Once Upon a Memory...telling your story.

2010 year in review.

2010-12-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

Thank YOU for helping make 2010 a successful year for Once Upon a Memory Photography...138 sessions and 9 weddings (82 new clients and 56 returning)! I am so grateful for your business and cannot wait to see what will be captured in 2011. Happy New Year!
Some of my favorite images from every session in 2010...

black friday special.

2010-11-25T23:05:00.003-05:00

One day only!

If you would like to take advantage of this special, email me for payment details.
onceuponamemory@hotmail.com

Happy Black Friday!

busy is a blessing.

2010-09-28T21:49:00.002-04:00

It can't believe that I haven't posted here in over a month! The summer flew by and now the fall season (always my busiest) is starting once again! The kids are back to school and I have been busy shooting (which limits my time for posting!). For right now, I will be sharing all of the sneak peeks from recent sessions on the Once Upon a Memory Facebook page. It seems that facebook is a bit easier to manage and upload to (and easy for the clients that are on facebook to share their sneak peeks with their friends and family). I hope to be back to blogging once the craziness settles down! Thank you to everyone that keeps me so busy...I will never complain! :)

the b family.

2010-08-19T01:27:00.004-04:00

the n family.

2010-08-19T01:22:00.004-04:00

the d family.

2010-08-19T01:20:00.004-04:00

senior story- sydney.

2010-08-11T12:28:00.007-04:00

Meet Sydney! She is a senior at Seaholm High School in Birmingham and we had a fun session on Sunday at Mill Race Village in Northville.
Isn't she beautiful?

Thank you Sydney for a fun session! I hope you like your sneak peek! Good luck to you this year!

senior story- hannah.

2010-08-11T12:23:00.007-04:00

Meet Hannah! She is a senior at Huron High School in Ann Arbor. Hannah (along with her mom and sister) showed me a new park and I had so much fun exploring it with them!
Such a cute model :)

Thank you Hannah for a fun session! Have a great senior year!

senior story- alexis.

2010-08-11T11:05:00.008-04:00

Meet Alexis! She is a senior at Belleville High school and the beautiful niece of my friend (and assistant) Jess! We spent time exploring Ann Arbor and had so much fun!

Thank you Alexis for being my first senior this year...I had so much fun with you! Have a great senior year!

portrait party.

2010-08-11T10:36:00.014-04:00

I recently photographed a portrait party at a beautiful home in Northville. It was a photographers dream and could have been straight out of the pages of a magazine...southern charm with a beautiful wrap around porch, a swing hanging from a tree, weeping willows, a pond (and the interior of the home was just as breathtaking!).
Meet sweet Serafina :) Her mom was the hostess of the party (thank you Meghan!)

Sweet Isla just turned six months old (you may remember her three month portraits from another portrait party session). This time mom and dad jumped in for a few shots :)

Meet Anaya and Cael! Anaya is three and Cael is celebrating his first birthday! These two were so cute!

Thank you to the guests that attended, and a special thank you to hostess Meghan (and her family that let us use their home). Galleries will be online soon!

the f family.

2010-08-11T10:33:00.007-04:00

Meet the F Family! I spent some time with them last week at their beautiful home.

Thank you for asking me to capture your beautiful family! I was so nice meeting you!

j and t.

2010-08-11T10:28:00.007-04:00

Meet Jaycee and Tyler! These two have been best friends for a long time and wanted to have a photo session before they both leave for college this fall. We spent the afternoon in Depot Town in Ypsilanti.
Aren't they cute?

Good luck to you Jaycee and Tyler! Thanks for a fun session!

mr. and mrs. d.

2010-08-11T09:57:00.013-04:00

On July 25th, I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Leah and Travis. They had their ceremony and reception at the beautiful Dearborn Inn. It was a beautiful day (spent with beautiful people).

Congratulations Leah and Travis! Thank you so much for asking me to capture the moments of your big day!

a+j.

2010-07-30T22:32:00.016-04:00

Meet Ashley and Jason! I have known Jason for over 20 years and I was happy that he asked me to photograph their engagement pictures (and wedding in 2011!). It was a HOT day but we made the best of it and had a fun session!

