And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
This past July, on the 28th of the month, Eric Kinney proposed to his girlfriend Brianna Kalmbach, 6 years to the day of their first date. On that same date next summer, July 28th 2018, he will make Brianna Kalmbach his wife.
I. Love. That.
Since Eric popped the big question while he and Brianna were out camping, it seemed perfect to Brianna that they should head back into nature and the forest when it came time to take their engagement photos.
Finding both woods and beauty in nearby Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, we had a perfect day in the warm 70's surrounded by the burgeoning Autumn colors.
And making it all the more perfect was when I found both Brianna and Eric to possess the kind of infectious carefree smiles that make my job oh-so easy.
So while we communed with nature and each other, I captured their relaxed natural style as well as their love for one another.
Brianna is a fellow artist and Eric is a musician/drummer, like my own fiance, so we had lots to gab about.
And let it be stated here and now, that in my own personal experience, if anyone can live in a small space with another person AND their drum kit and manage not to kill him or others, then they are surely a match made in creative heaven :D
I wish Eric and Brianna all the best on their upcoming wedding and in the next phase of their lives.
Much love to you both!
One year down, forever to go
One year down, forever to go.
Mike and Megan Wadowski were married last year on July 2nd, 2016 and next month marks their 6th year together as a couple. So they wanted to get together for a photo session to celebrate their anniversary.
I am notoriously awful with remembering names but as soon as our session got under way Megan helped me out by telling me that all of their friends call them M&M.
Not only did that make their names stick in my mind but it also made perfect sense, because Megan and Mike could not have been any sweeter than if they were actually made from chocolate!
Some people are just easy to love off the bat and they are two of those people.
Of course we got pretty close, pretty quick, when about 10 minutes into the session, while walking backwards and framing my shot, I tripped over a rather large tree root and hit the ground hard and fast like I planned the darn thing. Without missing a beat I jumped back up and kept shooting. No one was hurt, except for maybe Mike from laughing so hard!!
Now you know why I don't photograph on the edge of cliffs!
At any rate, after that I am pretty sure it was easy for them to feel comfortable with me. And whenever Mike was in danger of giving me a forced smile I would remind him of the time I fell flat on my backside and that would bring an instant gleam to his eye and a smile to his face.
Hey, you do what you got to do. Like I said. I planned that ;)
Happy Anniversary to these two awesome people. I meant it when I told them I hope to see them again and again.
Some of my friends become clients, and some of my clients become friends. And that is one of the best things about what I do.
Much love to you both M&M.
We'll always have Paris
"We'll always have Paris"
Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca
Thirty five years ago this month Paris Freeman came into the world; a few days after her birth her mother Pamela celebrated her own 33rd birthday by taking her new baby girl home.
After putting a trip off to Paris,France multiple times, Pamela had to once again put off her trip when she learned she was expecting a child. And that is how Paris Freeman got her name.
I love that story. And if you met Pamela in person you would know that she surely must have given her child a reminder moniker out of love and sarcastic wit.
At 68 years young, Pamela is full of pep and vinegar, and to see her and her equally fun daughter, Paris, interact is truly awesome to watch.
If there is anything I admire, it is a strong mother/daughter bond.
And these two wonderful ladies do not disappoint.
Happy Birthday to you both and here is to always having Paris!
Quiet People Have the Loudest Minds-Rodriguez Family and Senior Siblings
Quiet People have the Loudest Minds
“I’ve always liked quiet people: You never know if they’re dancing in a daydream or if they’re carrying the weight of the world.”
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Alaynna and Leighton Rodriguez are definitely on the reserved side. During our photo session I never knew if they were enjoying themselves or secretly plotting my demise haha! 😛
That's okay though, I have always liked quiet people. Maybe because it gives me more of an opportunity to do all the talking lol!
But the similarities don't end there with Alaynna and Leighton. Just 10 and a half months apart, they are both Seniors at New Prairie High School and have been actively involved in sports for years.
Alaynna, the oldest, is a catcher and has played softball for over 12 years now; her dad Mike helps coach her travel team. Alaynna is also in national honor society and maintains over a 4.0 GPA.
Leighton is an offensive lineman for his school's football team which is currently leading the state in rushing for 4A schools. Leighton has played football for over 9 years and made second team all conference.
He also wrestles and made it to semi state for his weight class this past year as well as honorable mention at all conference for wrestling.
Anyone with the quiet determination and steadfast dedication, required to participate and excel in sports for as long as these two have, surely have success in store for them in whatever they decide to do.
Good Luck Alaynna and Leighton and I hope you have a great Senior year!
While we were making plans for this Senior photo session we decided to do a few family shots with mom and dad, Heather and Mike, and youngest son Mikey as well.
The Rodriguez's take a lot of photos but have not had any done professionally since before Mikey was born 14 years ago.
It was definitely time!
Thanks to Heather for corralling everyone together and to Mike for patiently suffering through 😉
Life is a Beach-Couple session with Guncha and Sanchit
Life is a Beach
On Guncha and Sanchit's first date Sanchit asked Guncha what her idea of a perfect vacation would be. Guncha responded that she would want to relax at the beach with a good book and a glass of wine.
That may have seemed like the wrong answer since Sanchit's idea of going to the beach involved water sports and LOTS of activities, nothing close to quiet time in the sand.
But a year, 9 months, 13 days, and a marriage proposal later and it turns out that not only do opposites attract but sometimes they can even learn to want different things when enveloped in a haze of love and devotion.
Now Sanchit tells Guncha that if they ever vacation at the beach he wants nothing more than to sit next to her while she reads her book, with his head on her shoulder, and watch the sunset together.
Now that's an 'awwwww' moment!!
That sentiment is about as adorable as they are.
Best of luck to these two lovebirds as they began to make plans for their life together and that day at the beach :)
