alexa & nathan {engaged}

I couldn't be more excited to share this post with you. Why? Because it features one of my BEST friends, Alexa and her husband-to-be, Nathan.

I've known Alexa for about 10 years and through life's ups, downs and crazy times, she has proven to be one of the strongest and most loving people I know. I am so honored to be able to stand with her on her wedding day as she joins her life with Nathan. Through the time I have had to get to know him, it is evident that he adores her and cares for her so much!

Since I won't be photographing the wedding, I wanted to at least do an engagement session with them! So a couple weeks ago, Jonathan and I met them in Chicago for a double date and an engagement shoot. Here are jut a few of my favorites!!

I wanted one quick shot in her adorable apartment...

Then we headed downtown to the little park where Nathan proposed!

LOVE this one...

Then we headed indoors to for some book backgrounds!

I really, really love her ring!! It's perfect!

Last shot... all bundled up and ready for dinner! :) So happy that you two are in love and so glad we could spend the day with you!! Mwah!

coming VERY soon!

Mmmmmm. I had so much fun with this session in Chicago that I can HARDLY wait to share it with you all! Look at my beautiful friend, Alexa with her fiance, Nathan... and look for the full post soon!!

carli & cameron {kids' session}

I love being an aunt. Unfortunately, I live about two hours away from all my nieces and nephews, so I don't get to spend as much time with them as I would like! That's why, whenever I have the chance to spend time with kids in Grand Rapids, I LOVE it! It helps fill the long-distant Aunt Jenn gaps :) 

I recently spent the morning with two precious children - Carli & Cameron. Carli was a great little model for me - she posed, she danced, she sang - such a fun little girl! Cameron did equally as great modeling, but without the singing and dancing. ;) It was a delight to spend the morning with them and capture some of their young personalities! Here is a preview of our session...

Nothing like ending the session with a favorite book!

rachel & jordan {engaged!}

I am currently listening to the NEW Dave Barnes song, God Gave Me You. (He just released it on iTunes yesterday and I would highly recommend it.) It's so beautiful... here a few a lyrics :)

On my own, I'm only half of what I could be. I can't do without you. We are stiched together and what love has tethered, I could baby, never undo. God gave me you for the ups and downs... for the days of doubt. For when I think I've lost my way, there are no words here left to say, it's true, God gave me you. - Dave Barnes

This past week, as my husband and I experienced one of the most difficult weeks we have ever endured, I am so thankful for Jonathan and the gift that he is to me. I'm so thankful God gave him to me! I love you, hubs! (**side note - thank to all you wonderful clients and future-clients who were patient with me as I was unexpectedly out of the office last week!! you are amazing!!**)

I'm so glad that God gave Rachel and Jordan to each other, too. The two of them are so wonderful together. I have known Rachel since we were 5-years-old... and now, seeing her with her husband to be, I am so happy for them and the love they have found! I'm especially encouraged by the way they are patiently planning their wedding and marriage... from thousands of miles apart! Jordan is currently working at a school in Guatemala while Rachel is here in Michigan. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, 'eh? I'm so excited to be apart of their wedding celebration - I can't wait for July!

Thanks Rachel & Jordan for spending some time with us and sharing your love and lives with us! Good luck finalizing your plans!! Mwah!