Baby Zachary! Newborn Session, Lansing, IL

“For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart.” -Bible, 1 Samuel 1:27

If you’re a personal friend, or a long time blog reader with an excellent memory, then you will recognize Megs and Cam.  I met Megs my first year in Indy, and eventually we were roommates, and then when Ronald and I moved to South Bend, we met Cam.  I DEFINITELY introduced the two of them, and then I got out of the matchmaking business [because 100% success rate guys!]

Megan is one of my bestest friends.  She’s the one that went to see Matchbox 20 with me a couple years ago [it was my ‘Push’ present after delivering Zander]…. [get it?  get it?!?!].  She’s my Grey’s Anatomy buddy, and on-again-off-again Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving partner-in-the-kitchen [the only time I really plan meals and attempt cooking].

ANYWAY, she’s rad.

Cam’s not too bad either [duh].

I drove up to Chicago-land to visit them, and their new tiny human… meet Zachary!!!  I don’t think I fully understood when people would post things about “For this child I have prayed”.  I got it a little bit, but experiencing with my friends this long awaited journey, and the yearning, and waiting, was such an experience.  I still obviously don’t have first hand knowledge of this kind of waiting, but the joy I feel when I think about having Zachary here after their waiting, makes my throat tighten and my eyes water.

Zachary, you are a wished for child.  A child that has been prayed for and about for SO long.  You are a long awaited gift to your parents, and I can’t wait to see who you grow up to be.

…..Also I don’t care what Ronald says, even though there are two years between you and Zander, YOU WILL BE BEST FRIENDS!!!!!

Meg’s, I love you!  You and Cam created a beautiful tiny human and I’m so excited to see you jump into parenting.

Cam, to see how good you are at seeing your wife’s needs, and jumping in to change diapers, or bounce the baby… is so so beautiful.

Parenting is a crazy, awesome, amazing, journey, and I’m so excited for you guys and Zachary.  Thanks for inviting me to photograph your beautiful wonderful wished for family!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!
~Maike

*ps: If grandma and grandpa are visiting when we take photos, you might go ahead and prepare them to be in photos too, because we’re definitely making that happen.

Cath and Conor! South Bend/Notre Dame, Indiana Wedding

“I’m coming to liberate you, confiscate you, I want to be your man” – Bruce Springsteen

First wedding of 2019 for M.Rinaye!  Welcome Cath and Conor to the blog again!  [I just blogged their engagement session that we photographed the day before in downtown South Bend, see it HERE].

You guys!  What a gorgeous wedding!  I mean, Basilica weddings are generally pretty beautiful, but woah for this wedding.  AND, since it was the first weekend of March, in northern Indiana, there was a pretty big possibly the weather wasn’t going to be great, and possibly there could be snow on the ground.  BUT, the weather was warmer than the 9* that was predicted the week before, and there was no snow on the ground, and I think generally we kept everyone moving fast enough that we didn’t freeze terribly bad to get some beautiful photographs of their wedding day.

Cath is friends with my past brides Molly and her sister Morgan, and guys, I love every wedding, but seeing the same people over and over at weddings makes it feel SO much like I’m just part of the family. celebrating all the awesome love and marriages with my people!

So favorite parts of this wedding: the green room in Cath’s parents house we used for Cath’s bridal portraits [guys, I saw the room, and the lighting and was like, THIS is going to be amazing, and scroll on down because I was not wrong], Cath’s AMAZING sparkly shoes!  [seriously, as soon as I find some sparkle shoes I can shoot in, I’m buying them], the beautiful hallway of memories [see below for story], green three leaf clover sticker patches for all the guests [so unique!  I’ve never seen this before but I love it so much], the Corby’s experience [my first time in!], the most amazing band I’ve ever heard in my life [seriously, hire them, they’re AMAZING], and glow stick wands AND lastly, the epic dance/experience to Rolling on The River [figure out a way to be invited to their next wedding and GET IN ON THAT DANCE; it’s hilarious and awesome and amazing].

