{Brittani Renee Photography}

{be mine} tammi+joel

2012-01-29T09:38:00.001-08:00

Marrying your best friend’s brother is definitely one of those “have your cake and eat it too” moments in life. We had known each other for a long time, but it took several years and a good deal of persistence on his part before I saw him the way he saw me. He told me he really thought we would be good together. And you know what? We are. It’s one of those God things where it is immeasurably more than you could ever ask for or imagine. We started “talking” right after I had moved from MI to Kentucky for graduate school, and we spent two years dating from three states apart. Long distance relationships can be rough, but somehow it was perfect for us – we got to know each other much more quickly and on a deeper level than if we had been in the same town, because you are forced to actually talk to someone when your only means of contact is over the phone or Skype. I remember the first time we saw each other in person after talking on the phone for weeks: I drove up for a fall break, and was staying at his sister’s house (my best friend!). He came in with my favorite ice cream and a few movies I had mentioned wanting to see. Talk about paying attention to the little details! About a year later, we were asked to babysit his (our!!) nephew, Liam. As I was changing him into his pajamas, I saw his onesie said “Tammi, will you marry my Uncle Joel?” I turned around, and there was Joel, down on one knee, with a beautiful ring he had designed just for me. We were married in May 2011 at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, MI. My dear friend Brittani captured our day, and I still feel butterflies when I look at the pictures and remember how special that day was and how grateful I am for this man God has given me to love. We have been married for almost 8 months now, and we would love to have Brittani capture the joy we have together now as we have gotten our feet a little wet in this adventure called Marriage.

{be mine} sara+joel

2012-01-29T09:35:00.001-08:00

Joel and I met in the spring of 2009 and the second we met I honestly remember thinking to myself, “what if I marry this boy?” Who knew…!

One of the first moments I knew that Joel and I would be great together was a trip to Chicago that we took with some friends. Joel was the most patient driver I have ever ridden with- I was amazed. With my road rage, I knew that this would be a good fit for me. His peace and patience made the day perfect and I loved watching how he enjoyed life. I remember coming home and being excited that I had found a friend that I had felt safe and at peace with!

We started hanging out more over the summer of 2009. Joel doesn’t talk much, and he began to get flirty over text.I finally got it out of him that he liked me, and our first date was August 4th, 2009. Our first date happened to be 3 days into a 21 day cleanse that I was doing. Lucky him! I knew that I would let him hold my hand that night when I saw that he had made me a fruit platter…it was gorgeous. His mom later asked about the date, and I told her what he had made, and she said, “Sara Jo! He CUT fruit? My son CUT fruit? He must love you. He has never cut fruit. You need to marry him now.”
Our second date included the game “20 Questions” in order to get him to open up – we became best friends that night.

A month after dating, and convincing others over and over again that we were just “dating”, we decided to go to GCC’s first Wednesday service. It was honestly the most awkward service I have ever sat through. I wanted to die. All that week Joel and I had discussed taking the next step, but he was so nervous. Once the Pastor started talking, my face turned bright red and I wanted to run out. The guy next to me, I’m sure, was wondering why I was looking at him the whole time, because I couldn’t look over at Joel. The pastor continued to talk about how in life, we are faced with scary situations and sometimes we just need to “jump” and trust that God will take care of us. He said that when we jump, we are not jumping into an abyss, but we are jumping into the arms of God, who will protect us and bless our decision.

The next morning, I woke up with a few text messages that he had sent me over night. It had been obvious that he had not been up all night praying about us. The last text I got said, “I'm ready to jump...will you jump with me?”
What a great way to wake up!

We became official on September 5th, 2009, became engaged March 17th, 2010, and got married August 6th, 2010. We got married on our 11th month of being together, and celebrated 1 year of dating after a month of marriage. There are countless times where God had made clear the direction of our relationship. Many times, it was the simple prayer of “God, put our hearts where they need to be, because this is going so fast!” But of course, God knew what He was doing, and of course, we were terrified at times, but that is what made it an amazing journey. My marriage to Joel has been such a blessing. God truly blesses those who love Him and “jump” into His will for their lives- and I am truly honored to fall in love with the same person every day.

{be mine} steph+nate

2012-01-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS (does that even happen anymore?!?!)

We met my junior year of high school. January 2nd 2001 to be exact. I distinctly remember my first words to him, "wow.... you're really tall." (duh) Of course, with my stubborn ways and Nate's shy and almost nonexistent pick up skills... it took about a month for us to actually "go out". (he asked me in an email) There's too many details to include them all... but the long story short is that I followed my heart and his and we only grew closer when I also moved to West Lafayette and attended Purdue.

