity to photograph Rose last week in Grand Haven. She was my final senior session for the class of 2010, and I am so glad that even at the last minute, this worked out! Rose is absolutely sweet and adorable, and I loved her style. She is graduating from Jenison in a few short months, and her plan is to join the AmeriCorps, which I admire so much, and I truly hope it is an incredible experience for her. She’s a beautiful person, and she wants to make the world a better place! Rose – congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished so far, and best wishes in all you do in the months and years to come.
Helen - The bokeh and colors on these shots are stunning!