Sloane is my very first wedding baby. Which means I photographed the wedding, and now I get to photograph the baby. It was pretty wild to take a step back and recognize the evolution of my relationship with Paul + Kayliegh. Walking past their dining room last week and thinking back to the first time I met with them both over two years ago. Sitting at that dining room table I was insanely nervous, they were my first “BIG” wedding. I had no idea who these people were, they were not friends or family, they were like REAL clients.  I remember Kayliegh sharing that they wanted a photographer that would be with them for life, someone to capture all of their important moments. 

Well, turns out she wasn’t kidding. Since meeting this couple I have been involved in all of their life changes. The pictures we have created show how we have both evolved. Their relationship, their marriage, and now their roles as parents correlate with the growth of my business and improvement of my creativity and skills. 

I am incredibly thankful and excited for this little family. Paul + Kayliegh are without a doubt, awesome parents and clearly they make the sweetest and most precious babies.  I feel blessed that these strangers have become friends and that I will continue to be a witness to these very special days. 

Cierra + Erica are one of those couples that leave you with goosebumps. These women have a love that runs strong and deep and I am honored to have the opportunity to share their story. When Cierra first contacted me, before even meeting her or her fiancé, I knew I HAD to have this wedding, I had to be in the room to witness. She shared in her inquiry that Erica had written her love letters titled “Why I love you today.” for 1000 days. You read that correctly, ONE THOUSAND DAYS. And then, as if it couldn’t get any sweeter, had friends and family, both in person and via video read these love letters during the proposal. 

Yes, heart in a puddle, all over the floor.

During their engagement session last week in Detroit we encountered some interesting weather (freezing rain) but that didn’t prevent us from making beautiful, full of love and laughter images. We ducked inside to grab a drink and warm up for a bit and while we were talking Cierra said to me “I’m her gray, and she is my black and white.” They compliment and support each other in the all the most perfect ways. 

Early this fall they will host their “Roaring Twenties” themed wedding at Cliff Bells, also in downtown Detroit. I am going to need an era appropriate outfit, and a lot of kleenex.

While visiting California I was able to connect with an old friend and mentor, Jacqueline Bradley. Jacqueline had organized a quick styled session at Paradise Cove in Malibu where we played with the wind and the sunshine. Jacqueline recruited a couple of her colleagues who conveniently   happened to be experienced models/actresses to join us. We had to abandoned our initial plan due to the ridiculous Pacific Coast Highway traffic so we stopped at Paradise Cove in Malibu. I am not sure that location would have made much of a difference with the gorgeous light and amazing chemistry between these women. 

We all ultimately decided that "day after sessions" with your bridesmaids need to be a thing because... who doesn't want killer images with their best friends.

Thank you to Jacqueline for being brilliant in the world of fashion, she styled these looks virtually on the spot, and for being such a kind and supportive friend. Hope to have the opportunity to work together again in the near future!