My path into photography has been as varied and rich as the stories I’ve had the honor to document—from an intimate island wedding born of an email mix-up, a portrait session with leaders of two branches of the U.S. government inside the Library of Congress, to the quiet reverence of a NICU, photographing families whose babies arrived far too soon. Each experience has shaped me—not just as an artist, but as a storyteller and human being—deepening the way I see and hold space for others.

While I’m the one behind the lens, it’s my family that keeps me grounded and inspired. I’m a proud mother to a radiant daughter from Haiti with special needs, a brilliant non-binary young adult who finds magic in the world of insects, and a son whose dedication to ballet has taught me the beauty of discipline and grace. Their journeys continue to broaden my perspective and deepen my commitment to capturing the nuanced, diverse, and deeply personal stories of others.

A midwest-based WEDDING, corporate, & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

I'm Jen

on a beach somewhere

I’ll be the first to admit—I’m incredibly uncomfortable in front of the camera. That’s exactly why I approach photography with a quiet, unobtrusive presence, capturing you and your loved ones as naturally and genuinely as possible—just the way I’d want to be photographed.

I believe the most meaningful images come from real moments: laughter shared mid-conversation, a fleeting glance, the kind of joy you can’t pose or force. My goal is to preserve that life, movement, and connection within each frame—creating timeless, heirloom photographs that celebrate the people you hold most dear.

an interesting thing about me

max + shara

“As someone who shoots album covers and music videos for a living, I have high standards for photography. Jen surpassed my creative expectations and also impressed me with her ability to move our large and largely deaf families through the photography process.”

nashville, tennessee

over the last 20 years, we've been honored to have our work featured in print or online in the following publications

In one of the more surreal moments of my career, I found myself inside a private library tucked within the Library of Congress—a space reserved exclusively for U.S. Senators. Just across the room stood Chief Justice John Roberts and a member of the President’s Cabinet, engaged in quiet conversation before a private event.

Only moments earlier, I had been waiting in the adjoining room, camera in hand, when someone casually suggested I step into the next room—where the distinguished guests were preparing. So I did what photographers often must: I walked with quiet urgency, knowing time is rarely on our side. As I approached, I locked eyes with four men in black suits, stationed like statues along the wall. In an instant, they simultaneously shifted their stance, reaching toward the holsters that had been hidden beneath their jackets. My feet stopped as fast as my breath. GUNS! WHAT WAS HAPPENING! The aggressive posture from the US Marshals was directed at me! The situation was quickly diffused when they received assurance that I was "with them" from a private security detail immediately behind me. 

Then I stepped into an extraordinary assignment that seemed perfectly normal at the time but oddly wild in its historical context.

not funny at the time

(scroll down after the tap)

The assignment was to photograph the owners of a high-performance sailing yacht during an M32 regatta in Coconut Grove, Florida. At the last moment, it was decided I should join the crew aboard the yacht as it was towed out of the harbor—just for a few photographs, with plans to transfer me back to the coach boat once we reached open water.

But plans changed the moment the wind arrived. As I focused on documenting the crew’s seamless choreography—sails rising, lines snapping into place—the breeze filled in and suddenly, we were airborne. The yacht lifted, skimming the waves with breathtaking speed, more flight than float. I clung to the edge, surrounded by a team of elite sailors outfitted with crash helmets and knives tucked into their life vests. I had neither—and no time to think about it. I had also never sailed before. One kind soul thought to grab my camera and capture the moment—a gesture I remain deeply grateful for.

I’ve been hooked ever since.
These days, when I’m not behind the lens during our beautiful Michigan summers, you’ll likely find me on my own little Tiffany-blue sailboat, Jenny & Co., racing across Reed’s Lake with the same wind in my hair and joy in my heart.

unplanned adventures

90 people.  That's it.  That's the story.  Organized and photographed within 10 minutes.  We got this.

largest formal family photo

With the perspective that only time grants, I often find myself wishing I had embraced more solo travel before the beautiful, all-consuming responsibilities of family and children began. But there’s no time like the present to begin again. In recent years, I’ve discovered that my soul feels most alive in the quiet freedom of traveling alone—where reflection, wonder, and restoration find room to flourish.