Cath and Conor, you’re day was just as delightful as the two of you are.  I can’t wait to finish up your full gallery and start designing your wedding album!

Cheers!
~Maike

*Cath has to be the MOST amazing aunt of all time.

*drool worthy, right?  I told you!

*Okay, so this photo above guys.  I was talking to Cath [or a sister?] about it, and how when their parents were first married, her mom ran across a framer who was going out of business, and had all these collage frames [like 30 of them], so she bought them all up, and each year for Christmas, she gifted one to her husband with a selection of last years photographs.  Every. Year.  She eventually ran out and had to get a new framer to match the old frames/mats, but she’s kept it up every year that they’ve been married.  So obviously after I saw the wall, and knew the importance [and also how many photos were scattered around their house], I was like, “We NEED a photo in there.” So we’re just about to leave, but I’m like, “One more!”…. and I couldn’t even give them the prompt of what to do before I was tearing up [having a kid CHANGES you guys; it makes you understand and feel so much more than before].  After finally sputtering out the directions, Cath and her momma walking down the hall of memories is one of my favorite captures.

*That Basilica blue ceiling, right?!?!  All the heart eyes.

*This is why you hire a second shooter.  Shout out to Peter for this amazing photo!

Hair : Traci from Bangs Salon and Spa

Make Up : Summer from Bangs Salon and Spa

Flowers : Polly from Poppies

Ceremony : Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Reception Venue : Palais Royale

Music : Rendezvous

Catering : Navarre Hospitality Group

Dress : Flair (Boston) – Theia

Brides Shoes : Nordstrom – Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaids Dresses : Elizabeth Johns (Philadelphia) – Amsale

MUSIC:
bride & groom first dance : Thunder Road, Bruce Springsteen
father & daughter dance : Beauty and the Beast/Higher and Higher, Jackie Wilson
mother & son dance : Fly Eagles Fly/ Days Like This, Van Morrison

BRIDE & GROOM Q&A:

Most memorable moment?

Cath : Seeing Conor when the doors opened at the Basilica as well as serving communion to all of our guests during mass and working behind the bar at Corby’s before the reception.

Conor : Watching Cath walk down the aisle.

Advice for future brides/grooms?

Cath : Take a step back every hour and soak it all in as you are surrounded by family and friends. Things will go wrong, but at the end of the day, you are married and that is what you came here to do!

Conor : Relax and enjoy it!

Funniest memory?

Cath : Watching our flower girls (nieces on both sides of the family) dancing the night away while everyone else was enjoying dinner.

Conor : Watching our friends on the dance floor.

If you could do it all over would you change anything?

Cath : No – it was so great and we were surrounded by so much love.

Conor : No

Honeymoon?

Yes! We’re staying at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, SC – it’s amazing!!!

Any others vendors you want to give a shout out to?

My dear friend, Emily C. Bailey, a graphic designer, created all of our printed materials – save the dates, invitations, programs, weekend details, place cards, and table menus. Our musicians at the Basilica were fantastic! Karen Kirner, organist, Rudy Reyes, vocalist, Jim Carter, trumpeter, and Morrow String Quartet were fabulous. Jake Stutzman from Vibe Videography was also incredible – can’t wait to see what he puts together! LaSalle Hospitality Group was fabulous for Friday night rehearsal and welcome party. The Embassy Suites South Bend at Notre Dame team was fantastic with different requests for our guests as well as hosting the post game after the reception.

Cath and Conor! Engagement Session, South Bend, Indiana

“Have a little faith, there’s magic in the night” – Bruce Springsteen Welcome to the first engagement session of 2019!  Yay!!!

So generally speaking, I try to meet up with clients in person to chat, and then we do an engagement session a few months before, but sometimes neither of those things are do-able.  Which was the case with Cath and Conor.  We did all our pre-wedding chatting on the phone and on-line, and then, we got together the Friday before their Basilica wedding to do a quick engagement session.