(skipping approximately 6 years of info...) Nate FINALLY proposed February 23, 2007 during a wonderful weekend in chicago! after 73 months of dating... he figured out we were meant to be! Chicago is still a special place for us. WE celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and other special events in this wonderful town! Now, after 3 years of being married, the only thing that has changed is that we are closer than ever- and we have real jobs and can afford to enjoy life a little more!! 11 years is a long time, but we absolutely cannot imagine living our lives any other way.

The happiest day of our lives was August 9, 2008... and luckily for us, YOU were there to capture it! And to this date, you're the only person who has shot professional photos of us. we'd like to keep it that way!

Life is our adventure. We love Fondue, Seafood, and sushi. We love the Chicago Bears, and of course the Cubs. We love riding the motorcycle in the summer- and I even took motorcycle driving classes with Nate!! We like to get outdoors and go camping or kayaking. We LOVE a good party and a last minute vacation. And on a normal day- we snuggle up with our two dogs.

{be mine} hannah+adam

2012-01-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss once said “When you are in love you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams". Love is definitely not what I expected it to be...it is so much more challenging, so much more exciting, and so much more fulfilling than I ever dreamed possible. This is the story of my husband Adam and I...in a nutshell of course!

We met in what might say was an "ordinary" way...at college and through a mutual friend, but that is where the "ordinary" ended in our relationship. We really got to know each other on Spring break of 2007 where Adam says he knew within a few days that we would someday get married. It took me a little longer to figure it out!

We started dating three days before I was to graduate from college and move to Rochester, Minnesota. Yep, 450 miles and 8 hours between us after only a few days of dating, not exactly what we planned...but it turned out to be such a beautiful thing. We talked every day (to the chagrin of my sister and brother-in-law whom I lived with:), and tried to see each other as much as possible. God taught us a lot about each other and himself during that first year...it was definitely not the easiest, but when we look back at that time we see how much it helped solidify our relationship and gave us such a great foundation. Even now I see the daily impact of that time in our lives. It's been 1,362 consecutive days (but who's counting:)) that we have talked every day...and we don't plan on breaking that run any time soon!

Adam planned on proposing at the Farm Market I had worked at back home for 10 years…but being in Northern Michigan, the weather did not quite cooperate. Instead, he worked with my family to get me away from my parents house and he set up a maze through a field…weaving through the pine trees and two feet of brand new snow...it was Christmas eve and perfect. We were married 9 months later on September 26, 2009 and I can say without any hesitation that our love has grown deeper, stronger, and so much more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. It's been just over 2 years since we were married; we've moved to a new town, both got new jobs, and welcomed our awesome son, Elliott to our family...life isn't what we dreamed that's for sure...it is SO much better.

{be mine} chelsie+curtis

2012-01-29T09:29:00.000-08:00

Curtis and I have known each other for some time but we were reconnected through friends. It was one of those things that we just clicked right away. We spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other our dates were usually staying in or going to my parents and having dinner and playing games. We did go on a few adventures though. To the east race in South Bend, some weddings, homemade water slides, Canada with my family for a long weekend without any running water and electricity ( I think that was the true test) When we got engaged he completely surprised me, well I had been hoping it would be soon. We had been at my Grandma’s playing cards that evening and he dropped me off at home. I went to bed thinking oh well I guess today is not the day. I got all ready for bed and all of the sudden my dog started barking, and he was mad. I look out my window and Curtis had climb up to my window and had flowers and a ring. I was so excited I GET TO MARRY MY BEST FRIEND! He asked me in March and were married that following December. We feel very blessed with all that God has provided for us including each other.

{be mine} renee+steve

2012-01-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

We met while working at Stanley Clark School in October of 2004. We continued to work together through the school year and parted ways in May of 2005. Fast forward two years... :)

Steve was working at Kohls and just so happened to be in the shoe department when I came into the store looking for what else?! Shoes! I never did find shoes that day, but I did find the love of my life!

We chose to submit this picture from our wedding because it shows the "real" us. We love to laugh together...& Steve never fails to bring a smile to any situation! We were married in March of 2010 and blessed with a baby boy in April of 2011. Our little guy has brought so much fun and laughter into our lives! While spending time with Landon is WONDERFUL, a special photo session for just the two of us would sure be a special blessing!

