It was a beautiful Memorial Day weekend when we met up with Joel and Emily in Traverse City for their engagement photos. They brought along their dog, Finley to join in the fun. We walked around the trails at Olsen Bridge, played fetch with Finley, and found the prettiest bush absolutely overflowing with lilacs.

Alex and Katherine, both elementary school teachers, loved taking every opportunity to escape away to Michigan during their summer breaks. Specifically camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes was a special tradition for them every summer. Alex and Katherine describe themselves as ‘nature freaks’ and wanted to incorporate the outdoors in as many of their photos as possible—both for their engagement and their wedding! While their wedding was set at a beautiful vineyard venue in Suttons Bay, taking the trip out to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area for their engagement session was a perfect way to tie in their love for the area.

Two summers ago, we met Alex at his downtown home and made the short walk to the beach for photos at one of his favorite locations— Grand Traverse Bay. It was so special to photograph Alex’s senior portraits in a place that meant so much to him all growing up.

We love photographing these kinds of in-home family portraits. There is something so peaceful about being invited into one's homes and documenting them in their natural environment. We felt as though we could take our time, settle into cozy positions, and enjoy the company of their precious family. And all the while we were photographing them as they were and capturing this sweet stage of life for them to remember forever.

It was a joy to spend New Years Day photographing Alec and Audrey's engagement photos. We had fresh snow beneath our feet as we trekked out into the woods behind her parents' home where we found a beautiful scene. String lights hung between the trees guiding a path through the forest

Since they were still going to be up in Traverse City on their original date, we all decided on holding their date to do an anniversary session instead. It was so lovely to see them again a year later and document these portraits amongst the beautiful Fall colors.