Ann Arbor Family Photography

Andrew + Rebecca // wedding

Andrew and Rebecca’s relationship began at Concordia University Ann Arbor – where I also attended school and first met the two of them as well. I vaguely remember when they first started dating a few years ago. The two of them together: it really just made sense. They are both have such kind personalities and have established a Christ-centered relationship that I have no doubt will continue to thrive as they serve the Lord and one another. I was thrilled to be able to drive over to Wisconsin for their August wedding and to capture them just radiating with happiness and love.

Their wedding day was full of personal, special details. Her unique ring, for example, was designed by her groom, using diamonds from his grandmother’s ring. He saved one of the diamonds for a necklace for his grandmother, which he gifted during the reception (ah! happy tearful moment!). You’ll also have to check out all the DIY details that Rebecca put into this day.

Enjoy! <3

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a
fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that’s what you’ve given me.
That’s what I’d hope to give you forever.”

Nicholas Sparks

– Abi S

the Ungers // family + maternity session

I met this family in the last days of July, in the final weeks of Alli’s pregnancy, for a session at Nankin Mills Park in Westland. The neat thing about this maternity session –about all maternity sessions– is that it’s a celebration, a commemoration, of what this particular family was like as a family of three. Alli and Dan were on the brink of becoming parents all over again. Two-year-old Kara was a week and a half away from becoming an older sister. There is beauty in transition and change, in “firsts” and “lasts.” Thank you, Unger family, for blessing me with the ability to capture this transition in your lives.

“Being a family means you a part of something very wonderful.
It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life. No matter what.”

– unknown

– Abi S

Jason + Elizabeth // wedding

You first met Liz and Jason at their Ann Arbor engagement session last fall. My heart is so happy to now share with you a few photos from their August wedding. Their wedding day was so perfect – beautiful and lovely and fun (not to mention wonderful August weather!). Both bride and groom have awesome families. Jason and Liz again impressed me with the quiet, tender, romantic ways they express their love.

This wedding is also special to me personally… two of the ladies in Liz’s bridal party were brides of weddings that I’ve shot in earlier years. It was fun seeing them again. Jenny and Dan (married in 2010, my second-ever wedding), are now expecting and due just a day after me! Also… Jason and Liz got married at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity at Concordia University Ann Arbor (like my husband and I did!) and had their reception at Wellers Carriage House in Saline (like we did, too!). Needless to say, I’m in love with both of these locations!

“Love like there’s no tomorrow, and if tomorrow comes, love again.”

– Max Lucado

Thank you, thank you, Jason and Elizabeth, family and friends, for allowing me the true honor of being a part of this day. Keep on celebrating!

– Abi S

Edward + Lee // wedding

Edward and Lee are both serious bowlers, and that similar interest has become a common theme in their relationship and in their wedding day. They met at Bowl One Lanes in Troy during a summer league and went to the Madison Heights fireworks for their first date. A year later, at those same fireworks, Edward asked Lee to marry him.

Their early July wedding took place at the Troy Historic Village. They were married in the little chapel there, and we were able to use some of the other cool buildings for their photos. The reception was at the bowling alley –where else?– that they’d met at. It was a casual party, a celebration of their new family. In lieu of dancing, guests ended the evening with some bowling.

“Enjoy the little things in life. For one day you’ll look back
and realize they were the big things.”

-Kurt Vonnegut

Thank you for the privilege of photographing your wedding, Edward and Lee! God’s blessings on your marriage together.

– Abi S

Adam + Claire // engaged

Adam and Claire first met online, so they spoke on the phone before meeting in person. They both remember being smitten with the other’s voice. Their relationship clicked right away and has only gotten better with time. Adam says, “The gut feeling of knowing we’re right for each other has only been confirmed with time. Over the years, each new aspect of our relationship has always come so easily and agreeably. Each year we become even closer and I adore her even more. I love the life and family we’ve built together more and more as time goes on.”

Adam proposed to Claire at the African Elephant Exhibit at the Cleveland Zoo (she really loves elephants). The ring is unique, inspired by The Princess and the Frog (check out the photo below). They’re planning to marry in May 2015 in Alpena, one of their favorite places to spend time together. I’m super excited to be their photographer!

Meeting and working with these two so far has reminded me of how special the “little things” in a relationship are. It’s the little things that attract you to someone, that create memories, that connect you time and time again. It’s those little things that are sustained as the years past and things change a bit. Adam and Claire have the ability to laugh at the little things and bond over the little things. They surely have a bright future together!