BUT, this quick engagement session was delightful and the images are GORGEOUS.  Cath had given me a heads up that Conors least favorite activity might be having his photo taken.  Side note, I get this A LOT from guys, but I promise, I do my best to make it as least painful as possible, AND hopefully also fun.  I mean, you’re hanging out with your favorite person, and flirting through a couple hours, while I happen to be hanging out with you, taking photos and chatting.

So yes.  Even if you’re coming from out of town for your wedding, and have to cram in a quick engagement session the day before your wedding, DO IT!  It breaks the ice with your photographer, it lets you feel better in front of the camera, and sets you up for success on your wedding day.   Win win win.

Without further ado, here’s my favorites from their engagement session!

Cheers!
~Maike

Julie and Krishna and son Auguste! Stylized Wedding Shoot at The Speak Easy, Indianapolis, Indiana

“I wish I’d done everything on Earth with you.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby 

I met Julie at the dress fitting at LUXEredux Bridal Boutique, and she had her hair all pulled back.  Towards the end we were talking about what we should do with her hair, and she let it all down, and it was SO SO SO LONG AND GLORIOUS!  Like Howard and Walt, Julie and Krishna also had an alternative wedding.  If I’m remembering correctly, it was something like, they were recently out of school, all their friends were scattered all over the world, and it just wasn’t an option, so they eloped!  [Which I think is still a romanic awesome story].  So once again we were photographing a couple who never had all the glitz and glam of a wedding with professional photographs!

Their little kiddo Auguste, was SO much fun to photograph.  Julie said he’d never seen her all done up with her hair and make up stylized.  When he saw her for the first time, he was kind of shy, which I found out later, was so NOT him [see every photo where he’s cheesing and totally loving all the attention].

And mad props to Julie for braving the cold for the shoot!  You did excellent!  I could only see your goosebumps a little bit ;).

And Hello Gorgeous you did AMAZING on her hair and make up.  I didn’t know what was up your sleeve for all that hair, but the style you created was such a PERFECT match for the dress and the feel of the shoot!

This blog post concludes the Speak Easy Stylized shoot blog features!  It was a lot of work, but MAN, I am proud of the beautiful images we created together.  Thanks to all the awesome vendors who made this possible, especially Kaitlin with It’s KEE Events; I could NOT have done it without your amazing planning skills [guys, hire her, seriously].

Cheers!
~Maike

PS: Julie and Krishna, I can’t wait to photograph your family images!  This was awesome, but it’s going to be so much fun having a chance to hang out, play, and ya know, not be worried about freezing, or dripping an applesauce pouch on your clothes before we have a chance to photograph you ;).

*I don’t think I have every loved a dress image more than this beauty hanging on the art at The Speak Easy.  It’s like it’s PART of the art work!  I LOVE it.
*I told you guys, LONG LONG HAIR!  Next session we do Julie, we need to have them curl it and wear it long!  It’s so pretty!
*If we do a shoot together, and you come looking cute, and working on your thing, I will PROBABLY steal a photo of you.  Because how delightful does Lisa look here?  Totally in her floral element! 
*Sometimes I think about if I were getting married this year, what dress would I wear.  And I can’t say for certain [I didn’t try this dress on], but there is something about this flowey, flowery, Greek goddess, sweet, dress that is SO appealing to me.  It’s dressy, and absolutely feminine without being uncomfortable [and as a woman in her 30’s, comfort is pretty much top of my outfit choices these days].
*Shout out to Lydia with To Be Written Shop , she did all the awesome windows with quotes on them.  They were such a delightful addition to our shoot!  If you want to jazz up your wedding space with meaningful words, you should 100% check her out!
*The Speak Easy is FULL of sweet little nooks.  This is the bar area, so it’s front and center, but seriously!  We didn’t even use all the spaces we COULD have used.

