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Family photos are some of the most meaningful images you'll receive from your wedding day. Years from now, they'll be the photos hanging on your walls, shared with future generations, and looked back on during anniversaries. They're also one of the few parts of the wedding day that benefit from a little planning ahead. A few simple steps before the wedding can make family photos quick, organized, and stress-free so everyone can get back to celebrating. Make a Family Photo Lis

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress on your wedding day is knowing how much time to set aside for photos. While every wedding is different, having a realistic timeline helps you stay relaxed and enjoy the day instead of feeling rushed. The times below are what I typically recommend, but every wedding is unique. Your venue, guest count, travel time, wedding party size, and family dynamics can all affect how long each part of the day takes. Getting Ready Photos (45 to 90 M

When couples hear the words "first look," they usually think about seeing each other before the ceremony. But there's another first look that has become one of my favorite parts of the wedding day: a first look with your parents. Whether it's your mom, dad, both parents, grandparents, siblings, or another important family member, setting aside a few minutes before the ceremony can create some of the most emotional memories of the entire day. If you're trying to decide whether

One of the biggest things I hear before an engagement session is: "We're awkward in front of the camera." I promise, you're not. Almost every couple says this, and by the end of the session they're laughing, running around, and forgetting I'm even there. The secret isn't knowing how to pose. It's focusing on each other instead of the camera. Here are some of my favorite prompts that help create natural engagement photos. Pretend You're in a Nicholas Sparks Movie Yes, I'm seri

One of the first things I photograph on your wedding day isn't the dress, the ceremony, or even the two of you. It's your wedding details. These photos help tell the story of your wedding day before it even begins. They're perfect for albums, invitations, thank you cards, and they help capture all the little things you spent months choosing. The easiest way to make sure nothing gets forgotten is to gather everything into one box before I arrive. While you're getting ready wit

One of the most common questions couples ask before their engagement session is: "What should we bring?" I've got a list below to help! Props aren't required for engagement photos, but they can add personality, help tell your story, and make your gallery feel even more unique. The best props are usually simple items that represent your relationship, interests, or upcoming wedding. Here are some of my favorite engagement photo props and ideas. Champagne and Two Glasses If you'

You've worked hard for your degree, so your graduation photos should feel personal and reflect your journey. One of the easiest ways to make your graduation session unique is by bringing props that tell your story. Whether you're celebrating acceptance into graduate school, starting your dream job, or simply showing off your school pride, the right props can add personality and variety to your photos. Not every graduate needs props, but they can be a fun way to highlight what

If you've ever asked me for location recommendations in Mid-Michigan, there's a good chance Bay City State Park made the list. Over the years, I've photographed couples, families, engagement sessions, and even an elopement here. It's one of my favorite locations because it offers so much variety without requiring us to travel between multiple spots. Whether you're planning engagement photos, family photos, maternity photos, or couples portraits, Bay City State Park has someth

Why I'm Always Hoping for Snow I'll be honest. I love snow. So much so that my husband and I got married in February because we were hoping for snowy wedding photos. There is just something about fresh snowfall that makes photos feel extra special. The snow reflects light beautifully, creates a clean backdrop, and makes even familiar locations look completely different. Every time I see snow in the forecast before a session, I get excited. Some of my favorite engagement and w

Some weddings are beautiful. Some weddings are fun. Christine and Caleb's wedding at Round Em Up Ranch managed to be both. From the sunflower details and unique venue traditions to karaoke, table games, and one of the most emotional parent dances I've ever witnessed, their wedding was filled with moments that guests will remember for years. If you're considering a Round Em Up Ranch wedding, this day showcased everything that makes the venue such a unique place to celebrate. A

Michigan winters can be unpredictable, but every once in a while everything comes together perfectly. Carah and Brady's wedding on January 10, 2026, was one of those days. I was lucky enough to be a second shooter for The Falors. Their wedding began at St. Boniface Church in Bay City before continuing to Frankenmuth for portraits and a reception at the Bavarian Inn. Between the beautiful church ceremony, fresh snowfall, iconic covered bridge, and traditional Bavarian food, it

Brooke and Caleb's wedding on May 30, 2026, was the perfect reminder that you don't have to travel far to find a beautiful wedding venue in Michigan. Their wedding took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bay City, a venue that combines waterfront views, convenient accommodations, and plenty of space for both ceremonies and receptions. With temperatures in the upper 80s, partly cloudy skies, and a refreshing breeze coming off the Saginaw River, it couldn't have been a

Graduation is one of the biggest milestones in your life, and your graduation photos should celebrate all the hard work that got you there. One of the most common things I help SVSU grads with is the photo locations on campus! After photographing graduates from a variety of majors across campus, I've found several locations that consistently create some of the best graduation photos. Whether you're looking for iconic SVSU landmarks or places connected to your degree, here are

Elaine and Tyler's wedding at Blue Sky Barn was the perfect example of why barn weddings continue to be so popular throughout Michigan. Located in Ionia, Blue Sky Barn offers a beautiful combination of rustic charm, open spaces, and modern amenities. From the ceremony to the reception, the property provides couples with everything they need for a smooth and memorable wedding day. If you're planning a Blue Sky Barn wedding, here's a look at what a real wedding day at this beau

When couples picture their wedding day, they usually imagine sunshine, perfect weather, and everything going exactly according to plan, but as any Michigan wedding photographer knows, that isn't always how things go. Vincent and Bradley's wedding at Riverwalk Place in Gladwin, Michigan is proof that even when the weather has other plans, you can still have an incredible wedding day and beautiful wedding photos. A Wedding Day Full of Uncertainty Leading up to the wedding, the

If you're searching for a location for your engagement photos, there's a good chance you've already come across Dow Gardens. Located in Midland, Michigan Dow Gardens is one of my favorite places for engagement sessions and one of my most popular engagement photo locations in Mid-Michigan. After photographing multiple couples there over the years, it's easy to see why so many people choose it. It has all you could want like flowers, fall colors, wooded trails, or beautiful lan

One of my favorite proposals I've photographed took place at the lighthouse in Detroit's Milliken State Park. Nathan reached out to me while planning a surprise proposal for Melissa, and together we worked out the details to make sure everything went smoothly. The location couldn't have been more perfect with the Detroit River, the lighthouse, and the Windsor skyline in the background, it created an incredible setting for Nathan & Melissa's big moment. As with most surprise p

One of the biggest questions I get from couples is, "Where should we take our engagement photos?" The good news is that lower peninsula of Michigan has no shortage of beautiful locations. Whether you are looking for gardens, beaches, forests, city views, or college campuses, there are plenty of great options for engagement photos. As a Michigan engagement photographer, I've photographed couples all over the state, and these are some of my favorite locations for engagement ses