wonder

my backyard

2011-11-13T23:57:00.000-05:00

early morning

foggy morning

Looking through some early fall pics. I really need to update my blog. Thought I'd share some pics from a couple of inspirational mornings about a month ago. Yes, these really are from my backyard. And, the first pic is basically straight out of the camera except for some minor adjustment to the curves. The second pic also has some curves adjustments as well as conversion to black and white. I feel very lucky to have such gorgeous views.

a very harry potter halloween

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

Ready for his battle with Voldemort

10.31.11 Yes, we love Harry Potter. In honor of the very last movie of the amazing series, we decided to dress up as Harry Potter (of course!), Narcissa Malfoy, Bellatrix LeStrange and Professor Lupin. We dueled, met up with more Hogwarts characters and had an all-around great time. Hope your Halloween was filled with many treats and just a few tricks....

m+s=married!

2011-10-15T23:20:00.001-04:00

10.15.11 So, this beautiful bride contacts me about taking formal group photos of her family and some "getting ready" shots her wedding photographer was not able to capture during her official wedding day. I head over to her house and they have recreated the big day! How fun it was documenting these missed moments in a very relaxed, stress-free environment. Enjoy!

cousin sneak peek!

2011-10-08T20:14:00.002-04:00

10.8.11 A beautiful fall day in Ann Arbor. Perfect for a session with 2 sets of cousins and their grandma. We explored the Diag, UMMA and the Law Quad for some natural backdrops.

s+d=married!

2011-09-16T21:06:00.000-04:00

9.10.11 What a beautiful day in St. Petersburg, FL! It was an honor to watch one of my dear friends marry her true love. Here are a few pics from that memorable day.

5 days old!

2011-07-18T20:20:00.001-04:00

7.16.11 Isn't she precious? What a sweet, sweet newbie cutie. She essentially slept most of the time with the occassional milk and diaper break ( :

A belated merry everything!

2011-01-13T20:26:00.000-05:00

1.14.11 Happy New Year! It's been awhile! Hope your holidays were fun-filled. Just thought I'd post a belated Christmas card from my family to yours! I need to catch up on my blogging. Glad I didn't make a new year's resolution about that!

Family Session-Sneak Peek!

2010-11-28T22:10:00.000-05:00

11.28.10 High 30s--not bad for a family session at the end of November! Working with this family was SO easy! The boys were perfect little gentleman, I didn't even need to bribe them to look at the camera! And, mom and dad were so casual about the photo shoot. We even had time to chase chickens. Makes my job a breeze. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday you big 5 year old you!

2010-11-07T21:49:00.000-05:00

11.7.10 Big day for our little friend who is now a big 5 fingers old! Wishing you a wonderful year. XOXO

1st Birthday and Family Holiday Session-Sneak Peek!

2010-11-07T08:17:00.000-05:00

11.6.10 Happy 1st Birthday to a precious little girl. Can I just say that I love this family? I have known them for years and have had the privilege of capturing very special family moments. I loved witnessing the Korean traditions at this party. Afterward, we did a quick holiday photo shoot, but not until this little sweetie had her power nap ( :

Family session sneak peek!

2010-10-31T01:25:00.000-04:00

10.30.10 This little girl did an AMAZING job! Even after a couple of wardrobe changes, this little one was quite the trooper. And, did you see her eyes? So beautiful! Mom and Dad are just smitten.

Family session

2010-10-26T21:26:00.000-04:00

Going through my files and realized I never uploaded this summer family session located at the beach! Ah, how I miss the summer.....

Sneak Peek-Fall Family Session

2010-10-16T23:27:00.000-04:00

10.16.10 Gorgeous day for a fall photo session with one of the most laid back families I've ever had the pleasure of knowing! We had lots of fun exploring their neck of the woods. I had to post a few cause I know E is excited to see the pics! Enjoy!

Sunflower Girl

2010-10-16T09:12:00.000-04:00

Happy birthday to a 4 year old cutie! Before the party, we had a mini photo session. The lighting was beautiful that day and her sunny yellow outfit complements her personality so well.

Fall daze

2010-10-11T19:08:00.000-04:00

10.3.10
It's been awhile since I last blogged. Life has been full. But, the fall is a wonderful time to take a breath, enjoy the changing color of the leaves and enjoy this beautiful weather. So, I thought, why not post something? Here are a few from an afternoon at Wasem's Apple Orchard in Ypsilanti, MI. Their donuts are DELICIOUS (I personally LOVE the chocolate glaze) and their cider is yummy too.

Brunch with Baby J

2010-03-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

3.7.10 Had some friends over for brunch and had an impromptu photo-shoot with their newest little addition. She is such a mellow baby. Isn't she adorable? LOVE those cheeks!