Congratulations Ashley and Jason! I am so happy for you and can't wait for the big day!

mr. and mrs. m.

2010-07-30T20:13:00.053-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful wedding of Amy and Chad! They were married on July 10th in Ann Arbor, surrounded by their family and friends. Here are some of my favorites from their special day!

Congratulations Amy and Chad! Thank you for letting me capture the moments of your big day!

miss z.

2010-07-30T19:52:00.019-04:00

Zoe is four! I have photographed this cutie since she was just a baby. She had so much fun being a model this time (she made my job easy!).

Thank you Zoe for such a fun session! I love seeing how big you have gotten and hope to see you again when you turn five!

baby b.

2010-07-30T19:46:00.011-04:00

Meet Bella! She is three months old and so sweet! She is the daughter of an old friend and I was so excited to meet her :)

Thank you Sabrina and Kyle for asking me to photograph your beautiful baby girl! I am so happy for you both!

love is in the air.

2010-07-30T19:38:00.012-04:00

Meet Ami and Michael! They have been married for 17 years and celebrated their wedding anniversary with a photo session. These two were so much fun (they spent most of the session giggling!).

Congratulations you two! Thank you for asking me to capture the love that you share.

mr. and mrs. b.

2010-07-26T16:46:00.086-04:00

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Christina and Chris. I met Christina when she was just out of high school and I have always loved hearing her stories of her amazing boyfriend and their big plans for their future. It was on Roosevelt Street that their love story began. As children, Nina and Chris grew up living across the street from each other in matching houses. Friendship turned to dating and love and eventually led them to their big day. I have never met a couple so perfect together. They are truly best friends that love life, travel and their puppy Mozie. Christina is a preschool teacher and loves the Pigeon book series (The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog). Chris wanted to propose to Nina in a unique way...and he did just that. He told their love story from the very beginning with their very own Pigeon book.
He showed up at work and handed her the book that would change her life...
{click on the images to read just a few of my favorite pages}

and as she read this page, Chris got down on one knee...

And now I am happy to tell you the story of their day...
We started out with Christina and her favorite ladies getting ready at her apartment. There was laughter and excited smiles for the big day ahead.

Little Mozie was very excited that her mom and dad's wedding day was finally here!

While she had her hair and makeup done, Christina read her vows.

Christina with her girls.

<3

We left the apartment and headed over to the ceremony location, the beautiful VanHoosen Farm.

The bridal suite at the Van Hoosen farm had an antique wedding gown worn in 1936.

Such a stunning bride.

Hanging from the bouquet were beautiful antique frames with portraits of Christina's grandparents.

Christina and her bridesmaids...so pretty!

The handsome groom Chris.

Chris' boutonniere had a personal touch with an England pin.

Chris and his groomsmen.

Guests were treated to a lemonade stand before their walk to the ceremony site. Lemonade, Iced Tea and water jugs were lined up to fill old fashioned mason jars.

Christina and her dad made their way from the farmhouse and across the bridge to see her groom waiting for her by the stream under a magnificent tree.

Chris and Nina exchanged vows under the tree...and although it was a hot day, a beautiful breeze swept it's way though the entire ceremony. It was perfect.

Love this ceremony moment.

Married!

I love this pic of Christina with her nieces and nephew :)

One of my new favorite bridal party shots!

Love this.

Every detail at the reception was so personal and very much 'Chris and Nina'. They displayed wedding portraits of family members and even had wedding Mad Libs for the guests to fill out.

Each table was named after a street somewhere in the world that was significant to the happy couple. They love to travel and have been to so many amazing places. They are currently exploring Scotland on their honeymoon (and when I say exploring, I mean just that...these two have their trip itineraries planned well in advance to see every historical landmark each country has to offer!).

Place cards were pinned to a map of the world...just another personal touch from the travelling lovebirds.

Kudos to Just Baked in Novi for the cupcakes that were {almost} too pretty to eat!

I love the hand painted cake topper....so personal and cute!

First dance <3

The photo booth was a huge hit and was busy all night!

Christina's cousin Jason serenaded the couple...one of my favorite moment's of the night.

They even had a limbo competition!

