Jenna & Matt's details

Details make the event & details they had! Jenna & her mom were very creative & didn't leave anything out. There was hotpink, bright green & black paisley everywhere -it was incredible!
Loved the initials, feathers & "fluff" all around! They also had a coffee cart with coffee slushies at the reception - which was like a dream after being out in the heat! Great job, Jenna & Joanne - it was a great day! Congratulations, Matt & Jenna

Romance shots from Jenna & Matt

The covered bridge was such a romantic location for their couples' shots. Jenna looked gorgeous & her hot pink heels were stunning! Matt & Jenna are so sweet together...

Jenna & Matt's Wedding!

Jenna & Matt's hotpink wedding took place in May out in the Delta area. We had a beautiful day to head out to a covered bridge for some awesome pictures. Although it was very warm, they were troopers, especially the bridesmaid, in very high heels & very pregnant!

Natalie & Sean's Engagement session!

Nicole & Courtney covered the engagement session of Natalie & Sean for me since I was heading out of town that day (our previous appt. was a rain out). They told me that the session was a lot of fun & now that I see the images, I agree - looks like it was a great time. Natalie & Sean brought their "baby" along for some shots. So cute. Looking forward to the October wedding!

Father's Day session

These 3 adorable sisters planned a surprise session as a gift for their Daddy for Father's Day. They spend a lot of time down along the river as a family, so this was the perfect locale for their session. Such beauties! Sure Dad had a wonderful Father's Day!

Neighbors to Neighbors

I have a neighbor named Kathy - well, we haven't actually lived next door to one another for about 8 years. She has remained a great friend who would do anything for anyone, including me. She lives in Millbury. Her neighbors are suffering greatly. She is dedicated to helping her neighbors; I am trying to help her do that.

I had planned a trip out to Millbury today to deliver food to Kathy for her son, Cooper's, graduation party tomorrow. She called to see if I would be willing to assist her in a project this afternoon. Kathy wanted to transplant & "foster" rose bushes and other plants from her neighbors yards that were destroyed. Nicole & I headed out with shovels, buckets & the desire to help her with her project.

Many may see this as a futile effort that is not necessary in the grand scheme of things. The homeowners have insurance for these things. I get that. Plants may be the last thing on these homeowners minds right now. However, I'm with Kathy on this one. If our little effort can possibly give someone a little bit of their past, we'll do it. Being a gardener myself, I am attached to many of my plants. I remember where they came from, when I planted them, etc. I can only imagine rebuilding my home and then facing the task of starting the gardens from scratch. If someone brought me my beloved hydrangeas that they had salvaged from the wreckage - wow - I would be overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion.

As I had heard, the devastation from the tornado cannot be imagined. It is truly heartbreaking to see the leveled homes, businesses & farms. Personal belongings strewn up & down the streets & in tree tops, christmas ornaments crushed in the grass, kids decorations in rooms with no walls. Some of the visual memories from today I wish I could erase from my mind. Such sadness.

The only good from all this is seeing all the volunteers out helping their neighbors - endlessly working side by side. Kathy's foreign exchange student from Germany can not get over all the help from everyone. She says this eagerness to help would not happen in her country. The American Spirit at its finest.

Please consider donating to the Red Cross (they are very present) or donating time. The afternoon we spent creating our "foster gardens" was so very worth it when I know it gives some satisfaction to my neighbor, who is trying to help her neighbors.

July Mini Session - Color Me Fun!

July's mini session will be Color Me Fun! It will be held on Thurs., July 15th with raindate Thurs., July 22nd. Downtown location with bright walls & props - wear your funky, colorful outfits & come prepared for fun! Please email, FB message or call for appointments.

Baby Ella #2

This little Ella was my second Ella this week. So cute at 4 months & smiling away! She was so patient with us as we changed outfits and tried to make her sit when she is not quite ready for that game yet! Such a sweetie pie! Thanks, Kate, for bringing her out to see me & thanks, Erin, for the referral - I love that!

Little bits of joy

I am a firm believer in noticing all the beauty around us & finding little bits of joy in our everyday lives. In fact, I keep thinking of making a weekly blog post dedicated to just that - unfortunately, I tend to get too busy - I will get on it, though!
I think we can agree that this has been a week filled with sadness & concern for our area. I know I have shed more than enough tears... Just so grateful that more lives weren't lost & so heartbroken for those that are suffering loss & tragedy.
Please take time to really see the beauty around us & relish in the tiny moments of joy that are put out there for us to see every day. I had the opportunity to experience the giggly delight of two little 2-ish year old fairy princesses playing in the flowers this morning. Oh, to get so excited about a butterfly wand! Something about sweet, innocent little girls in tutus & fairy wings that is magical!
May you find little bits of joy in each day.
More images on Facebook.

Baby Ella

I photographed Ella's big brother, Connor, several weeks ago - just days before Ella was born. I was so excited to get to meet her & see Connor again. Ella is just as energetic as her brother - she barely slept at all during her session, even after a couple feeding breaks. We may not have gotten many sleepy little newborn shots, but they are adorable just the same! Such a pretty baby. It was great to see you all!

Maumee Senior Rep

Allie is a Maumee Senior rep for me this year. She is attending Penta & is studying construction engineering - she wants to be an electrician. I am so impressed by what Penta teaches Junior & Senior High School students. They come out of school so prepared to enter the work force knowing that they enjoy what they are studying. Way to go, Allie!
I also photographed Allie's sister a couple years back. We went to their home to utilize their great backyard - Allie brought in all the personal affects - her dogs, Michigan collection, and even her pool! Super Fun!

Double Senior Session

I am still honoring my "Bring a Friend" Senior special. Have your senior session done at the same time as a friend, family member or whoever you can drag along - split the session fee. Basically a buy one get one deal for your senior session!
Both of these seniors are "little sibs" of other seniors that I have done. I did Stephanie's sister, Andrea a couple years back. I have photographed Troy's family, sibs & I am shooting his sister's wedding later this month. Love that!
Andrea will be a senior at Clay next year. Troy will be a senior at Genoa. They are both great kids who were a joy to work with today. Enjoy the rest of your summer~

March of Dimes Baby!

Madeline is the next March of Dimes Ambassador Baby - and what a sweetie pie she is! I truly believe that babies that are born early & have to go through such hurdles become such easy going little people. They are not bothered by noises, schedule changes, etc. Maddie was giggly, playful & super fun during her session. We were doing some "ad work" along with lots of fun stuff!
I love it so much when I have little moments of joy like this in my day! At times, there is so much sadness & bad news thrust into our lives and along come little bursts of sunshine to make us smile - really big!! Thank you, Maddie, for my dose of sunshine!