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VACATION|OUT OF THE OFFICE.

Hi Everyone!  I am taking a mini (and much needed:) vacation with my three favorite boys! I will be out of the office from Aug.29-Sept. 5.  Emails will be limited, but if you need anything straight away…the fabulous Dee will be able to assist you while I am with my family.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding…I hope you are all enjoying one last hurrah as summer comes to an end…where does the time go? I am starting to sound like a broken record:)  Every year it seems to fly by!

And to leave you with an image…here is my CharlieB.  I Adore his smushed little face! I want to bottle up his sweetness!

BUSY BUSY!|Kelly Braman Grand Rapids MI Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

I know..I know…I have been saying how busy I have been…and it is so true!  It’s a good busy, don’t get me wrong!

So…here is a sample of some of the fun weddings and shoots I have had the pleasure of being a part of!  More to come..I promise! A girl has got to eat and sleep and squeeze in some family time fun, too!  ;)  Enjoy this little peek into what I am working on!

Matt and the lovely Erin|Married.

Darren and Sweet Amy|Married.

Tanner and Adorably Spunky Nicole|Married.

Matt and Sweetie Pie, Jessy|Married.

Nate and Cutie Pie Jenn|Engaged.

Drew and Classic Beauty, Lindsey|Engaged.

Sweeter than Honey, Kylee|Munchkin.

Chubby Cheeks, Brady|Munchkin

August 27, 2010 - 3:26 pm Karyn May - You're such a Rock Star, friend! I can't wait to see more of all these sessions! xoxo

August 27, 2010 - 9:04 am Niki Hoard - Your shoot the most beautiful brides and the cutiest kids ;)

davis & dallas|kelly braman grand rapids lifestyle photographer

Meet  Davis and Dallas.  These two sweetie pie brothers are the adorable sons of my friend, Holly Henderson.  I met Holly  a couple of years ago when I attended her workshop.  I was new to the industry and Holly made me feel welcome. She is an incredible woman!  She keeps it real all the while encouraging and supporting upcoming photographers and I am  grateful for her friendship!  It is not easy juggling little ones..your business and making time for your hubby and friends….Holly told me it was ok to outsource. This might sound silly, but as women…we try to do it all. I can proudly say that because of Holly’s encouragement I now have a dear woman come into my home to clean and it is the best gift I have given myself, my family and my sanity! Thank you, Holly!

ok…let’s get back to the adorable boys!

Davis is going to break many hearts…this is a fact! When you see the adorable shots I grabbed of him…you will not doubt that statement!  He is such a sweet boy who is full of energy and we had a great time!

Then there is sweet Dallas.  He reminds me of my little Charlie as he follows Holly’s every cue and adores his big brother!  He is just as cute as can be and those blue eyes are to die for! What a little love!

This session was awesome for two reasons. One…I auctioned the session and the proceeds went to help victims in Haiti….every little bit helps!  Two…Holly  bid the highest to receive my session and I couldn’t have been more flattered!  Oh, and a third(girls can change their minds:)  Three…these boys were so fun and it was great to see Holly as mama for a bit!  Our family is the most important thing to us and to have fun images like these to remember are priceless!  So glad I was asked to be a part of this.

Holly…enjoy these image of your cutie pie boys!  Thank you for your friendship and continued support! I just love ya!

blessings,

kellyb.

Just warming up!

A couple of monkeys

little models

how adorable is davis??

brotherly love.

love it.

You can't beat belly laughs!

what a sweetie pie!

he only hit me once! haha

oh, Davis! I am sure your mama and daddy think you are growing up Way to quickly!

I swear I did not ask him to do this... :) He is too stinkin cute.

I love this...and the fact that you can barely see the signs of a kool aid mustache...they are only little once! love it!!!

Holly and decided early on that it would be so fun for the boys to paint on canvas and then they could take their masterpieces home to hang in their bedroom...so fun!

awesome artist I must say!

THENNN....They painted each other!

Gotta love it!

boys will be boys!

August 23, 2010 - 5:44 am Karyn May - *LOVE* Every single one!!! Kelly, you totally captured the spirit and essence of childhood, and the painting shots are absolutely perfect- love that idea!! And Gina's right, Holly... you're boys are gorgeous! :)

August 22, 2010 - 9:32 am Holly Henderson - BTW, I log in every day... :) with a prayer of thankfulness.

August 20, 2010 - 1:43 pm Regina White - Love em.... Holly you will have your hands full with these georgeous boys. How fun and so sweet to have these memories where kids can just be kids. Love em! Kelly you Rock Star U! Muah!

