Julie, Paul, David, and Addison {Big News}

I was blessed to spend a beautiful afternoon catching up with Julie, Paul and their kids at Calvin College.  I couldn't believe how much they had grown since last year's pictures!  They used this shoot to share with friends that they're adding a new little on to their family.

Congratulations Julie and Paul!

Demoor-Tannor Family

This beautiful family is so dear to my heart.  I was honored to be able to spend an afternoon documenting this special time in their lives. 

Josiah {Gotcha Day}

My wonderful friends (and bosses) have a big day today.  You may remember Jon and Lauren from my post about 3:11 Youth Housing.  If you have time, check out their great organization. 

Today we celebrate as the little boy who won their hearts months ago became 'theirs' in the eyes of the court as well.  Welcome to your forever family Josiah!

Since I have more tears than words, I'll just leave you with their family pictures.   

So happy for you friends!

Walter + Kerrah {Pure Joy}

Please join me in congratulating Walter and Kerrah on their engagement last night at Bostwick Lake Inn.  Surrounded by family and friends, Walter surprised Kerrah by asking her to marry him.  And she said 'yes!'  It was a beautiful moment.  Take a look.     

Congratulations you two!

Lyza {5 days old}

There's something so incredibly special about being asked to take newborn pictures for a family. It makes my heart smile.  Lyza is such a sweet little one.  I was honored to take her pictures and blessed to get to know her family better.  Congratulations Emily and Nate!     

 

3:11 Youth Housing {Welcome Home}

On any given night in Grand Rapids, there are 80 youth experiencing homelessness.

Meet Jon and Lauren. 

In 2012, as Jon and Lauren were praying about their next steps, they were approached at youth group with the idea of beginning a youth housing program.  Lauren and Jon, in partnership with youth, community members, and local organizations launched 3:11 Youth Housing.  Their mission is to develop safe, affordable housing for youth experiencing homelessness and partner in their transition to healthy interdependence.  Read their amazing story here.   

We walk alongside each young person who moves into 3:11, setting goals together that make sense for their life circumstances. We eat weekly meals together as a community and develop relationships through intentional conversation. Overall, we engage with young people from their point of reference and walk with them as they move themselves to the next step in their lives.

This past March they celebrated their Second Annual Welcome Home Event.  The event was filled with 3:11 family, friends, alumni, and partners.  It was an opportunity to share progress made in the past year and a chance to express their vision going forward.   

Kayla welcomed everyone to the event and shared about the history of 3:11.

 In the past 5 years, 3:11 has seen the following results:

• 10 youth housed 
•  4 young people are safe and stably housed after moving on from a 3:11 home
•  8 stable employments and 4 young people receiving job promotions
•  Our youth have saved over $2500 for future housing through their rental savings accounts
•  3 alumni mentoring new youth and engaging in alumni programming

Silent auction bidding had guests watching their phones to see if their bid was the highest. 

 

The event sold out and had a great mix of new and returning supporters.

Support 3:11 Youth Housing by becoming a Brick Layer today.

Reouniah {Our Blessing}

It's been a wonderful whirlwind of 6 months.  I've been enjoying getting to know our beautiful daughter, Reouniah (rO-nI-yah).  Her name combines my husband's tribal language of Ngambaye with Swahili to mean 'road with a purpose'.  She is precious and oh so sweet.  We are blessed.  

And I've of course had a blast taking her picture.  =)  She's growing so fast.  Slow down little one.