Two places in particular have captured my heart. The first is Emerald Lake Lodge in British Columbia, especially during the shoulder season from mid-October to mid-November. It’s the kind of place where the air feels crisper, the silence more sacred, and a wood-burning fire is all the companionship you need. The food is exceptional—a non-negotiable for me—and the views are nothing short of transcendent. Tucked just beyond Banff, it’s a hidden gem that many overlook, but once found, never forgotten.

The second is Cartagena, Colombia—a city that feels like a 17th-century New Orleans dressed in vibrant color and radiant warmth. Bougainvillea spills from balconies above cobblestone streets, and ceviche arrives in coconuts, served with the kind of hospitality that lingers long after the meal is over. It’s charming, soulful, and surprisingly affordable—a place where beauty meets authenticity at every turn. If you ever go, I have the best recommendations.

solo travel - a passion

I lost my father in 2005, though in many ways, I began losing him years earlier, as illness slowly took him from us. He never saw me become a photographer, but he was always my greatest encourager—steadfast in his belief that I could pursue anything I set my heart on.

Years later, I found myself photographing a private event where the entertainment was none other than The Doobie Brothers—my dad’s all-time favorite band. He was a passionate musician, and nearly every memory I hold of him is wrapped in music or time spent on the water. As I stood behind my camera that night, capturing the rhythm and energy of the band he loved most, I felt him with me. Just for a moment, he didn’t feel so far away.

More recently, I had the honor of photographing an intimate event featuring REO Speedwagon—another of his favorites. That evening marked the band’s final official concert; by 12:01 a.m., the name would be retired. As the night came to a close, the sound engineer handed me a gift: the evening’s final set list, signed by the band. A small gesture that meant the world.

I know my dad would have been over the moon. And in these unexpected moments, I’m reminded that he’s still very much a part of my story.

reo speedwagon & the doobie brothers

My journey into photography began with a college film class and the quiet magic of the darkroom. I transitioned to digital in the early 2000s, just as sharing photos online—long before social media—was beginning to take shape.

Back then, I’d leave half-sheets of paper on reception tables (with the couple’s permission), inviting guests to share their email addresses for access to the wedding gallery. It turned out to be the most impactful marketing I could have imagined.

After one East Lansing wedding, I received a confused reply: “Who are you and how did you get my email?” I had double-checked—it was written down incorrectly. I explained and apologized, and her response came quickly: “Actually, I live in Florida and I’m helping my daughter in Atlanta plan her destination wedding in Kauai—and we love your work.”

That following April, I had the joy of joining their family at the Princeville Resort for a celebration that felt like a dream. Years later, we reunited at Disney World and laughed about how a mistyped email led to a lifelong connection—proof that sometimes, the best stories begin by accident.

did that really happen?

How do you want to remember your day?

My purpose is rooted in something simple and lasting: to preserve the quiet beauty of life’s most meaningful moments in their most honest form. I strive to create images that do more than document—they stir feeling, hold memory, and speak where words fall short. Above all, I hope to give each client a collection of photographs that becomes a cherished part of their family’s story for generations to come.

behind the photos

MY Heart

lately

Life

January '25: Weekend trip to Chicago with my lifelong treasure of a friend, Holly, who taught photography workshops with me almost 20 years ago. What an adventure this life has been!

Sweet highlights that bring me joy. Always on a pursuit to learn and explore.

New Year's Eve '24: Photographed the private concert of REO Speedwagon in the British Virgin Islands with Ryan, my incredible second photographer for over 15 years! With his work perfectly complementing my own and being able to communicate with a glance is a priceless gift.

December '24: Off to a two week project on Peter Island with @ruebenantonioevents!

February '25: Loved watching the passion of my daughter play her favorite sport - Sled Hockey. Did not love cold bleachers.

March '25: My niece is getting married! Showered her with blessings at the Amway Grand Plaza.

contact us

If you’re drawn to honest, heartfelt imagery and a photography experience that feels as effortless as it is meaningful, you’re in the right place.

We approach each wedding and session with care and intention, taking time to truly connect with every couple and family we serve. It’s through that connection that we’re able to capture not just moments, but the emotion and essence of your story. Every celebration is a collaboration, and it’s a true privilege to be invited into yours.

that's what we're known for.

Breathtaking photos that reflect the joy of your celebration and the connection between those you love most?