I always get a little extra excited when repeat clients come back for another session.


It means the first one felt good, and they want to capture more of that magic! That's exactly what happened with Vaneza and Cristian. After their engagement shoot a few months prior, they reached out and said, "Let's do it again, this time with a country theme!" And they picked Saint Joseph as the spot. So I grabbed my gear, hopped in the car, and made the beautiful drive south from Grand Rapids. Two hours of open roads and Lake Michigan peeking through? It was the perfect trip!


I like getting to locations early; it gives me time to breathe, prepare for traffic surprises, and scout out the location before the session. Riverview Park in Saint Joseph was such a win. It's this peaceful park right along the St. Joseph River, with trails, open fields, river views, and tons of space. While I was walking through the area, I spotted this bush bursting with the most vibrant yellow flowers, bright and happy, like spring decided to show up a little early. (Pretty sure it was forsythia, and it was absolutely glowing in the light!) That bush ended up being one of our favorite spots for the whole session! (I even went back to St. Joseph to capture another session with it!)


Vaneza and Cristian brought the best energy. We started with Cristian's truck to nail that country feel they were going for. Then made our way to the forsythia bush. The park gave us endless options: long dirt roads, wide grassy areas, and those pretty river backdrops!


I captured them being themselves, with a few playful moments mixed in (quick lifts, smiles by the yellow flowers). The whole session felt so natural and joyful, and it was a great reminder of why I love this work so much!


If you're in Grand Rapids, West Michigan, or even a bit farther out and thinking about a couples session, whether it's engagement, anniversary, or just to celebrate being together, I'd love to hear from you! I'm always up for traveling to spots like Saint Joseph or finding a local place that matches your vibe. Spring is coming up, and I’m looking forward to more days like this!!!


Here are some of my favorites from Vaneza and Cristian's session, hope they bring a smile!