This is us: The Schuler Family, dressed to the nines in my home studio as I click the button on the remote trigger and remind the kids to look at the camera.  (They did AMAZING by the way, and it was actually way more fun than any of us expected! Check out more family photos at the end!)

I've always been inspired by "Vanity Fair" style portraiture and have dreamed of doing my own family photo this way but never got around to it.  So since I had already arranged a day to have my hair & makeup done to photograph my own new headshots, the idea popped into my head to turn it into a family affair.

"THAT'S A CRAZY IDEA!  IT WOULD NEVER WORK FOR US!" was the next thought that popped into my head.  Would my kids be up for it??  Would they cooperate enough to make it worth all the trouble and result in a beautiful photo?  Or would it end in total chaos, grumpy moods, bribes, and tears all around?  And likewise, would my husband put up with what seemed like could be quite an ordeal?  I decided to go for it.

It's such a joy to see this sweet girl every fall and catch up with her dear parents!  I've probably told the story before how our lives crossed paths during the adoption process, but I just I adore this family!  Here are a few of my favorites from Miss Eva's fall photos as she turns SIX!

Josh & Melissa have such a beautiful family, and I'm not just talking about their adorable coordinating outfits (which she did a fabulous job picking out)!  These guys are so enjoyable to be with.  Their kids are fun & playful and sweet like their mama, and Josh is a hard working, family-oriented man.  Together they create a delightful crew that practices strong faith & values.  Here are a few of my favorite photos from their end-of-summer session! 

This beautiful couple is eager to meet their baby girl in a few weeks, and I'm so excited to see them become parents!  Mickey & Kaylee have hearts of patience, wisdom, and teaching, and I know their hearts are going to explode with unconditional love the moment they hold baby Elora!  Here are some of my favorite photos from their summer maternity session!

I know we're all eager for spring to arrive here in Michigan, but this couple is most eager & with good reason! (And it's not weather-related!)  Their baby girl is due to arrive shortly after Easter!  I am so excited for Bethany & John, and loved seeing the joyful glow radiating from this beautiful mother-to-be!

It was so great to see this family again after shooting their photos one year ago in downtown Detroit. Their boys are suddenly turning into teens! I love the coordinating wardrobe colors that Charlene chose for their Christmas Card, and I was so excited to have them visit me at my home "studio" in my own back yard at Awakened Light Photography in Oxford, MI. Check out a few of my favorites below!

It was such a joy & privilege to meet Dustin & Kacy and their adorable baby girl.  Don't you absolutely love their coordinated red & black buffalo plaid?! They are too cute!!  They came over for a family photo session this fall and even brought along their 2 dogs, because no one should be left out of a family photo!  Keep scrolling to see a few of my favorites!

I loved working with my friends, the Chojnacki family, with their lovely brown-eyed ladies and blue-eyed men!  Their children are adorable and it was so fun to see the love they all have for each other.  Read on to see a few of my favorite photos from their Fall Session!

I always love catching up with this family!!  We got together this October at Yates Cider Mill in Rochester, Michigan for some fall photos and a walk along the river.  Eva was so cooperative and loved smiling and posing for me!  She is such a little sweetheart.  Read on to see a few of my favorite moments from the day!

This antique swan toy was loaded in the truck ready to be taken to the thrift store when my friend decided to rescue it and bring it home. She wasn't exactly sure why... it had been her father's toy as a child and she just didn't feel like they should let it go. Shortly after that she & her husband discovered they were expecting, and it was a big surprise! So when she asked if she could bring her daughter over for a photo on the old family swan, I was so happy! What a neat story, and so glad her daughter had the chance to enjoy this heirloom!  We also took advantage of the beautiful fall day for some leaf-throwing & mother-daughter pics!  Read on to see some of my favorites!