Dancing guests were working up an appetite and were not disappointed when the coney dog buffet came out!

I am not quite sure why the ringbearer was covered in birthday stickers but he sure was cute! :)

Kaylie caught the bouquet! :)

One of the many highlights of the evening was the swaying circle of friends and family during Billy Joel's Piano Man.

and to end...a few rock shots :)

Congratulations Christina and Chris! You two are a beautiful example of true love and it was an honor to be a part of your day. xoxo

turning one.

2010-07-07T21:57:00.019-04:00

Meet Ava! She is celebrating her first birthday! It was a very hot day on Monday but she was a trooper and so cute!

Happy Birthday Ava! Thank you for being such an adorable model and a big thanks to mom, big brother and big sister (and my assistant Melissa) for your help in the heat!

ready and waiting.

2010-07-07T20:17:00.020-04:00

When my friends Petra and Robert told me that they were planning to adopt I was so happy for them! Part of the adoption process is providing an adoption profile with pictures that give a sneak peek into their life. I was excited when they asked me to help out!

Petra and Robert are already parents to their fur kids Jolie, Lilah and Puppy!

Jolie.

Puppy.

Lilah.

The jeep is a big part of their life so it was fitting to photograph them sitting in it!

Through every twist and turn along the way...

Good Luck Petra and Robert! I am so excited for you and cannot wait to meet your new addition when he or she arrives!!

one.

2010-06-29T00:21:00.019-04:00

Miss Reagan just turned one! She was so much fun to photograph and I couldn't wait to share her sneak peek!

Love this one! She is so cute!

We ended the session with a little cake for the birthday girl!

Happy 1st Birthday sweet girl! xoxo

baby d.

2010-06-28T22:06:00.010-04:00

I was so happy to see Dominic again today! He is already nine months old!
Isn't he cute??

Love this shot with his daddy :)

Thank you Dominic for being such a good model today! :)

reunited.

2010-06-27T22:47:00.023-04:00

I had so much fun with this group of seven college girlfriends (11 years of friendship and counting)! They live all over the United States and reunite once a year. I was excited when I was asked to capture this years reunion. The last member of the group flew in just before I arrived. The backyard was a perfect setting. There were stories shared and dance moves revived. Old familiar music, good food, drinks and laughter (so much laughter). It was a beautiful thing. The pictures really speak for themselves.

Making the 'H' for their dorm Hanley Hall :)

I loved that I never had to pose them...this group had plenty of ideas!

Thank you ladies for allowing me to spend a short time with you. You are a beautiful example of friendship (and a reminder of how precious my friends are to me). Cheers :)

portrait party

2010-06-27T22:16:00.026-04:00

I had so much fun at today's portrait party! We lucked out with a short party because the storm clouds rolled in as soon as it was over.
Meet Lucy!

Lucy brought along her new baby sister Fiona!

I love baby toes!

Meet Jake and his mom!

Jake :)

Meet brothers Cameron and Jackson!

Cameron :)

Jack :)

This guy was actually hiding in every picture I took of Jack so he got to be in the last shot! :)

Meet the K family!

Vaughn and Shay :)

Thank you to everyone that attended the party and a big thank you to Tammy for hosting! Proofs will be online soon!

7 months old.

2010-06-24T23:44:00.008-04:00

Meet 7 month old Aubryn! She has such a sweet personality and was so much fun to photograph.

Thank you Aubryn for being such a good model!

WDIV Vote 4 the Best Contest!

2010-06-22T21:14:00.002-04:00

I am excited that Once Upon a Memory has been nominated again this year in the WDIV Vote 4 the Best Contest! I was honored to be in the top 10 last year and I am hoping to be there again with your help!
Click on the badge below to place your vote! I really appreciate it!

the b family.

2010-06-21T22:37:00.019-04:00

Today I photographed the B Family! Little Patrick is seven months old and so cute! We spent some time in his adorable nursery.

We ended the session outside! It was a beautiful day :)

I have always said that the little ones are the boss of the session...they call the shots and tell me when they are done. Big yawns and this model is spent :)

Thank you B Family for a fun session!

nine months.

2010-06-18T14:55:00.013-04:00

I had a mini session with my nephew Gavin for his nine month pics! Isn't he cute?

