Ann Arbor Family Photography

Joel // class of 2015

Oh, Joel. I don’t think I could get through this post without mentioning that he’s my little brother — the fifth of seven kids in our family— so I might as well start off with that. Photographing him (much like my other siblings), soon entering adulthood, allows me to reflect on how he’s grown into a mature man of God. Joel describes himself as pragmatic, competitive, and astute. I think I’d add that everyone likes Joel. There’s just something about him, always has been. He has a keen sense of humor and a magnetic, likable personality.

Joel will be graduating this June from Munising High School, where he is involved in tennis, Key Club, drama club, and student council. He’s a talented percussionist, and he’s incredibly intelligent. Every time I see him (in real life or on Skype), I ask him where he’s going to college. I think he’ll be making his decision last-minute, much like I did when I was his age. It’s never the same school in the running. 🙂 But wherever he goes, and whatever he does, I know that he will excel, and he will serve God wholeheartedly.

Congrats, Joel! Looking forward to celebrating with you in June!

– Abi S

Tyler + Emily // engaged

They started dating as seniors in high school. Emily noticed him freshmen year, but she says took three years to finally catch Tyler’s eye. But their relationship blossomed from friends to “something special”, thriving even when long-distance during college. I admire the companionship that these two share. I can tell without a doubt that they are each other’s best friend. They are sincerely, loyally devoted to one another and support one another through thick and thin. They define romance in their own way, and it’s beautiful, and it’s real.

I loved going through these photos again. I was reminded of how much I love fall sessions and how much I adore morning light. And Tyler and Emily are just adorable, too, wouldn’t you say? 😉 I am beyond thrilled that I will be photographing them on their wedding day this coming August.

– Abi S

meet Judah

Meet Judah. The joy of my heart. The star of my Instagram feed. The reason I get up in the morning (and, yeah, still during the night). My son.

As all the rest of you moms can attest to, the weeks following a birth are especially exhausting. I am so glad that I picked up my “big camera” on a couple of occasions, though, to capture Judah in his baby freshness. RIght now as I write, he’s in his swing, cooing and smiling at me. I glance at him, at these photos, and back again, and I’m just in awe that this is the same kid. Because, 1. wow, he’s changed so much; and 2. he used to SLEEP!

I’m so pleased to announce the birth of my son, Judah Mark. Behold, the cuteness…

love, Abi S (aka Judah’s mom)

Matt + Sam // engaged

Matt and Sam are fellow teachers at the same school. Their story begins at a math curriculum meeting (where only the best love stories begin) – Matt remembers meeting her for the first time and admiring her confidence as a first-year teacher. A while later, during a school spirit week, he dressed up like a carpenter, in a flannel shirt, tool belt, and jeans. That’s when Sam knew she wanted to get to know him more. The chemistry was there, and the rest, as they say, is history. (please excuse my school-related puns.)

A few months ago, Matt sent Sam on a scavenger hunt to places significant to their relationship: where they met, where they had their first date… and it all ended at Pavilion Shore Park by Walled Lake. Matt stood waiting for her there, watched her get out of the car and walk towards him. And then he proposed. And she said yes.

I was happy to meet up with this lovely couple at the proposal spot on a beautiful evening last month! Enjoy these photos from their session.

“Every day I am with her reminds me how special she is,

and how lucky I am to be with her.”

– Matt

Congratulations once again on your engagement, you two!

– Abi S

Jeffrie + Miriam // wedding

Oh, what to say about Jeffrie and Miriam? These two are dear friends. Last fall, Jeffrie invited me to secretly photograph his proposal. Watching a scene like that unfold before my lens? It was absolutely incredible. And their wedding day was even more so. My goodness, these two were literally glowing with happiness. It’s a glow that lit up the breathtaking sanctuary of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Westland, as their family surrounded them with love and music and blessings. The glow continued to their reception at Greenmead in Livonia. And it’s a glow that surely hasn’t faded since that day in August – and I pray it never does. I just love the way they admire each other.

“He loved her, of course, but better than that,