kelly + calvin, engagement photos at Flushing Township Nature Park in Flushing, Michigan

Wow, five months into 2020, and I just completed my first session of the year! Does anyone remember me saying I wanted to complete at least 12 sessions in 2020?! This pandemic has, without a doubt, brought a lot of bad with it. If I am being honest though, it has also brought a lot of good into my life personally. Regular life is crazy busy and there isn't usually enough time to work full-time at the hotel, help at home, spend time with my family, take photos, create social media content, AND work on nailing down my website and media SEO.

And if it weren't for the pandemic, I might not have had the chance to take these photos of my stunning cousin and soon-to-be cousin-in-law!

Before I dive into Kelly and Calvin as a couple, I want to just humbly brag about how much light Kelly brings into my world. Being that she is my younger cousin, I have pretty much known Kelly my entire life. We have countless photos together from various family events. We have had sleepovers and fun in the pool, girl talk and plenty of adventures. There have been weekends filled with movies, candy, and crafting. She witnessed me hit my first and only car (it was parked too!). We have shared so many of the same interests from photography to both working at Disney World.

Besides all of that, I think one of the best ways to describe Kelly's sweetness is through a short story. When I think of Kelly's personality, I easily reflect back on one simple, but hilarious (to me?) memory. You see, when we were much younger, our families attended a Lonestar concert at the once renowned Showboat Music Festival in Chesaning, Michigan. At this festival there was a craft show, and at this craft show, there was a mini renaissance festival. As we were browsing the booths, a man approached me with a felt bag.

At the time, I had no idea that there was a renaissance group there. And actually, at that time, I don't think I even knew what a renaissance festival was! So, when this man asked me if I could hold onto his bag for him, I was a little confused, but took them from him figuring he just needed his hands free for a moment. Moments after I took the bag from him though, I found myself suddenly accused of having stolen the King's jewels! My family was brought in front of the King's throne where I was given the choice to either sing some sort of silly song in front of the public or to be put in the stocks and have water-filled sponges wrung out over my head. Being a quiet person who tends not to sing very often, I easily chose the second option. Somewhat mortified, I was placed in the stocks, and my family members were handed a container of water and several sponges. When I tell you that everyone in my family eagerly took advantage of soaking me in water, I mean it. Everyone soaked their sponges, smashed them or intensely wrung them out over my head.

Except Kelly.

Kelly walked up to the stocks with her water-soaked sponge and lightly patted it on the top of my head so hardly any water came out.

It was such a sweet glimpse into who Kelly was becoming and who she already was at that age and a moment I will clearly never forget. Basically, what I am trying to say is that it has been amazing having someone like Kelly in my life, and I am so HONORED to have not only been able to capture some photos for her and Calvin, but to also be standing at their side as they exchange vows in 2021!

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Now, back to Kelly and Calvin as a couple! These two lovers met through a mutual best friend towards the end of their high school careers. It was prom season when said mutual friend told Kelly that Calvin had been considering asking her to Calvin's prom. The two of them had only met very briefly a couple of times before this, but when Kelly found out Calvin was interested in her, that's when they really started to talk. After weeks of texting back and forth, they soon they decided to officially-officially meet in person. Calvin visited Kelly's house, wearing the same black-and-white checkered converses as Kelly. That very same day, he also met Kelly's parents. Obviously, they hit it off pretty well, because they ended up attending both his and her proms together, and now, a handful of years later, are preparing to tie the knot! To put some perspective on their relationship's foundation and how long the two of them have already been dating, here is this little fact for you: Calvin just recently graduated with his bachelors from Wayne State University! If you're reading this, make sure to send a big congratulations his way!

Like me, Calvin is a fairly quiet person. When he talks, it is because he truly has something to say. He is such an intelligent guy who clearly brings a lot of joy and laughter into Kelly's life. And my gosh, is he funny! I think this engagement photo session was the first time that I was able to truly see the two of them in their element, away from family, public eyes, and the noise the rest of the world can bring.

Because nature is really important to the two of them (they spend a lot of time visiting Stony Creek Metro Park together), we chose to take their photos at the Flushing Township Nature Park in Flushing Township, Michigan. Here, we were able to easily social distance and keep away from others who might be uncomfortable being around people not wearing masks. It was a perfect day for photos too. The light was beautiful with an overcast sky creating a magnificent soft box for my camera to work with. The temperature was perfect for walking the nature preserve, and we even managed to beat the drizzle that was in the forecast for that afternoon! Like most of my sessions, we went over the scheduled session length, because we were so busy having fun! And walking. We did a lot of walking!

We started the session with some formal photos to help ease any awkwardness they might have felt in front of the camera. Would you believe though, that these are the first photos Calvin and Kelly have had taken of themselves as a couple? Out of all of these years dating, their photo collection mostly consists of selfies and a couple of photos taken at Disney World! Honestly, if they had not told me this, I would have never known. The two of them were such naturals in front of the camera! They were relaxed and seemed to be focused on just soaking up this unique time together.

Once those photos were out of the way, we moved onto some fun, laugh-provoking poses. They whispered jokes, stories, and secrets into each other's ears with a couple of reminders from me to actually whisper. I did not need to be the one hearing any secrets shared! I had them practice their slowest and most dramatic Hollywood kiss and play a game where they were bound to run into each other at some point! Everyone genuinely enjoyed themselves! It was so special to see Calvin and Kelly, as partners, away from all distractions.

I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to witness their love for each other and to have taken their first photos. Thank you, Kelly and Calvin, for bringing another wonderful memory into my life. I'm wishing you the best always.

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A few of my typical side notes:

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