Venue : The Speak Easy [Jessica]

Wedding Day Planner : It’s KEE Events [Kaitlin]

Bride/Groom/Kiddo Model : Julie, Krishna and Auguste

Hair/Make Up : Hello Gorgeous [Maddie & Kendra]

Wedding Dress : LUXEredux Bridal Boutique [Lexie]

Florals :  Where Pigs Fly and Such [Lisa]

Suspenders/Bow Tie/Bridal Clutch : Dapper Gent [Colleen]

Hanging Windows/Greenery/Dining Table Florals : Where Pigs Fly and Such [Lisa]

Vintage Wedding Ring : Katie Carder Fine Jewelry

Calligrapher : To Be Written Shop [Lydia]

Boyle Family! Family Photography, Indianapolis, Indiana

“Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing.” – Ricki Lake

From the moment I chatted with Rebecca on the phone, I was like, “She’s cool”.  And then getting to meet Ryan and their beautiful daughter Leona, pretty much solidified their awesomeness.

I often get to photograph newborns, and one year olds, but it’s not often I get to photograph the in-between stages!  So photographing smiley 7 month old Leona was DELIGHTFUL!  Anyone who has kiddos and can remember back in the post-newborn, pre-toddler days, where routine was key, and short windows of time where you planned anything you needed to get done for the day, between naps and eating, and diaper changes, remembers the challenges.  So we had this block of time to squeeze in all the smiles with Leona and her parents, and even though Leona woke up early from her nap, she was a TROUPER!

While I was there, Rebecca and I talked about transitioning into motherhood, and how each of us have different challenges.  Fighting for balance, still holding onto your self identity after baby comes, dealing with poop, etc.  It reminded me how important it is to realize and love into the fact each mommy [and daddy], leans into parenting differently.  And how what makes me a great mom, or the things I need to do/be to be a great mom, might be different than what makes you a great mom.  Working, not working, breast feeding, formula feeding.  Everyone is trying to figure things out. There is no one right way for motherhood, and knowing yourself is an important part in being the best mom you can be.

Boyle family, it was so fun to visit your Fountain Square home and photograph your beautiful daughter, and your super sweet fun loving pup!

So excited to share these family portraits with you!  Cheers to parenthood and all the new learning curves that come with it!  You guys are doing an awesome job!

Cheers!
~Maike

Cecilia! Newborn Baby Photography Session, Indianapolis, Indiana

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” – Mother Teresa

So, even though I shared a couple post prior that I do HAVE studio availability now, I still really enjoy a lovely at home session.  OKAY, really guys, I suppose the truth is I just love my job, and there are perks to both a studio session AND a home session.  You’ve got to choose what’s right for you :).

With that being said, welcome this beautiful family to the blog!  Colleen and David added baby Cecilia to the mix just over a week before these photos were taken.  And the puppies Nala and Nelly seem to more or less approve of the addition [perk 1 of having a home session; we can attempt some photos with the doggies, but if they’re stressing us out, or just not playing along well, we can easily kick them out of the photoshoot].

I LOVED this shoot.  I know being new mom/dad, there are things you might stress out about, but really, we go with the flow.  If we need to take a break to nurse, change a diaper, rock, etc.  We do that!  It’s not a big deal.  When Ceci got hungry, we took a little break and David and I chatted about tattoos.

Perk number 2 of in home sessions: we get to incorporate your space and the things that are important to you into the shoot.  SUCH AS…. *drum roll please* [ha ha!] Davids drum set!  David, his dad, and grandad are all drummers, and the set he has in the basement, was his grandfathers set [how cool!]  You can see his grandfather playing the same set in the black and white photo hung behind it [how awesome is that!]

And perk number 3 of in home session: I can come up with random ideas as I get to know you.  Colleen and David met at IU, and wanted to incorporate an IU swaddle into the session, and in the last 10 minutes of the shoot, I was like, “Wait!  I have an idea!  You guys have IU sweatshirts, right?  Let’s put them on!”  And then we created a beautiful IU snuggle photo of this sweet family of three with Ceci wide eyed and looking directly at me [I can’t tell you how much I love this image!!!]

