Eineichner Family 2016

This family will always hold a special place in my heart.  Shelly and Jay's wedding was the very first wedding Robert and I shot.  Now, 6 years later, Shelly still calls me up to take yearly photos of her children, Jack and Charlotte.  I had the honor of capturing Charlotte's newborn photos last year and now she is already 15 months!

We had a beautiful day to shoot pictures, a little sun and a little wind, but it didn't keep the kids from being active and smiling.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

  

The Dyckman Family: Party of 4

   Meghan and I went to high school together, but recently became friends through bonding over our pregnancies and babies:  Her daughter, Brielle, and my daughter, Emerson, are approximately two weeks apart.  She and I have helped one another via late night texts regarding our young children.  I am truly blessed to call her my friend :)
   Her husband, TJ, is hilarious!  I have only been around him twice (taking pictures, of course), but just from those few hours I can tell he is an amazing father and husband.  I think he and Meghan share the same sense of humor, which is definitely important in a marriage!
   Meghan is an incredibly kind and supportive friend to me.  She is a phenomenal mother, possessing the very important quality of patience.  I am so proud of her!  As a working mom, I give her so much credit being a stay at home mom!  It takes so much energy, as many of you know.
   Finally, Brielle is one of the cutest kids around!  She is extremely photogenic and cooperative--even when I took her picture a year ago.  This almost 2-year-old will capture your heart immediately!
    ...and the best news of all--they are expecting another baby!  Meghan is due on November 10 (Emerson's birthday!), so Brielle will be a big sister before they know it!
   These pictures were captured at Hawkwoods Nature Center in Auburn Hills, a new location for me.  I'm happy Meghan suggested it because there are plenty of trails and scenic views.  I will definitely be shooting here again!  This was a combination of a family portrait session and a 2 year old birthday session.  I will be meeting with them in about a month (wow!), so stay tuned for some adorable baby Dyckman photos!

                          

 

                            

Cassie and Ross

     As an English teacher, I usually hate the phrases "there are no words to describe" and "I literally can't," but I'm going to go ahead and say it:  There are no words to describe how amazing these two individuals are and how strong the love they share is.  I literally can't handle the cuteness in the following photos and how adorable and loving these two are towards each other.

     I could write an essay on these two, which is an assignment they would have been used to five years ago.  I first met Cassie and Ross at Our Lady of the Lakes High School.  They were in my 2nd hour American Literature class of my first year at Lakes and I still even remember where they sat:  Ross in the front left of the room and Cassie right behind him.  I had no idea they were dating until about three months into their relationship.  They were not one of those couples kissing in the hallways and always holding hands, which I loved (especially as a teacher).  The respect they have for themselves and each other is incredible.  

     Currently, Cassie is a student at Oakland University; Ross is a student at Hope in Holland, MI.  They are both hard-working students and have been since high school.  It is their senior year, and fourth year of college, (I specify that because it took me eight to earn a Bachelor's) and their relationship is so powerful that, I feel, being away from each other during the school semesters only made it stronger. 

     These two, currently ages 21 and 20, will always hold a special place in my heart.  They were both amazing students, and still are, both currently pursuing a career as Medical Doctors (Cassie WILL be Emerson's pediatrician one day!) I still use Cassie's essays and research papers as examples in my classes of how to do it right!  Cassie is the strongest and hardest working girl I know.  I could go on and on about her, but I will spare her some blushing. (But, Cass, you must know by now how amazing you are!)  Ross played football, so we had to take some photos in the bleachers by the football field.  He also starred as Aladdin in our Spring Production his Senior year.  There are far too many stories I share with my former students.

    The day started off where it all began:  High School.  While Ross first attended Our Lady of the Lakes in high school, Cassie had been there since Kindergarten; therefore, it only made sense to capture their engagement photos where they first met.  We quickly toured the school, stopping in the Senior hallway, the classroom where they first met and Cassie first spoke to Ross (She shyly whispered, "You smell nice."), and then visited the statue of Mary and the church where they are to be wed.

    Afterwards, we drove to the Meadow Brook Mansion and explored the grounds and beautiful gardens.  I had to ask them if they had already had engagement photos taken before because I rarely had to ask them to move how they were standing, hand placements, etc.  They are natural models!

     Finally, we ended up walking downtown Rochester.  After having a coffee break, we explored the area and actually discovered a new park.  The photo shoot took about four hours, but it went by so quickly because I feel like Cassie and Ross are now friends, if not my little brother and little sister.  I look up to and admire them for all they accomplish and all they will accomplish.  I cannot stress enough the respect and love these two have for one another.

     Thank you both for allowing me to spend last Sunday with you and capture your engagement photos.  It is truly an honor and I cannot wait to see Cassie walk down the aisle and the look on Ross's face when he sees his beautiful bride!  I love you both! (and even more so since they "tipped me" with wine and a Starbucks gift card!)