Love you Gavin! xoxo
Aunt Robin

happy birthday v.

2010-06-14T01:03:00.016-04:00

It's hard to believe that one of my favorite newborns is celebrating her first birthday! I met Vivienne one year ago when she was just tiny :)

she's a big girl now! and so happy!

Big sister Amelia modeled for me too! So pretty :)

We ended the session with the whole family!

Happy 1st Birthday Viv! Thanks S Family for a fun day!!

the d family.

2010-06-13T22:05:00.019-04:00

Meet the D family! They are such a sweet family (and cute too!).

I love these shots with dad and his boys...perfect timing for Father's Day!

Shane is so sweet.

Evan and his cool guy shot :)

Thanks D Family for a fun session and congrats on expecting baby #3! So happy for you!

here fishy fishy.

2010-06-13T15:57:00.005-04:00

family time.

2010-06-12T15:28:00.013-04:00

I spent some time with Grant and Gavin again (and their mom, dad and grandma!). This time around proved to be a bit more challenging than last time since we were outdoors and the boys could RUN! They were busy boys having a great time and my camera worked fast to catch them!
The family :)

Grant was shy and wanted to be close to mom...he is so sweet!

Handsome Gavin...he had a haircut since our session this winter! So cute!

Grandma joined in at the very end of our session!

Thanks Grant and Gavin for a fun session (and a big thanks to mom, dad and Grandma for helping to wrangle them up!).

two weeks old.

2010-06-10T23:02:00.018-04:00

May 24th welcomed another sweet little one. When I first arrived at the C family home, I looked around for the perfect setting for the session. As soon as I peeked into Isabella's nursery, I was inspired. So beautiful.
Click on the image to see the details up close.

Isabella was determined to stay awake for the session. It took some time and patience but eventually she was off to dream land :)

Welcome to the world Isabella. I am so glad I had the chance to meet you! A special thanks to mom and dad for being so patient...the time we spent was worth it!

welcome to the world.

2010-06-10T22:30:00.016-04:00

I was so excited to meet and photograph the newest addition of the N family! Baby Leni arrived on May 24th. She is just perfect.

One of my faves.

On the blanket made with love by Grandma.

I had this one in mind to match a shot we did of big sister Layla when she was new :)

Happy family :)

Proud big sister Layla.

I love this one.

Congratulations Alyssa and Matt! I am so happy for you!

baby b.

2010-05-31T19:58:00.022-04:00

Meet Brenden! He is my cousin Andrea's newest bundle of joy and I was so excited to meet (and photograph) him!
He is so sweet :)

I love this look of wonder :)

Big brother Zachary was so patient during our session and I wanted to sneak a few shots of him too!
He started off a little shy and blocked his face with his sock... :)

but soon the smiles came out!

Congratulations Andrea and Steve! He is beautiful and I am so happy for you!

happy birthday babies.

2010-05-31T15:57:00.035-04:00

Laynie and Rylie are turning one tomorrow! We had a fun session to mark this happy milestone. They had a great time running around at the park (which proved to be a bigger challenge than their six month session!).
They are so cute!

Miss Laynie.

Miss Rylie.

One of my many favorites.

Need happy babies? There's an app for that!!

We ended the session with a fun cake smash!

Happy Birthday girls! I hope you had fun at your party today!!
A big thanks to mom, dad and Aunt Jen for helping us keep them entertained!

miss a.

2010-05-29T19:31:00.016-04:00

On Sunday, I photographed 6 month old Ava (and her mom and dad too!). She has changed so much since our last session!
We were fortunate enough to use her grandparents yard for a beautiful backdrop of Belleville Lake.

Can't wait to see how big you are next time Ava!

family ties.

2010-05-26T23:27:00.034-04:00

I love that facebook is reconnecting me with so many old friends! Sarah and I have known each other since elementary school. I was so happy when she contacted me for a family session.
Sarah and her girls Emily and Kelsey.

Sarah's mom, brother and his girlfriend were all there for a family shot!

The puppies joined in for a shot too!

Kelsey had fun being a model!

Beauty full.

