Some sessions are about beautiful photos. Others are about celebrating how far life has brought us.

Six years ago, we met this incredible couple on one of the biggest days of their lives when we had the honor of filming their wedding. It was 2020, a year no one will ever forget. Plans changed overnight, uncertainty was everywhere, and so much of life felt like it was on hold. Even in the middle of all of that, their wedding day was filled with love, hope, and the excitement of beginning a new chapter together.

Fast forward six years, and what a privilege it was to meet them again for family photos on the beautiful shores of Elk Rapids Beach.

Instead of two newlyweds, they arrived with three little ones, each somehow the spitting image of their parents. Their personalities were already shining through as they laughed, explored the beach, and soaked up a perfect Northern Michigan evening. Watching them interact was a reminder of just how quickly life changes. The uncertainty of 2020 has been replaced with joyful chaos, tiny footprints in the sand, and a family that is happy, content, and thriving.

One of the greatest gifts of being a photographer and filmmaker is getting to witness these milestones. Weddings are only the beginning of the story. Years later, coming back to document growing families is something we never take for granted.

If you’re planning family photos in Elk Rapids, Traverse City, or anywhere in Northern Michigan, we’d love to help tell your family’s story, wherever you are in your journey.