Matthew and Sam - Anniversary photo session at Al Sabo

I’m a huge believer in documenting milestones in your life, and that goes so far beyond the traditional graduation, engagement, and weddings.
Photos can help preserve memories, and make new ones, and that’s exactly what Matthew and Sam did to celebrate their anniversary this year.
We met up at Al Sabo land preserve in Kalamazoo for the most perfect golden hour we could have hoped for, and adventured around the trails while they told me more about their story. They are genuine sweethearts, and I’m so honored they let me be even a small piece of how they celebrated their time together.

Olivia and Garrett - Al Sabo engagement photos

Olivia and Garrett’s engagement session had all the necessities (specifically flowers and wine). They were already so sweet and natural in front of the camera, but it is definitely a portrait session pro-tip to have a sip of something before, or during your session to loosen nerves and just generally make photos more of a complete activity, or maybe even a date night.
It was a fairly hot Michigan fall evening when we adventured around Al Sabo preserve looking for the best photo and picnic locations, and we were certainly not disappointed.

Congratulations you two!

Ashley and Cole - Kalamazoo engagement photos

As I’m getting ready to finally get back out there shooting intimate wedding ceremonies and engagement sessions (safely, and with nice long lenses) I’m still loving going back through previous work, so here’s another un-posted session in the meantime!
You would not believe the amount of times I’ve heard that someone doesn’t enjoy having their photo taken, but then they show up and absolutely nail it.
That was definitely the case with Cole. Ashley warned me at our first meeting that he hated photos so much that we could probably only talk him into a 30 minute mini-engagement session. She did, and it turned out that’s all they needed.
I had the best time walking through the woods of Al Sabo with them in the warm fall morning light, talking about their plans and their experiences. Ashley was glowing the whole time, and Cole just kept looking at her like she was the only thing in his world.

Their wedding plans may have shifted a little due to the COVID-19 situation, but their love is going to be just as strong when the wedding day arrives.

Congratulations you two!

Emma and Bryant - Kalamazoo Al Sabo engagement (featuring Bell's Wedding Ale)

These two are beautiful and unique individuals. They are full of joy and adventure, and they have built the sweetest life together. Emma contacted me about their Bell’s Brewery wedding a few months back, and I was over the moon (Not only are brewery weddings pretty much my favorite, but Bell’s is an incredible venue. Come on). We started talking engagement ideas, and Emma and Bryant’s adventurous nature led us to Al Sabo preserve as our location.

Just a few short weeks before the engagement session, Bell’s releases their wedding ale: an Imperial Wheat Ale brewed with honey, coriander and orange peel, sure to make any wedding day a party. Between the name, the venue and the description, clearly we needed to incorporate it into their engagement session.
After a weather reschedule (Thanks Michigan false spring), we ended up shooting on the absolutely perfect golden afternoon in May. I could not have asked for nicer conditions, or more pleasant people to share them with.

Congratulations Emma and Bryant, I’m so glad I get to celebrate with you next year!

Alishia and Zac - Al Sabo family photos

When Alishia contacted me saying she wanted to include the whole family in their baby announcement photos, I was already excited. Talking over ideas, it became clear that her main priority was to shoot during golden hour (YESSS). The lighting was nothing short of magic, and they were all unbelievably sweet. 
Congratulations to all three of you on the new addition to the family!