We spent the rest of the session with Emily and her horse Zee!
My favorite. :)

So pretty!

Even Zee wanted to smile for the camera! :)

Thank you Sarah for asking me to photograph your family. It was so nice to see you!

sisters.

2010-05-26T22:57:00.016-04:00

I spent some time recently with two of my favorite subjects Whitney and Natalie!
Whitney is 9 months old and so cute!

Sweet Natalie just turned six years old! She is getting so big and she has less teeth this time!

Thanks girls for coming over to play with me!

one big happy.

2010-05-26T22:14:00.019-04:00

Meet one of my favorite families! I had so much fun with them for a mini session in our backyard. You may recognize mom Dusty...she has been my right hand girl lately assisting me with recent sessions (she is also helping me keep my life organized and I am so grateful to her!). If you are ever in need of cleaning services, she is the one to call (contact me for her info) :)
I have had the pleasure of photographing Dusty and Larry's wedding, their maternity session, little Ruger's baby pics and this time the whole family!

Ruger.

Kendall.

Brendon.

Sydney.

Thanks for coming over and having fun! See you soon!!

L+J.

2010-05-26T20:40:00.024-04:00

I am so happy for my cousin Lisa and her husband-to-be Jim! They are getting married in August. I had a mini engagement session with them on the day of their wedding shower! These two are so cute and always smiling (it's hard not to with a character like Jim!).

After our quick session, we headed over to their wedding shower!

Love all of the pink shower details!

The pink Flamingos are symbolic (they will be tying the knot at the Flamingo Hotel in Vegas)!

This is the picture of Jim's unique proposal! While riding the Millenium Force at Cedar Point, Jim held up a sign (without Lisa knowing) that said 'Will You?' when the rollercoaster camera went off. When they went to see their picture, Lisa noticed the sign and turned around to find Jim on his knee with the ring! Love it!

Jim kept a room full of ladies entertained with his enthusiasm over each gift :)

Congratulations Lisa and Jim...I can't wait to capture more special moments at your reception!!

mr. and mrs. w.

2010-05-26T00:28:00.063-04:00

I was excited to photograph the wedding of Josh and Samantha! They were married May 15th and had a beautiful day.

I love this shot from my assistant Hollie (of Hollie Marie Photography)!

Another great one from Hollie!

The reception details (by Dooby Design Group) were absolutely stunning.

Love these next two shots from Hollie.

Congratulations Josh and Sam! Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day!

five.

2010-05-16T23:36:00.019-04:00

Last week, I was excited to photograph five year old A.J.! His mom and I were in high school choir together and we have facebook to thank for reconnecting us.
Isn't he handsome?

Mom and grandma joined in for a few shots too!

love those eyelashes.

Thank you A.J. for being such a great model and a specials thanks to LeKisha for asking me to photograph your handsome guy!

onederful.

2010-05-13T00:45:00.018-04:00

Meet one year old Megan! I photographed this cutie last Sunday and she was so much fun!

So happy!

Big sister Grace joined us for a few shots too!

In her special chair :)

Happy Birthday Megan! Thank you for playing with me!

cast your vote.

2010-05-12T20:23:00.006-04:00

Voting is underway for the Once Upon a Memory Cutest Kid Contest (exclusively on Facebook)! Head over to the Once Upon a Memory Facebook page to cast your vote. Before you can vote, you need to 'Like'/Become a Fan of the Once Upon a Memory Facebook page. Then go to 'photos' and find the Cutest Kid album. Once you find the cute kid you would like to vote for, comment under that picture. The picture that has the most comments will win a session, 1-8x10, 2-5x7's and 8 wallets! Only one vote per person on each entry (you may vote for multiple entries). Voting ends May 19th! Good luck to all of the cute kids!

ten days old.

2010-05-07T14:17:00.013-04:00

On Monday, I photographed ten day old Bryan. He is the sweetest baby and was such a cooperative model.
As soon as I walked into the M family's home, I saw the huge picture of the Eiffel Tower on the wall (and then noticed a whole collection of Eiffel Towers!).
Love it!

Welcome to the world Bryan! A special thank you to mom and dad Katy and Patrick for asking me to capture your sweet new addition.