{be mine} leslie + bill

2012-01-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

Bill came into my life at such an interesting time. I had been divorced for just a short time, had two young girls, just moved out on my own (with the girls). I was really getting into the routine of my new life but I'll admit I did long for someone to share life with. I knew the girls were getting older and would soon be out of the house.
When Bill and I had our first date, I was coming from work and didn't have a chance to change or "primp" I remember thinking that this was who I am..this man could take me or leave me. It was a fun dinner that lasted 5hrs! We talked about everything and the bonus was a foot rub! I didn't know what I was expecting to feel on a date but I remember feeling comfortable. A month later after we emailed daily, we met again. This time we went hiking and again the same feeling of comfort was there but this time I saw something else. Bill brought a bottle of wine to celebrate the fact I had been waking up early in the AM to walk with my neighbor, Tom. I knew right then and there that this was a special man. He really thought of the little things. It only took a few more dates to seal the deal with me. I knew that I had FINALLY met the man I was gonna spend the rest of my life with. Funny thing was, Bill needed a little more convincing!
Being parents of 5 kids we are keenly aware of their need to know they always come first to us. We are also very thankful to the 5 of them for excepting each other and Bill and I into each others lifes. Our relationship is almost perfect and the kids are a huge reason that it works so well.
I'm thankful everyday for this man who loves me unconditionally and would do anything he could for my happiness. He is warm, funny, thoughtful and such a good natured person. We really do have a great time together with whatever we do, And we do ALOT! He has taken me on many fantastic vacations, but the simply times we have at the lake are just as wonderful.
I'm very excited to marry this man and continue this wonderful adventure!

{be mine} liza + jesse

2012-01-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Story Of Jesse and Liza Rivera, goes like this:

We met on my first day of Sophomore year at a new school. I was in a Junior class for my first period and not knowing anyone sat in the desk in the back, trying to be shy. Jesse came up to me with his spiky black hair, JNCO jeans, and coke bottle glasses and before saying a word, knelt down and gave me a shoe wedgie! I was pretty much smitten since then. We started dating in high school on a mission trip to Guatemala, what a beautiful country-I think anyone could fall in love there. Although we went our separate ways for college, we were always the best of friends. We were soul mates and nothing could break that bond. He proposed marriage on my 26th birthday and on June 20th, 2009 I married my best friend. This time I was smart enough to show up barefoot, hindering any chance of that ever elusive shoe wedgie. We spend every moment we can together and have as much fun as humanly possible, on a daily basis. I don't know what life would be without him, but am glad I don't have to know that.

new years resolution

2012-01-28T20:18:00.001-08:00

I have a couple resolutions...

1. project 366 (take a photo a day for a year)

2. begin blogging again!

So in order to keep myself accountable I'll be posting previews as well as a new contest! {be mine} 2012

stay tuned... more to come.

Spring is here

2010-04-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

which means it's time for family photos!

love love love

2010-03-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites from the e.session today- more to come!

Created new every morning

2010-03-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!

I don't know about you, but I needed this reminder today.

Home

2010-02-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of catching up to do on this blog but I couldn't help but share this beautiful song shortly after hearing the news that Kathy and Marty will be bringing their beautiful girl home after a 6 year journey.

Congratulations! I can't wait to meet Anya!

12.12.09 Help Portrait

2009-11-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

Something I just came across tonight... what a great idea

Bell Family

2009-10-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Jeff, our Elkhart Campus Pastor and his family were wonderful to capture. Their joy is contagious! Thanks again guys

Family time

2009-10-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

12 weeks

2009-10-04T09:04:00.001-07:00

such a cutie!!

Szabo Wedding

2009-09-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

The rain was over in the morning and it turned out to be a gorgeous day!
Congratulations Casey & Aaron

Alison & Kory

2009-09-20T16:36:00.001-07:00

What a fun afternoon roaming around downtown and finding some great locations!

Jessica & Ben

2009-09-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day on the campus of ND and we were in and out before the game was over.
Perfect timing
Looking forward to capturing Jessica & Ben's wedding day in November

baby boy

2009-09-20T07:21:00.001-07:00

He is soooo cute! Can't wait to capture him as he grows

Melanie & Mike

2009-09-12T21:46:00.001-07:00

Melanie & Mike- what a gorgeous day! So happy to have been a part of it- have a great honeymoon

Burdine Wedding

2009-08-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day for a wedding!

hugs

2009-08-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

Our photo shoot was almost rained out but luckily it held off and the clouds made for some great lighting. So happy it worked out!

Kinsley 6m

2009-08-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

She is one beautiful little girl! I Can't believe she is already 6 months!

Nico

2009-08-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun this morning- Nico was all smiles for his special head to toe shoot. Can't wait for your family session this fall!

Trish & Ryan e.session

2009-08-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

What a fun night! Can't wait for your wedding next year!

World Pulse Festival 2009

2009-08-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing opportunity to photograph the WPF this year and had a great time! There are preview pics on FB and I'll add more to my site later...

Baby Ava

2009-08-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

Krista & Scoby

2009-08-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

Bev & Brian

2009-07-31T23:52:00.000-07:00

Urban Adventure

2009-07-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

If you were involved in Urban Adventure last weekend know that the album will be up within a few weeks.

