To sum it up we Jamie and Drew's engagement session had rain clouds and sunshine on a rooftop with a great view of downtown Grand Rapids. When rain clouds move in like the clouds we had for this session, we usually reschedule...but I'm so glad that this time we didn't. The drama in the sky made such an awesome backdrop for all their pictures. Jamie and Drew had already had a friend do their engagement pictures, but they wanted us to get to know each other better before the wedding day. How precious is that, makes this girl's heart feel good :) I really love the chance to meet and work with couples before the big day,the experience is not only a great opportunity to get fun pictures of this special time but also a chance for us to bond with you. I love to hear your fun stories, laugh about special memories, and just build a relationship of trust that will allow us to capture your genuine moments and expressions on the wedding day. With Jamie and Drew, it was exactly that, we had an awesome evening! I just loved documenting their love for each other and I'm so excited for wedding day, can't wait to see you both again soon! 
A Grand Haven beach surprise proposal! I was so excited to be a part of a dear friend's proposal story. The hardest part of it all was keeping it a secret! Jason had a romantic picnic set up for Nicole. Jason made it seem like he just stumbled upon this secluded picnic... until Nicole saw photos of them... that is when the tears started rushing in. And the ring!... it is stunning; Nicole could not stop staring at it. She was getting a little distracted as we were walking for photos after it all. Thanks again Jason, for letting me capture such a special moment.
As if the surprise picnic wasn't enough, Jason had a little help from Nicole's roommates to throw a backyard engagement party. Adorable!
I had to put this image in below of my husband, Andrew, who came along to GoPro the proposal... and our puppy Fern :)
A lakeside wedding on Gun Lake at the Bay Pointe Inn was the destination for Alicea and Matt. Living in the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago life, they both knew they wanted to find a destination spot with a quieter, summer lake getaway feel for their wedding. You could feel the warmth and love from every single person involved in this special day. It was so obvious that this was a much anticipated day for Alicea and Matt and all their loved ones. Michigan gave us a thunderstorm scare, but in all honestly what could have been a disappointing rained out outside ceremony turned out absolutely perfect. Pictures has wrapped up and the ceremony had not yet started, dark clouds and thunder rolled in and quickly rolled out just in time for the ceremony to start on time with beams of sunshine peaking through the clouds. There were so many special and personal touches from the impromptu serenade from a groomsmen during our portrait time; Rocky, Matt and Alicea's adorable pup walking down the aisle as the ring bearer; or my favorite, the love song written and performed by Matt to Alicea during dinner. It was just one of the most romantic and precious moments! All in all it was a gorgeous lakeside day and I'm so thankful to have been present to document such special memories. Congrats to you both!
and here arrives the ominous clouds and thunderstorm
some worried waiting in hopes that it would pass quickly
checking the radar
....and downpour
a quick wipe of the chairs and we were back on track
Sun Flare, Rainbows, and Fashion best describes Graycen's senior pictures. We ran into rain, wind, and rainbows but it didn't put a damper on Graycen's senior session; it actually made for an awesome session! Graycen is an artist and photographer as well and I was so honored when she asked me to take her senior pictures. Oh... you should check out Graycen's awesome watch from Urban Outfitters :) -Alyssa
