Old Friends and New Beginnings...

The summer before I turned 18 was probably one of the best of my life. I spent it with a tremendous group of people, and made the most meaningful friendships, ones that, even now, neither time nor miles can distance. 

That summer, we learned so much. We learned how to be good friends, we wrote poetry together, shared first kisses, and broke each others hearts. We watched countless episodes of "Dawson's Creek" - applying each episode to the drama happening in our own lives. We swam in rivers, we sat on rooftops until all hours of the night contemplating life. We laughed, we cried, and we yelled...alot. It sounds like a 'coming of age' movie, but it was our summer. It is our story. 

I have known Lin & Tim for some of the best parts of my life. Most of my spectacular childhood memories - they're in it. After we all got married, and went off to live our new adventures, we didn't really talk much. We kept in touch through friends, an email here and there. But there wasn't any place on earth I wanted to be but with them as they started a new chapter in their story. And he is gorgeous.

Little man, welcome to the story. You are loved more than can ever be measured, and certainly. more than you will ever know. And, whether you realize it or not, you have the COOLEST PARENTS!

Much Love,

 Beth

Simply Enchanting...

I find myself struggling to find the words to describe Josh & Samantha's wedding day... Perfect? Lovely? Beautiful? I am at a loss. Words seem to do no justice. 

Josh & Samantha are two incredible, kind, lovable, -and did I mention GORGEOUS - people. Take all those qualities, put them together, and my goodness, you have something truly rare. You could tell by the people they surrounded themselves with; they are the forever type of friends. And it showed by the adoration everyone carried in their eyes as I spoke to them. These two are special, and I just hope my photos picked up some of their magic. 

This is my favorite, though it was hard to pick just one...

 I was really excited when I saw the Vintage Nova sitting in the parking lot.... It was Samantha & Josh's wedding present to each other!! (Collective:  "Awwwwww..." )

 

The Ceremony and Reception took place at the glorious Blackwater Falls State Park, overlooking the cliffs at Pendleton Point. It's breathtaking.

I am really thankful to the guest who took this picture. He was very cool.

Samantha and Josh truly put alot of themselves into this day. Incorporated in the bouquet are antique brooches that Samantha collects. 

I love it when the cake toppers sort of resemble the Bride & Groom. So Classy.

                     

Did you notice the archer on his wedding band?! So Fitting! And her Neil Lane diamond? Dream Ring.

This last photo was totally candid. But I thought it a fitting end to this post.

 

I read a quote recently that went something like this: 

"When it's all said and done, it's the Love that we remember".

Sam, Josh, I will carry your day around with me for a long time. You were simply a joy to be around. 

Much Love, 

Beth

Lake Michigan Wonder

   If you have never made the trip to Lake Michigan - You have no idea what you are missing!! The beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes are a sight if you have the stamina, the hike to the bottom is rewarded with the most glorious beaches; where at times you feel as if you are the only person in the world.
   
   As you dip your feet in the crystal clear water, you are reminded of the importance of preserving the rare pristine wilderness that Lake Michigan and the surrounding areas boast. All of this emotion provides the backdrop for these gorgeous family photos.

Thank You all for an Amazing adventure!!! Can't wait until next time!

Much Love, 

Beth

" Let's Play Dress Up..."

One of the quintessential "girl" activities is playing dress up. It's the fond memories that we look back on, a time when our imaginations took over and we lost ourselves in worlds and places that only we know. That's what this momma had in mind for her daughter's shoot. I will say, this Little Miss was resilient! She barely whimpered through 12 dress changes. Yes, 12. :)

When we departed, the house a sea of tulle, taffeta, and lace; the world seemed a little bit more whimsical, and our hearts so full we thought they'd burst. I have a feeling this baby girl will have many more "Dress Up Days" in her future.

 

I thought this photo was so sweet. These kids are so loved, it just makes my heart swell. 

Thank you for letting me capture your little ones at such a precious age! 

Much Love, 

Beth 

"You Want to Take Pictures...Where??"

Sometimes you can find inspiration in the oddest of places. One night, in the parking lot of a local grocery store, I saw the most magnificent sunset. Knowing I had a shoot later that weekend, its all I could think about as a possible location. Crazy as it may have sounded. Fortunately, they trusted me. And, they got some gorgeous photos.

First up: Don't you just love golden hour? Mmmm....Yummy light.

There is alot more to share from that day...But I'll keep you all in suspense for now!

Nikki, Chris, you have a lovely family, and I truly enjoyed every minute that we got to spend together! Thanks for trusting me. Haha!

Much Love,

Beth

Family... Is Everything

  The opening to many of my marketing letters is usually something like: "I seriously get to meet some of the coolest people on Earth". That is certainly true of Pam & Dave's family. 

  

  They invited me to their oasis, their vacation home, where their whole family had gathered for the weekend (Pam's B-day & also Mother's day). Perfect time for family photos; Not to mention, they are, one and all, GORGEOUS!

  As we  hiked through their beautiful property; complete with dogwood trees and fields of wild aster, not to mention a bulldozer :) - it was as if they had invited me into their own paradise.

  I fell in love with this family - and it's days like this; when I've laughed until my face hurt, when I get to work with people who are so cooperative and up for anything in my artistic playbook; that my world feels nearly complete.  

 First up: My favorite...

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. (Oh...and I'm sorry for getting my car stuck in the ditch! Thanks for laughing and helping me get it out...) 

Much Love,

 Beth