Franke Family | Glen Haven Portraits

The thing about family portraits is they don’t have to be fussy.

Come as you are—in the trenches of parenthood, perhaps sleepless nights, or a teething baby. We’ll create beautiful portraits no matter what season of life you are in.

As parents ourselves we can attest that it truly flies by—both the good and the hard—all of it flies by.

So take these moments, slow down, let yourself breath, and document this stage you are in currently because years later, you will look back at the photos and think ‘was my baby really ever that tiny’?

You’ll notice your tired eyes with a full and happy heart because this is your story, your family, and you should be photographed in a way that feels true and honest and beautiful all at the same time.

We met the Franke Family out at Glen Haven for their family portraits. It was our first time meeting their beautiful baby girl, but we had previously the lovely honor of photographing Joel and Emily with their dog for both their engagement session and their wedding. To witness and share in another piece of their story was a true honor. To create heirloom photos that they will cherish and show their daughter as she grows up, it’s a unique privilege that we are proud to be a part of. We took an hour, traipsed around the sand, by the water, and up the dunes documenting the sweet and the simple yet intimately meaningful moments as a family.

Hannah and Zorran | Five Year anniversary

Zorran reached out to surprise Hannah with a couples session for their five year anniversary. Bathed in the golden sunlight of late spring, we met them first for a couple family photos with their new baby boy before leaving him the loving and caring arms of his grandma. Then with just the two of them, we explored some nearby trails as the sun came out and painted the clouds purple at sunset. It’s the second year in a row we’ve done anniversary photos for Zorran and Hannah (check out last year’s blogpost here), and we definitely hope it becomes a tradition, because it is always such an honor to photograph these two and their love.

Foggy Senior Portraits | Zoe

Northern Michigan weather is notorious for being unpredictable. But oh how magical it can be when we learn to embrace it.

When we reached out to Zoe about the rainy forecast she simply told us that she trusted us and she didn’t mind getting rained on a little bit. So we packed up our umbrellas and headed out to Port Oneida where we were met with the most moody and romantic foggy weather. The sun came out for a bit between the layers of fog, then sulked away for a few minutes of rain, peeked back out again, and then created the most gorgeous pink hue behind the clouds at sunset. The fog was so thick that the sky and the water blended into one as Zoe stood along the shore, gazing out at the horizon.

Luke + Alayna Engagement

Every engagement and wedding story we photograph is a joy and privilege to be invited into. But there’s an extra layer of honor involved when we have the opportunity to photograph our friends.

I (Sarah) have known Luke and his family since before he was born. Our mothers were best friends as teenagers and the friendship continued as the families grew. To grow up together and witness different milestone moments in each other’s lives made it even more special when he and Alayna reached out about photography.

A very very early spring day found us out at Port Oneida with these two for their engagement session. Snow still on the ground in some areas, but they had each other to keep warm while the wind swirled furiously and waves crashed along the shore. We got to cheer them on up close and personal as we witnessed them interact at their engagement session. They laugh together and tease one another, but they also build each other up and help each other become the best versions of themselves. It’s evident that at the root of their relationship they are genuinely best friends.

Sam + Mimi | Proposal at The Mill

From the very moment that Sam called us to share his proposal vision, we were fully invested.

He shared all about their love for Northern Michigan and specifically his dream of proposing at The Mill in Glen Arbor. They would celebrate afterward with dinner at Farm Club. Sam made the plan to take Mimi up North for the weekend and the scene was set (thanks to the wonderful team at The Mill) with flowers and candles on the deck overlooking the river. Here, he surprised her with the sweetest proposal followed by the coziest engagement photos both inside and outside the cafe.

These photos from last year transport us right back to those joyful moments. The sound of the river, the smell of fresh brewed coffee, and the glow of the sunlight pouring through the windows. Sam and Mimi instantly felt like friends and they were so easy to celebrate. It was such an honor to have witnessed and documented this milestone in their lives.

Fall Engagement | Jason + Sarah

There is nothing quite like how these two laugh together.

At one point, there were actual physical tears streaming down Sarah’s face from how hard Jason was making her laugh.

We spent the beautifully golden Fall evening with the happiest smiles on our faces as we watched these two interact. As the sun set and we thought ahead to their upcoming wedding, we knew it was going to be just as fun.

Photographed by Miles + Sarah