August 20, 2010 - 6:52 am Joe May - Great Job, Kelly!! I agree with Holly, You truly captured the feeling of Childhood. Looking at this post I was reminded of my own youth, growing up with my brother and all the amazing times we had. Thanks for the reminder!

August 19, 2010 - 7:34 pm Joan Honeysett - Kelly, such adorable pictures. I am one of the proud Grandmas! You are an awesome photographer! Captured these boy's personalities perfectly! Loved it!!

August 19, 2010 - 5:44 pm kelly braman - Oh, my! BEST compliment EVER, Holly! You are an amazing mama and your boys are THE SWEETEST! Thank you for your sweet words and spending the afternoon with me! I miss you and can't wait until we can chat over coffee soon! muah!

August 19, 2010 - 5:30 pm Holly Henderson - Oh my goodness Kelly...! I got your text and immediately pulled over on the side of the road to check your blog. I'm sitting here in a parking lot bawling my eyes out over these amazing photographs and your sweet words. You captured not only there little innocence of being 4 and 6 but their true personalities. I know their individual spirit and I can see it in their eyes of these images. And I can totally hear their giggles... I can't even describe in words how much I love these photographs and how much they mean to our family. Unbelievable. You are so incredibly talented and your gift is so natural. Thank you soooo much!!! Smooches, Holly

Joel and Kate|Kelly Braman Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

Meet Joel and Kate.

I have known Kate and her family for many years now.  I remember Kate as a teenage girl who occasionally babysat for my oldest son Jack.  Just typing that last statement put a gray hair on my head! Wow…where does the time go?  I am sure her parents are saying the same thing:)

Although I have not seen Kate and her family for quite some time, I was honored Kate asked me to photograph her wedding.  As soon as we met at the tennis courts…we were laughing and chatting and it was great to catch up a bit ;)

I had been looking forward to this wedding!  Kate and I have been chatting about the some fun ideas for her wedding and Joel and Kate knew they wanted most of the images to be taken at the tennis courts.  Kate explained that her and Joel love tennis and are quite competitive on the courts! ;)   I later found out that Joel also works for Wilson…so this setting was just perfect for this couple!

Their wedding day was extremely hot and and humid.  The clouds would roll in and the lighting was perfect and then they would pass and the sun was hotter than ever..so what is a photographer to do??  Why…suggest ice cream of course:)  We did not plan this, but I adore these fun shots!

It is easy to see from the images that Joel and Kate love to laugh and fit so naturally together!  I had such a fun time with them and their friends and family!

Joel and Kate…I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!  It was so fun to get a glimpse of your life now as a beautiful young woman!  Your parents have much to be proud of!

blessings,

kellyb.

August 23, 2010 - 9:17 pm THERESA WEBB - Kelly, Really, very, very remarkable. Love 'em! So unique, so quirky, so Kate and Joel. Cannot wait to see the rest. You are extremely talented and so happy w/results. MOB

August 19, 2010 - 9:49 am Kate Disbro - these are amazing! we had so much fun! thanks Kelly!!!!!

August 18, 2010 - 9:57 am kristen holly - Love it, Kelly B! The tennis balls shots are awesome!

August 16, 2010 - 9:03 pm Kelly Sweet - I love these, Kelly! The sky in the second one is perfect and the shots with the tennis balls are just great. Awesome work!

August 16, 2010 - 8:15 pm Karyn May - How Fun are these?! Great job, girl, they all look Fabulous! Kate is adorable, and I bet they are dying over these images! Love all the tennis balls! :)

LOVE IT | Katie Brown

I am one of MANY that shop at Meijer.

Apparently, the state of Michigan contains approx ½ of the 194 locations + out there.  That would make sense, seeings how Meijer was founded in Greenville, MI in 1964.

Awww, our dear photographer friend Kelly is from there too!! :)

Hehe I’m a nerd. :)

Anyhoo, like me, most of you probably primarily grocery shop there, but the convenience of this all-in-one shopping center can be all too enticing!!

Let me tell you about a little treat Kelly and I have personally discovered there..

Who doesn’t like finding stylish bargains for their home?!

Kelly and I ADORE her line and if you walked into our homes you might discover a few pieces. :)   One night we joked about how sneakily snagging a Katie Brown piece here or there prompts our husbands’ question why the grocery bill was higher than usual..? ….to which we explain we OBVIOUSLY had to purchase laundry detergent, etc that week!