Winter wonderland

2010-01-12T22:55:00.000-05:00

1.9.10 Enjoying this wintery weather. Even my boy, Winston, posed for a couple of shots. I love that old dog.

Holiday photo shoot with Miss I

2010-01-04T19:43:00.000-05:00

12.23.09 I have known Miss I since she was born and she is wonderful to photograph. Isn't she gorgeous? She is such a fashionista.

A few of my favorite people

2009-11-22T16:51:00.001-05:00

11.21.09 I love hanging out with this family. We have known each other for years and it's wonderful spending time with them. I was able to grab a few shots of them outside before the sun went down. Enjoy!

Baby J is here! Sneak peek!

2009-11-14T20:49:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite shots of big brother and little sister...

11.14.09 Beautiful little J was born just 9 days ago! She is just precious and was so alert during today's session. The sleepy shots were taken towards the end of the shoot. Her big brother just adores her and is so very sweet with his little sis. Congratulations to mom, dad, big brother, grandparents and rest of the family. Many more pics to come!

Maternity session sneak peek!

2009-11-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

11.11.09 A crisp, sunny fall day equals a lovely backdrop for a photo session. What a beautiful mom-to-be! Doesn't she have a great smile? And, I love how the pattern of her blouse blends into the background of the black and white shot. What do you think?

Happy Birthday C!

2009-11-09T15:42:00.000-05:00

C's mom created her cool "4" badge, isn't she talented?
That's my son with the birthday girl, they have been buds since birth
Cool rainbow cake, C's mom also knows how to bake!
One of the little babies at the party, isn't he a cutie?

C and Grandma
C and her family at the end of a fun-filled birthday party

11.8.09 C turned 4! She invited her little buddies for an afternoon of climbing, running and eating rainbow cake. I've loved watching her grow up over the years. Here's a peak into her birthday celebration. Happy happy birthday!

Fun Halloween Pics

2009-11-06T16:17:00.001-05:00

10.31.09 The kids had so much fun trick-or-treating this year. It was cold, but dry, so the kids were able to layer their clothes and still show off their costumes. On a side note, is it just me or are the kids choosing creepier costumes compared to past years?

Senior Photo Sneak Peek!

2009-10-13T07:36:00.001-04:00

10.12.09 Here's a sneak peek into my first foray into senior photos. M chose a location that represented her love of nature and the water. I have to say, working with a 17 year old was quite enjoyable!

D family sneak peek!

2009-10-11T08:05:00.000-04:00

10.10.09 I had a fun time shooting this beautiful family for a second time. One year later and C is now a big brother! He loves trains and being in the outdoors and little sister L is just such an adorable and mellow little baby. Enjoy your preview!

E & S--Sneak peek!

2009-09-28T12:03:00.000-04:00

9.27.09 The session began with Grandma reading to the kids. Next, we headed to the Arb and the weather was lovely. The setting provided the perfect backdrop for two energetic kids. Thanks for a fun afternoon E & S!

Exploring Cobblestone Farm

2009-09-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

7.31.09 Little M loved exercising his legs at Cobblestone Farm. Feeding the goats and exploring the grounds, what more could you ask for?

annalisa + jeff = married!

2009-08-25T10:33:00.000-04:00

7.25.09: What a beautiful Chicago day to celebrate our friends' wedding! It started off at St. Michael's for the ceremony and then we headed to the Chicago History Museum for a picture perfect reception. It was capped off at a delicious brunch at the Four Seasons on the following day. Best wishes to the happy couple!

staci + brad = engaged!

2009-05-12T20:47:00.000-04:00

5.12.09 these two were just so much fun to hang out with. they simply adore one another and were just so easy to photograph. thanks for a lovely time this morning and enjoy every moment of your engagement!

2009-04-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

4.20.09 The family and I had a fun time with our own photo shoot. Owen was quite the ham while Grayson enjoyed brainstorming "poses" for the camera. Enjoy!

Easter fun

2009-04-15T13:10:00.000-04:00

4.12.09 Little I thoroughly enjoyed showing off her new Easter dress and sharing the limelight with her cuddly bunny.

Ann Arbor FestiFools 2009

2009-04-05T21:19:00.000-04:00

4.5.09

The rain did not keep the colorful parade of papier-mache puppets from marching down Main St. in Ann Arbor. There were political figures, including Mayor Hieftje trotting next to his own likeness plus an assortment of animals and fantastical creations. If only the 4th of July parade could be this fun!

Adorable sisters E and E

2009-01-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

I had fun photographing E and E this past week. These sisters loved mugging for the camera and we had a great time with one another. They are such cuties!

Christmas in the sun!

2009-01-03T19:45:00.000-05:00

12.22.08-12.28.08 The family took some much needed R&R vacationing in Florida. The weather was in the 80s during the week and we hit the beach three times! The sand was white and baby powder soft. We had a great time!

