When I initially described Beloved photography to Michelle, she and Mark were a little hesitant. But as their session started, they relaxed and shared memories of their 31 years of marriage. I loved watching you share how much you mean to each other. And a big thank you for coming to the studio. I had been looking to try a studio Beloved session and I love your portraits with this light. Thank you!
Louise and Jerry celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past June. Within moments of starting their Beloved session, I could feel the deep connection that they have together. They laughed, shared memories and cherished each other. As we finished, Louise thanked me. Couples don’t often spend time connecting and reconnecting with each other, and she loved it.
My kids asked me why I had photographed their grandparents and their great-grandmother with her husband. It is important to celebrate their love of many years and their commitment to each other, to witness their pure emotions and connections. Thank you Louise and Jerry, my wonderful in-laws. It is a treasure to have these portraits, for you as well as your children and grandchildren.
In February, Judy and Alan will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. They met in Racine Wisconsin when Judy’s friend set up a double date so she could meet Alan (he’s pretty thankful for that friend). After their session, I received this email from Alan:
“Before the session, I wouldn’t have imagined that the photos you took of Mom and me could make me look as relaxed and comfortable as they do. Usually, I’m very stiff and look like the person I am in the photo we had taken last week for our church directory – right shoulder forward, head tilted left, chin out, etc. So great to see how well you captured how I feel about Mom.”
Mom and Dad, it was an honor to photograph you. Your love and commitment to each other is beautiful. I love you!
If you ask Dolores and Bud how long they have been married, they’ll say 102 years. Dolores and her first husband were married 48 years. Bud and his first wife were married 54 years for a total of 102 years of marriage. The two couples lived next door to each other for forty five years and were good friends. When they became widows, it only made sense to come together, to support, to love and to care for each other. Your love for each other is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your Beloved story with me.
I am thrilled to announce that I am now a Certified Professional Photographer. The certification has two components: a written exam and a 20 image submission. I passed the written exam last fall. My images were just accepted and now it is official. Thanks to my family, friends and clients for supporting me and encouraging me to become certified. It feels great to have completed this goal!
The weeks before your wedding can be stressful, especially when you live in Illinois and your wedding is in England. The beauty of a Beloved session is that the couple is invited to leave all of that behind, to let the walls between them dissolve, and to fall in love again. As E and M spoke, embraced and danced, I was humbled witness true and honest words of love. As we left the beach together, we all felt lighter, happier and more connected than when we arrived.
Best wishes to you both, my friends, as you continue your journey together. Congratulations on your wedding!
To celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, Paul surprised me with a weekend trip to Napa Valley. We revisited many of our favorite wineries as well as a few new ones. Thank you for a great weekend and a wonderful ten years! I love you!
Last weekend we attended a family wedding in Michigan. I missed the ceremony as I stayed in the car while my youngest son napped. (My older children photographed the wedding for me so they could tell me all the details.) My son woke up in time to see the bride and groom exit the church surrounded by their parents, grandparents and lots of bubbles. My husband suggested that we send this image to his aunt, the mother of the groom, as soon as we got home. When she received the portrait, five days after the ceremony, she was in tears of joy. It was the first image she had seen of her son’s wedding; the first image and she was holding it in her hands. I love seeing snapshots on my computer and my phone, but it is different when I hold a portrait in my hands. It feels real.
For the past few months, I have been exploring and learning about Beloved photography from the amazing Jesh de Rox. Beloved session invite a couple to reconnect with each other in open and loving ways. I visited my lifelong friend last week in Columbus, Ohio. I loved giving them space to express their love through words and touch. Happy 15th wedding anniversary L & D!
I love Father-Daughter images. Most people have snapshots of their kids, but it is so important to create portraits of parents with their children.
