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a new chapter // news

I never would have expected that Steve and I would begin our married life together in Rogers City. I grew up coming here, nearly every Fourth of July. My aunt’s family owns a cottage on Lake Nettie in Hawks, so I was familiar with the area and already a big fan of Super Scoop. When Steve, my then boyfriend, heard about a job opening in October 2011 in Rogers City, it was truly one of those “small world” sort of moments. Or, a “wow, God” sort of moment. I joined him, as his wife, the following July, and we’ve loved being up here. I love being able to walk a few blocks to the beach (and do photo sessions at the beach!) and photographing the beautiful people here. 

Soon, our little family is beginning a new chapter of our lives, though. A new opportunity has opened up in Fraser, Michigan, and Steve has accepted a job at a Lutheran school there. We’re currently in the process of packing and saying goodbye. 

What does this mean for Abi S Photography? Well, I’m now booking sessions and weddings in the metro Detroit area. I’m really looking forward to seeking out new locations and getting to know the area a bit more. Also, for those who may not know, I’ve worked a part-time job at local congregation in addition to the photography biz. Now, both with the move and a new addition to our family coming in November (eee! that’s right!), I’m choosing to focus on the photography. I’ll be accepting more sessions and weddings, and I’m really excited to see where this will take me.

Steve and I will definitely miss Rogers City. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend the first two years of our marriage. And we’re very excited for the adventures that are ahead! God is good, and we’re excited to watch as His plan for us unfolds.

– Abi S

Jim + Justine // wedding

My 2014 wedding season kicked off with Jim and Justine’s wedding day. And, wow, what a day it was. The couple was married at Christ Community Church in Grand Rapids with a reception at Thornapple Pointe. We got to drive around the golf course with the bridal party in golf carts to get the best spots of Thornapple’s beautiful grounds. And their reception room had windows that let in the most beautiful light! Ah, a photographer’s dream.

Jim and Justine’s love for each other is… incredible. I love the way they look at each other and admire each other. They take time to smile and laugh and enjoy life. It was a true honor to meet them and photograph this most important day in their lives. 

“The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage.” 
William Lyon Phelps

Blessings on a lifetime of happiness together, Jim and Justine!

– Abi

Lessons in the Weeds // personal

The yard of our current rental house isn’t the most glamorous of yards. Since we moved in during the dead of winter, it wasn’t until these last couple of weeks that we discovered that the grass is patchy and filled with weeds. (And, we don’t have a lawnmower.)

The other evening, though, I was admiring how the sun was making some of the weeds glow. Of course, I grabbed my camera. All of a sudden, weeds didn’t look much like weeds (well, unless you’re a weed expert).

There are times in our lives when we have an opportunity to find the beauty in the weeds. I’m all for that. I love doing that in my photography, and I try to live it out in my own life. Sometimes, we run into things we have absolutely no control over, and we have two choices: to sulk, or to find the beauty in it.

But there are other times when we have the ability to pull out those weeds. Sure, we could choose to admire them, but if they’re doing nothing productive to the big picture, why take the time to water them? Pull ‘em out. Get rid of them. 

I recently had some “weeds” in my life. It started as flowers. I made a goal to take a photo a day for each day of 2014. I started off well. I missed a day here and there but followed up by posting two the next. Then, things got tough. I tried pushing through it. I tried admiring the weeds. I tried convincing myself that it was good for me. But, to keep with this metaphor, I was focusing so much on watering what had become weeds that I completely neglected the rest of the lawn.

So I quit. I messaged Abbey, my accountability partner, and she had similar sentiments to the project. I took hardly any personal photos for the rest of April and much of May, and I felt so free. I focused on parts of my business and parts of my personal life that truly are priorities. Recently, I’ve begun taking a few extra personal photos to post to my Facebook, which I’ll continue to do throughout the end of the year (apparently the springtime has given me an extra dose of inspiration).

Maybe, one year, a project like this one won’t be a weed. Maybe it’ll really become a blessing. But, as I learned, 2014 couldn’t be that year. I could call myself a quitter, but instead I’ll call myself a gardener. Simplifying life in order to better experience it.

Here’s to weeding!
– Abi S

Nate + Jenny // engaged

They met at a Cru conference in Indianapolis on a day of outreach, where together they shared the Gospel while getting to know each other. It was there that she noticed that he was a strong and caring leader, and he noticed her smile, personality, and serving heart. It was a friendship that quickly blossomed. Their relationship has continued to build as they support each other as well as laugh together. 

For this mini engagement session, they wanted to meet at this gazebo in South Lyon, Michigan. The significance behind the gazebo? He gave her a promise ring there. But the story is even more beautiful and romantic, as Jenny remembers: “I had been studying for a couple hours and he said it was time for a break. We went to the gazebo and talked and he said he had something to show me. He made me a video of 101 favorite things about me, with him reading in the video and guitar in the background which was also him playing! It was beautiful and very special.” My goodness, my brother is such a romantic!

These two are so beautiful together, and I felt honored to photograph them. They’re getting married this October, and I’ll be attending the wedding as sister. I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use them as they begin their life together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It is all in the little things… when she reaches for my hand, rubs my neck when I’m driving, thanks me for what I do, when she agrees to go on dates with me, when she calls me or texts me at random, and all of those times in between when she does those things just because.” 
Nate, about when he feels loved by Jenny

 

 

 

 

 

Sigh. I love these two. Thanks for being awesome!

– Abi S

March in review // in photos

Can you believe we’re already a quarter through 2014? My goodness, how time flies. March –-to be entirely honest-– was a tough month to photograph. But… it was done. I got through it. And took my new favorite self-portrait! 

Alrighty, here’s my March in review:

Winter continued…



And so I was all the more delighted by our many houseplants and flowers inside…



We celebrated the many holidays of March: Dr. Seuss Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and my husband’s birthday…


I was reminded of the blessings that I call my sisters and brothers…



I continued on in my ministry to the church and the world…


I survived not one, not two, but three colds and viruses in two weeks’ time…



I cooked and cleaned…



And, when life was just ordinary, I found things in the home to fulfill each days’ prompt…



There you have it. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook to keep in touch. I’m not a meteorologist, but I am predicting some pretty spring photos coming soon! 

Love, Abi

ABI Schmit PHOTOGRAPHY

formerly abi s photography

Serving Ann Arbor & Beyond

ABI S PHOTOGRAPHY

Serving Ann Arbor,
Detroit & Beyond