Diamond Lake Family Photos | Southwest Lower Michigan Family Photography

Extended family sessions are super freakin’ fun, especially when they’re in a place that the family holds close to their heart!

This gorgeous family enjoyed some quality time together, during the Fourth of July weekend, at gorgeous Diamond Lake, in Southwest Lower Michigan.

You could say … they all have literally, grown up on the lake. And the weekend was quite celebratory for everyone! Not only was it the first family photo for the little lady, who is the first grandchild in the Valencia family, but it was also a birthday celebration for that gorgeous duo in white … they both just turned 60! Grandparents, uncles, cousins and aunts were also on hand to celebrate too! And although a little warm, this beautiful family made the most of it! 

There were laughs, a few tears, but mostly, there were good times. Thankful they braved the heat together ... and I'm pretty sure they all jumped in the lake afterwards!

With so much love and gratitude,
-Emily

Scroll down to see more of this sweet family’s session at Diamond Lake!

Searching for a family photographer in Southwest Michigan? Contact us today, so that we can work together to make some magic capturing your family’s milestone moments!

Arizona's Marble Canyon Couple's Session | Joshua & Brittany

I met up with Joshua and Brittany in Page, Arizona when I was visiting earlier this year. They had told me about Marble Canyon about an hour from Page. This area was one of the first places they explored after moving from Florida just a year previous and this magical place is where they discovered their love for the desert and this beautiful state.

These two met 13 years ago. They were both attending a band camp party and after Josh saw Brittany he attempted to throw out every pick up line he could. With no avail, he just gave her his number and crossed his fingers. Weeks later, he gets a text, "Do you have a hammer? I need a hammer." He runs to Walmart, gets a hammer, and heads to her dorm room where he helped her hang up pictures on her wall. Soon after, Josh asked Brittany out using the song “Check Yes or No” by George Strait! How cute is that?

They are now Mr. and Mrs. and spend their time climbing mountains together. Like, that is their past time and it’s pretty freaking amazing and absolutely inspiring. Josh explains it so beautifully (grab a tissue!): “Pushing ourselves to the limit, we often meet our worst selves. In those moments, all that's left is our strengths. Climbing together has allowed us to find how our strengths complement each other's. When we are down and weak, all we have is each other to build ourselves back up. The sport of extreme walking has made our relationship immensely stronger and that's what keeps us coming back. Also, the views are great.” 

Josh and Brittany are truly so kind, genuine, adventurous, and so much fun. They were a little nervous going into the session. It wasn’t their first time in front of the camera, but going into it, it felt like it. Which I think we all can relate too! But they had nothing to worry about because, holy smokes, did they rock it. They let their true selves show and had so much fun together. And as a result, I was able to capture genuine moments of these two amazing humans in love. 

Scroll down to see Josh & Brittany’s Marble Canyon Couple’s session!

Want to go on an adventure with us? Click here >> contact << and let’s chat!!!

Rosy Mound Natural Area Engagement Session| Jackie & Nick

I met up with Jackie and Nick at Rosy Mound in Grand Haven, about 45 min from Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

This park has been one of my favorites for years. It’s a bit of a hike to the beach but well worth it. The payoff is gorgeous untouched beach, tall grassy dunes, and that beautiful ol Lake Michigan that makes my heart so full. 

I was so stoked when Jackie and Nick opted for this adventure with me. They are Michigan lovers like me and enjoy hiking and experiencing all that is Michigan. 

Jackie and Nick met through the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel while living in Philadelphia. Their first date was actually on Valentine’s day and it was on from there! 

Two years later, Nick planned a winter vacay where they headed up to their favorite place ever, Ludington State Park. At the bottom of the same dune they ran down a year prior, Nick asked Jackie to be his forever. 

When I met up with Jackie and Nick, they were a little timid about being in front of the camera. And let me tell you, I feel this 100%. I used to run the other way when someone tried to take a photo of me. It’s a hard thing to be vulnerable and show major PDA in front of a camera with someone you barely know. 

But as we got more into the session, Jackie and Nick completely opened up. They let go of their worries and just had so much fun with each other. And dang, did they absolutely rock it! What an amazing thing to see unfold, two people in love, being in the moment.

Next year they will be saying their “I do’s” at the beautiful Holland Windmill Park in Holland, MI and we are beyond stoked to be documenting their day. These two are truly so kind and I absolutely enjoyed hanging out with them and photographing their ridiculously sweet love. 

Cheers to these amazing humans and Michigan adventures! 

Scroll down to see Jackie and Nick’s engagement session at Rosy Mound Natural Area!

Want to go on an adventure and create some beautiful photos with your love? Click here >> contact << and let’s chat!!!