Nutcracker 2008

2008-12-21T09:38:00.000-05:00

12.18-12.20.08 Ann Arbor's CAS Ballet and AABT put together another amazing performance of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. If you have not been to a performance of The Nutcracker at the Power Center, I highly recommend it. It is a wonderful family tradition of ours. Here are some photos of the talented Toys.

Pretty in pink

2008-11-29T20:10:00.000-05:00

11.29.08 Sweet little I was just a joy to photograph. She enjoyed posing for the camera and looked adorable in her holiday outfit. I especially love the black and white shot. It looks like something from the 1940s.

A sneak preview--J and V married!

2008-11-24T14:13:00.000-05:00

The necklace was the inspiration for the color palette...

Family photos taken before the ceremony

Anticipating the bride and groom...

Gotta tuck that shirt in again

The balloon artist was amazing!

and so was the face painter

The best man and his toast

11.22.08 The Detroit Golf Club was a beautiful backdrop for this November wedding. I know you're probably wondering, "a wedding?" I know, I focus on children's portraits, but J and V are an amazing couple with such wonderful children that I could not say no to this opportunity. This was my first experience shooting a wedding and I could not have asked for a better couple to photograph. A special thanks to J and V for trusting me with their very special day. Enjoy a sneak preview of the beginnings of their new life together. A necklace as inspiration, a gorgeous gown, a beautiful bride, an adoring groom, adorable children and face painting. What could be better? Best wishes on a long, beautiful and happy life together!

The holidays are coming...

2008-11-15T22:20:00.000-05:00

11.15.08 W was in such a good mood for photos. Give him some bacon, a lollipop and he's good to go! He loved checking out the photo equipment, showing me his martial arts moves and playing with mom and dad. He is just such a cutie and made a rainy morning so much fun!

Who's a cutie patootie?

2008-11-09T00:02:00.000-05:00

11.8.08 This little girl is just so adorable! She is learning to crawl and is VERY fast! She loves looking out the window, playing with her shoes and does NOT enjoy changing outfits. She was just too much fun!

Did you exercise your Right to Vote 2008?

2008-11-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

11.4.08 What an important day! The family and I headed out to the polls at 6:30 this morning and were excited to see a nicely sized line. The polls opened at 7:00 and we were out by 7:45. The kids were very patient and there was excitement in the air. I can't wait to see what happens. Oh, and the University of Michigan students have been very active, including someone who decorated the beloved Cube. It didn't last too long, so I was happy to capture the Cube in its altered state early this morning!

The holidays are coming

2008-11-04T11:51:00.000-05:00

11.2.08 Two adorable sisters don their holiday outfits. Their mom is beating the rush on holiday cards!

A boy is on the way...

2008-11-04T11:38:00.000-05:00

11.1.08 Two beautiful sisters and a baby brother on the way! Add in a gorgeous cake from Cake Nouveau, amazing weather, great food and even better company and you've got a very successful baby shower!

Exhibit Museum of Natural History Pre- Halloween Fun

2008-10-26T15:50:00.000-04:00

10.26.08 The red devil and the skeleton ventured to the museum for some treats, goblin games, animal visits, and witch crafts.

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-25T16:33:00.000-04:00

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

This is a blog by
Kathleen Dougherty, "... an artsy craftsy, penny pinching, party planning, playdating, fashion finding, sci-fi loving, stay at home mommy who always keeps her sewing machine plugged in and loves all things cute!" She creates beautiful clothes!

Pickin' pumpkins at the patch

2008-10-25T09:35:00.000-04:00

10.12.08 jenny's hay maze in dexter is a lot of fun. the kids loved exploring the maze, picking their own pumpkins and of course, enjoying the fresh donuts and apple cider. a visit to dairy queen at the end of the day capped off another beautiful october day in michigan!

Apple picking at Wasem's Farms

2008-10-25T09:17:00.000-04:00

10.5.08 we had a fantastic time with family friends at Wasem's Farms. the apples were freshly picked, the donuts were freshly fried and the weather was sunny and beautiful. afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious lunch together.

1st camping trip

2008-10-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

9.27.08 the girls had a great time camping for the very 1st time. there was a dance party, s'mores, scary stories and hiking galore.

Fall leaves

2008-10-25T08:33:00.000-04:00

10.19.08 a beautiful day in ann arbor! scary s'mores, jumping in leaves, pretty pumpkins, what could be better?

saturday morning in ann arbor, michigan

2008-07-19T19:08:00.000-04:00

7.19.08 i had a fun time photographing a sweet little boy and his mommy and daddy this morning. he had such beautiful blue eyes and was very serious about watering his garden. he enjoyed flying in his daddy's arms, following a squirrel jumping through the trees and running around the playground. there was some great cloud coverage which diffused the light quite nicely which allowed me to take most of the photgraphs with just beautiful, natural light.