Hehehe  We are BAD! :)

Check out my fave items from her Northern Shores & Orchard Collections!!

From the North Shore collection, don’t these porcelain plates have a awesomely nautical feel? I love :) And they are on sale right now for $2.99-$3.99!

OF COURSE you need this stainless steel etched serving tray to match :)
AND this fabulous looking pedestal for your tabletop
Last of my faves from the Northern Shores collection, I love me some chuncky glass serving bowls. :) Anything you put in these will look stellar (chips, fruit, salad, etc)!

And on to the Orchard Collection, I would have to say these appeal to me and my style the most. :)

Diving right back in with bowls… each hand-hewn piece of this one will have slightly varied characteristics. I like originality. :)
A table looks so well put together when you throw a runner on. I love the colors & detail in this flocked & woven matchstick option.
EEEEK! I L.O.V.E. this glass dome and wood pedestal together (sold seperately)!!! What a fun way to showcase your treats & make a statement!
Ooooh one could definitely serve an impressive array on this wood 3-tierred platter. Did I mention how inexpensive these pieces are?! This one’s only $19.99!

Now, when/if your husband might ask why you think you might NEED something such as a 3-tierred platter in your kichen, Kelly would tell you the answer is simple “You just never know when a picnic or a fun block party with fabulous friends is going to take place – MUST BE PREPARED!”

Granted,  Kelly hardly has time for such fabulousness most summers, as that her is busy season! :)

Bye for now,

Dee

August 9, 2010 - 1:33 pm kerri banyas - dang..those are all so adorable..now I need to add them to my grocery list ;) Love the new posts with Dee..keep em coming!

SEAN & VITA| NEW BUFFALO, MI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Meet Sean and Vita.  These two are just meant for each other! You can really tell when couples are truly in love and this couple has that special something!  Vita is a pediatric surgeon and Sean is a professor at U of M….what a great duo! ;)   They are just the sweetest and I was truly honored to have been chosen to document their wedding.

You will see from the images that the day was just beautiful. I loved shooting at the marina and although the setting was gorgeous…their love really was the focus :)   Little Rory was also a big part of the day and you will see her cuteness on the blog, as well!

Thank you Sean and Vita.  You and your family were so warm and friendly and Kelly and I had such a great time with everyone.  I LOVE the whole feel of your wedding and I can’ t wait for you to take a peek!   I hope you are having a fabulous time in Hawaii!

Enjoy your preview.

blessings,

kellyb.


August 9, 2010 - 1:35 pm kerri banyas - love these Kelly! The ones under the weeping willow are my fave! You rocked it girl! xoxo

August 4, 2010 - 9:55 pm Karyn May - Omigosh! These are beautiful, Kel!! LOVE all the different perspectives! And, the shots on the beach.. oooh, so Gorgeous! You captured that light perfectly. :)

Lee & Anna|Grand Rapids Lifestyle Photographer

Meet Lee and Anna.  I first met Anna at least 2 years ago when a group of her girlfriends came into my studio for a fun and fabulous photo shoot “Just For Fun”  She followed me on FB (you can too):)  and when she became engaged…we reconnected and I couldn’t be happier for her! Lee is in the military and just from chatting with Anna…I realized how hard it must be for them to plan around the military and their schedules and Changes! I honestly think we scheduled and rescheduled their Engagement Session 3-4 times…ha  Anna just rolled with it and it speaks volumes about her and Lee’s relationship! I am grateful for their sacrifice for our freedom…truly!

I also believe that everything happens for a reason…we previously planned a winter shoot…I LOVE this season and so glad it worked out the way that it did!  I ADORE their session!  They were so incredibly sweet together and you will see from the images how they just “meshed” :)

Lee and Anna….thank you for hanging out with me for a bit!  I can’t wait for your November wedding!

blessings,

kellyb.




August 4, 2010 - 7:41 pm Karyn May - Kelly!!! You seriously have been ROCKIN out each session, girl! And, I couldn't agree more with Dee! Your attention to detail, composition, mixed with your creativeness is pure perfection! You are Amazing!! ;)

August 4, 2010 - 6:35 pm Carol - Kelly, these are just beautiful! Are the first three natural light? C

August 3, 2010 - 7:20 pm Erin - Hi Kelly! I just started following your work, I love it :) Beautiful photos!

August 2, 2010 - 7:03 am Dee - Each of your sessions are so unique, Kelly!! I LOVE THESE!!!!!!!!! Having a good looking couple such as Lee & Anna doesn't hurt at all. :) Thank you for your service Lee!

