michigan

{Baby Bump | Baby Brother E}

{alden, michigan | June 2021}

Carter is getting a baby brother!

I’m so glad I got to meet this cute little family. I actually got in touch with them through one of Michelle’s friends. Michelle was looking for someone to take their maternity photos at their family cabin at Torch Lake, and I was so honored that they chose me. These two are about to have their hands full with two little boys but I know they are super excited. Congrats again to the Erickson Family!

{Baby Bump | Amy + Aalok}

{traverse city, michigan | october 2020}

I had gotten an email from Amy saying that her and her husband Aalok were taking a mini trip up to Traverse City from Chicago before they had their baby. And since they hadn’t really told a lot of people that they were pregnant, they wanted to use this opportunity to take some announcement photos. So we got up super early on Sunday morning and drove up to the Mission Point Lighthouse. It was so peaceful since we were the only ones around. They were both shocked to find out that I was 34 weeks along in my pregnancy. I did have a bigger sweatshirt and a jacket on so it was a bit harder to tell. They asked what I was having and I asked them but they are doing a surprise gender birth. I don’t know how people can wait the whole 9 months to see what gender their baby is. I had a hard time waiting the 14 weeks to find out we were having a baby boy! Props to them and I wish them the best of luck becoming new parents!

{Alpena Engagement | Chelsea + Eric}

{alpena, michigan | september 2020}

Unbeknownst to Chelsea, Eric had picked out the ring in February prior to everything being closed due to COVID and was finally able to pick it up on Friday, June 19th. Eric had Saturday, June 20th, off so Chelsea had previously asked him about a day trip to Mackinac Island. He decided that that would be the perfect time to propose so he stopped at her brother’s house after getting the ring to ask his permission/blessing. In typical big brother mode, he promptly told Eric that he knew what he was getting himself in for. Saturday, they made our way to the Island and ultimately decided to meander around the perimeter. About three miles in, Eric complained about having a rock in his shoe and Chelsea wasn’t sure how that was possible. Now a little suspicious, Chelsea stopped with Eric by the water, he sat down, reached into his shoe, and promptly pulled out an actual pebble. The meandering got underway again until Chelsea stopped at the first clear view of the bridge to take picture and, at that time, Eric pulled out the ring box to propose. It was upside down, which Chelsea told him before promptly giggling out a “yes.”

Some advice from these two for future couples planning their wedding:

Be engaged with the planning. The planning process can be a lot of fun, especially if it’s a team effort. Enjoy it and surround yourself with people who are excited to participate in your happiness.

July will be here before we know it!

{Suttons Bay Elopement | Tatum + Josh}

{suttons bay, michigan | september 2020}

Tatum + Josh

Tatum’s favorite memory of the day: My favorite part of the day was hearing Josh’s wedding vows. His love language is definitely not “words of affirmation” so I know it took him some time and thought to write them and I just loved hearing them. I will cherish those words forever.

Josh’s favorite memory of the day: Seeing Tatum walk out in her dress for the first time. This was a moment I had waited over a year for and she looked absolutely stunning. I couldn’t control the smile on my face as the most perfect bride walked towards me.

Honeymoon location: We went on a mini-moon to Elk Rapids due to travel restrictions with Covid. We stayed at a beautiful house on the water and had a very relaxing trip. We still plan to do a more tropical honeymoon once travel limitations are lifted.

{First Birthday | Collin Patrick}

{mio, michigan | september 2020}

This little boy is one of my favorite little boys out there. I got to watch him come into the world {reference Home Birth // CPD on the blog} and its so crazy that he is already a year old. Where has the time gone?!

While Collin was growing up, every month milestone they would get a pizza and show with the slices how old he was. So obviously we had to do a pizza smash for his first birthday photos. It just makes sense. So enjoy him