Ann Arbor Family Photography

Nick + Amanda // engaged

On her birthday, Nick surprised Amanda with a little book that he wrote and illustrated himself. It was their story, complete with with a little cartoon Nick and Amanda. And their story has only just begun: Nick has since updated the book a few times, including the day in a cave on Mackinac Island when he proposed.

What better place for an engagement session of this comic-book loving couple than their favorite Grand Rapids comic book store, Vault of Midnight. We began there, as they flipped through a few of their favorite books, bringing forth a flood of shared memories. We then continued out to downtown Grand Rapids and Ah-Nab-Awen Park.

They are a fun-loving, down-to-earth couple. I am so delighted that they have found each other to do life together, and that I have this opportunity to photograph this chapter of their story (now, and their wedding next May!).

“She makes me feel good about who I am and makes me a stronger individual.”
– Nick

“Even before I knew his name, he amused me and made me laugh. I love Nick for
the way he makes me laugh about everything, on a daily basis.”
– Amanda

with love,
Abi S

June // according to instagram

My June was a trip to the glorious Munising, a baby learning how to crawl and sometimes nap, a bit of work, a bit of wonder, and a whole lot of love. (follow me @abi_schmit )

Adam + Claire // wedding

Reason #582 I love weddings: how they can creatively showcase what is most important to a couple in a way that celebrates who they were, who they are, and who they will be in their married life. For Adam and Claire, that list of important things includes Disney (especially the movie The Princess and the Frog), their cats, Alpena, and each other. Their wedding day was absolutely “them” and capsulated each of these loves in a fun and unique way.

Alpena, Michigan, is the couple’s home away from home and served as the perfect backdrop for their mid-May destination wedding. They said their “I do’s” at St. Anne Catholic Church, stopped by the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, and celebrated at Presque Isle Lodge.

Claire graduated first in her class at University of Michigan Law School! Double the congratulations!

WED-Beagle_Northern Michigan Wedding Photography

We weren’t expecting the fog, but it ended up being amazingly gorgeous.

Doreen Thomas of Classic Designs did the centerpieces and all the beautiful, whimsical florals.

Claire and her dad started the party with a choreographed Father/Daughter dance.

Congratulations again and again, Claire and Adam!

– Abi S

father’s day 2015

When you choose a spouse, you choose a parenting partner. I’m so glad I chose this one. (and I know that Judah agrees!) A happy [belated] Father’s Day to my husband and teammate.

To all the men who love and serve, work hard and play hard, teach us and encourage us, and make daily sacrifices on behalf of your families: thank you.

Steve + Rose // engaged

Last October I had the honor of photographing one of my very best friends with the love of her life.

I love how Rose describes how their relationship transitioned over time: “I used to think he was like a ‘big brother’ to me – but one day I realized that meant we’d both find a different person to spend our lives with, and we couldn’t be there for each other all the time. And I couldn’t imagine life like that.”

When they lived four hours apart for a while, they each took turns making the drive, even if it meant spending only three hours together, or driving in the middle of the night to be with her in the ER. They share a dedication to each other that will surely stand the test of time.

She admires his kindness and dedication to helping other people. He appreciates her help and support, and most certainly thinks she’s awesome. Together, they make a terrific team. They work hard, play hard, and love unconditionally.

Steve surprised Rose with a proposal that involved the soccer team he coaches at Lutheran High Northwest (and where we did the first half of the session). In just over a month from now, Rose and Steve will marry on the campus of the school where their relationship began, and I will be standing in support, in a bridesmaid dress (!!). But for a moment, let’s slip back to autumn, when the trees were colorful and leaves were falling along the Yates Cider Mill river walk trail. (And then, let’s speed time up a little! Steve and Rose are getting married!)