August 1, 2010 - 5:14 pm Anna and Lee - Ahh!! Kelly we loooooove them!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!

Adam & Rachel|Grand Rapids Lifestyle Photographer

Meet Adam and Rachel!  They drove up from the Detroit area for their Engagement Session. They knew they wanted the beach~y feel so we headed to the beach…naturally:)

We met in Holland and starting shooting…the wind was STRONG and not cooperating so I thought…let’s grab some ice cream!  It was hot out and I love ice cream…sounds perfect to me! ha

I had such a fun time on their session.  They are a fun loving couple and I honestly love what I captured for them.  My girl Dee came along, as well…we all laughed a lot and braved the wind, sand and water:)

Enjoy your preview, Rachel and Adam!  I can’t wait for your September wedding!

blessings,

kellyb.

August 4, 2010 - 7:46 pm Karyn May - These are SO adorable, Kel! The ice cream, the beach grass, the water, the light... just perfect!! :)

August 2, 2010 - 7:11 am Dee - Such a sweet & fun couple!! They all turned out AWESOME!!! Love the lighting and variety of settings! I'm especially fond of the "fence in a far off open field" pic. You are so resourceful, Kelly. ;)

LOVE IT | FEDORA

I like wearing hats, I’m not gonna lie.

Have a bad hair day?  Wear a hat.  Trying to keep the sun out of your eyes?  Wear a hat.  Like adding a fun accessory to your outfit for the day?  Wear a hat.  Just don’t feel like washing your hair?  You get the idea (or perhaps I am the only one who goes this route).

 There are many kinds to choose from, but one hat in particular that I LOVE and think deserves a mention is the fedora.

 I did some mild research on the background of the fedora, and this is what I found via Wikipedia:

 

A fedora (pronounced /fɨˈdɔrə/) is a mens felt hat that is creased lengthwise down the crown and pinched in the front on both sides.[1] The creasing does not define the hat, however. Fedoras can also be creased with teardrop crowns, diamond crowns, centerdents, and others, and the positioning of pinches can vary if they are found at all.

 The word fedora comes from the title of an 1882 play by Victorien Sardou, Fédora, written for Sarah Bernhardt.[2] The play was first performed in the U.S. in 1889. Bernhardt played Princess Fédora, the heroine of the play, and she wore a hat similar to what is now considered a fedora. The fedora became a female fashion which lasted into the early part of the twentieth century.

 

 That’s right people, Michael Jackson was NOT necessarily the one that made these popular. :)  

There are many styles and options to choose from…spring & summer varieties made of straw or cotton & even winter varities such as felt, corduroy, suede, wool, etc.

They come in solid colors or are made more unique with contrast bands, beads or feathers.

 More options than I care to list or you care to read about, really :)

 Here are some of my favorite (and inexpensive) options online:

Simple & black with a band of beaded flair will go with just about anything. Can be found at Target.
Another Target find. More unique with a fun color & contrast band/trim.
I L.O.V.E. the crisp & classy look of this fedora found at Metropark online.
How sweet is this?! With most fedoras already having a somewhat masculine feel, the weathered ribbon on this one adds an original feminine touch :) Go to the Buckle to check it out.
Last but not least, a tiny chessboard pattern straw option found at Amazon.com. I like :)

 

 

**FUN IDEA**

Incorporate fedoras in your wedding party.  Give the groomsmen or bridesmaids a fun accessory, even if only for a fun effect in photos, to make your party stand out from the rest.

 

Bye for now :)

Dee

little brody|Grand Rapids, MI Children’s Photographer

Meet little Brody!  Isn’t he just a little love??!  I have been incredibly busy with weddings and I find it so refreshing to mix in my portrait sessions for a different change of pace:)

His mama, Lisa, brought him into the studio for his one year session….I just love that age!  So curious and fun!  I loved Brody’s cute little smile and those big blue eyes are to die for!!  What a love!

Thank you for sharing your little man with me, Lisa! Enjoy your preview!

kellyb.

August 4, 2010 - 7:49 pm Karyn May - I LOVE your kids work! Brody is cute, cute, cute.. and those eyes.. oh, what a doll! LOVE these!

July 28, 2010 - 4:23 pm lisa Timmerman - what an absolutely adorable lil boy... i love all the shots!!

July 28, 2010 - 7:35 am Dee - Brody is a handsome little boy! Great pics Kelly! The first one is my favorite!