There are some families who become part of your story too, and this sweet crew is one of them!

Years ago, I had the honor of photographing Emily and Wyatt's wedding day, and it has been such a joy watching their family grow over the years. These days, life has come full circle in the sweetest way in that Emily here also lovingly cares for my youngest daughter, making this session feel even more special!

​We met at Asylum Lake Nature Preserve in Kalamazoo on a warm June evening, where the soft light made the perfect backdrop for documenting this special season of life! It's such a privilege to continue telling my clients' stories long after the wedding day. Watching families grow is truly one of the greatest gifts of this job.

Some photo sessions are about more than updating the family Christmas card. This evening at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area in South Haven was one of those sessions! This sweet family was vacationing together along the Lake Michigan shoreline and wanted to capture a moment that doesn't happen nearly often enough - everyone together. At the heart of the session was Grandma, surrounded by her three adult children and their own families. 

Pilgrim Haven Natural Area is a beautiful preserve protected by Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and it provided the perfect backdrop! The wooded trail and glimpses of Lake Michigan create an incredible variety of scenery without feeling too crowded. It's one of my favorite locations for extended family portraits because grandparents can comfortably enjoy the paved walkway to the water while little ones have room to explore naturally.

Family vacations often become the only time everyone is together, making them the perfect opportunity to schedule professional portraits. Instead of trying to coordinate everyone's calendars throughout the year, you already have your favorite people gathered in one beautiful place. It's a chance to preserve not just what everyone looked like, but what this season of your family's story felt like. If your family is planning a vacation anywhere along Michigan's lakeshore (whether you're staying in South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Sawyer, or the surrounding areas) then I would love to help document your time together! Extended family sessions are relaxed, fun, and designed to create images that celebrate every generation.
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Thank you to this wonderful family for inviting me to be a small part of your vacation memories. It was a joy spending the evening with all of you!