So Colleen, I’m so grateful you found me!  LOVED being invited into your home to photograph your wonderful family.  Can’t wait to share the rest of your gallery with you!

Cheers!
~Maike

Howard and Walt! Stylized Wedding Shoot at The Speak Easy, Indianapolis, Indiana

“True beauty is born through our actions and aspirations and in the kindness we offer to others.” -Alek Wek

WAY back in the day, my house mates and I lived in a beautiful big house, with a beautiful big yard, and we used to throw amazing awesome themed parties [one was a ‘Princess Bounce House Party’ <-I’m not joking when I say AWESOME parties].  WHICH, is where I met Walt!  And as we chatted, we figured out that his husband Howard, probably attended at least one of those parties back in the day too. Getting nostalgic of the good old days during this shoot was delightful.

So YAY for photographing old friends!  While we were hanging out during the shoot, we got to talking, and Howard and Walt had such a good story about their wedding.  It goes something like this: It was the first day in Indiana that it was legal for them to get married [June 25th, 2014; they’d been together since 2009], Howard came home, and was like, “We have to go get in line to get married!”, and so they headed downtown, and waited in line for 2 hours to say I DO.

Since they didn’t have a traditional wedding, they don’t have traditional awesome professional photos from their wedding day, so having them be part of this shoot was SO lovely.  I love their story.  Also, if you’re thinking about eloping, HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER!  I mean, just my opinion.  Just because you have a small intimate ceremony, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have beautiful images to remember your day.

Special shout out to Formally Modern who provided the tuxes for Walt and Howard!  They fit SO well, and were so wonderfully unique. Another shout out to Dapper Gent, who provided the suspenders and bow ties [and YES, that is a bow tie made out of cork!  How awesome is that?!?!]  Link to vendors featured below!

Cheers!
~Maike

*Cork bowtie from Dapper Gent.  Doesn’t it got so PERFECTLY with that red jacket from Formally Modern ?!?  I LOVE it.

*We used that awesome pocket floral from Special Occasion Designs by Chrissy on Walt’s jacket too.  LOVE it.

*The photos above, SERIOUSLY make my mouth water.  Have you guys tried Nameless Catering’s green dressing?  It.Is.So.YUMMY.  [Real name is ‘Pesto Caesar’].

If you could do it all over would you change anything?

W: Maybe go earlier in the day, but nothing else.

*The back of Mama Carolla’s [the best Italian food in SoBro, IMO], looks like THIS [above].  LOVE me those awesome fall colors, and it’s just a short walk from The Speak Easy.
*Shhhh, don’t tell anyone, but we didn’t have champagne [oops], BUT, we did have beer on tap #thankyouspeakeasy.

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

W: Waiting in line 2 hours at the city/county building
H:  I had to be the wife on our marriage license since the forms weren’t updated.  

*I wish you could see it better, but Karen Couture Keepsakes, also hooked us up with the button boutonnière on Howard above.
*This super cool table is a Violet Vintage rental!  Isn’t it so gorgeous with Special Occasion Designs by Chrissy‘s floral arrangement on it?!

Advice for future couples or getting married?

W: Don’t stress with the small stuff.
H:  Show gratitude toward your spouse and have fun! 

Venue : The Speak Easy [Jessica]

Wedding Day Planner : It’s KEE Events [Kaitlin]

Groom/Groom Models : Howard and Walt

Wedding Attire : Formally Modern [Brian]

Couch Octagon Coffee Table : Violet Vintage [Megan]

Catering : Nameless Catering [Hannah]

Flower Center Piece/Floral Pocket Boutonnière : Special Occasion Designs by Chrissy

Suspenders/Bow Tie : Dapper Gent [Colleen]

Button Boutonnière : Couture Keepsakes [Karen]

Calligrapher : To Be Written Shop [Lydia]