Kendra & Mike

2009-07-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Caleb & Stephanie

2009-06-25T12:13:00.001-07:00

Can't wait for your wedding!

Seth Bible

2009-06-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

Seth Bible opened for Everyday Sunday a couple weeks ago- amazing job, as always!

Bella

2009-06-20T18:04:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful girl!
Our photo shoot was a perfect gift for Father's Day- hope you enjoy your preview!

Krista & Scoby {e.session}

2009-06-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my immediate favorites from their e.session

Kinsley 3m

2009-06-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful family!

Bri & Jeff

2009-05-30T10:27:00.001-07:00

We had a great time capturing your beautiful day!

Chelsea {senior}

2009-05-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

We had the best night with some amazing light! Thanks again Chelsea

Wegner Family

2009-05-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

We had another fun photo shoot with lots of laughs and 5 people full of joy- it made it easy to capture their amazing smiles! Glad we were able to be outside on this beautiful day...
More preview photos on my Facebook fan page

Much love to your family! Can't wait to show you the rest of the photos

Missy & Heath

2009-05-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day... I wish you both the best!

Peanut

2009-05-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day for a walk and we found some great flowers on the way...

Melanie & Mike

2009-04-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

So glad the rain held out for us today! Thanks for a great morning and I can't wait for your wedding

Danielle & Joseph

2009-04-26T13:30:00.001-07:00

Bev & Brian

2009-04-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful evening for their e.session... and we laughed A LOT through the entire shoot

CANstruction

2009-04-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

"One can make a difference" more info here

Noah 1 year

2009-04-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Noah is one already! I can't believe it...

What a fun evening at the park!

Spring Event preview

2009-04-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here is just a sneak peek of how much fun the kids had on one of the most beautiful spring days! Thanks for having me capture your event...

I love the joy and excitement that is reflective of sunshine, friends and a playground!

11 days new

2009-03-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

I met baby Jack and just soaked up his cuddles and the way that time stands still when you hold a newborn! Chad & Dyan- enjoy the preview

{Amy & Adam}

2009-03-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day for Amy & Adam!

There was sunshine and lots of laughter throughout the entire event last weekend. Your friends and family were great to work with- enjoy your preview- I couldn't chose just one.

{kinsley}

2009-03-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

What a little sweetie! She stayed awake through her many outfit changes and did a great job with her first official photo shoot! Congratulations again Meghan & Nolan she is BEAUTIFUL!

100 years

2009-03-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

I was happy to be a part of the Chamber of Commerce Salute to Business Luncheon this year. The set up was amazing and the people were great as always! The keynote brought some great energy especially with the demeanor of most concerning the current economy. It was also the 100th year for the Chamber it was nice celebrating together.

Tamaey & Daryl

2009-03-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

What a fun time with both of you! Enjoy the sneak peek

Brianna & Jeff

2009-03-02T16:24:00.000-08:00

When I look at this I would think the weather was perfect- sunny and 50 degrees but since I was behind the lens I can tell you it was very windy and cold! Thanks so much Brianna & Jeff it was great getting to know you!

{one year}

2009-03-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

Happy anniversary to Chelsea & Kyle!

Bethany & David

2009-02-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

We had a great time hanging out downtown today! Here are just two of my favs of the day... more to come

Amy & Adam

2009-02-26T19:21:00.001-08:00

these two will kick off my wedding season 09 next month and I have a feeling its going to be a great day.
We didn't let the blizzard conditions get to us for their e.session- although we had to come up with "plan b" it still worked out well.

Can't wait to be a part of your special day! Enjoy your online album

Seth Bible

2009-02-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

My friend Seth plays once a month at Cafe Gilato in Villa Macri's... I hadn't made it to a show there in the past few months because of my schedule. Tonight I made it work- what a great night of music and of course I enjoyed capturing some moments.

{Danielle & Joseph}

2009-02-15T18:23:00.001-08:00

We went to the park where Joseph proposed last summer- it was a great location even though we couldn't make it down to the bridge due to all the snow. It was still a great day!

Spring Fever

2009-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was amazing! So many great shoots and some incredible weather! I wish every weekend could be like this!

camelliacosmetics.com

2009-02-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

I was able to capture the before/after looks of a handful of beautiful models at Camellia on Saturday. What a fun time we had... everyone was great!

Thanks for the opportunity Rebecca & Gabrielle- you both are amazing!

Awaiting baby Kinsley

2009-02-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to meet this little girl... it could be any day now!

Kendra & Mike

2009-01-25T09:23:00.001-08:00

These two braved the cold yesterday to get some great shots... For two weeks we had to reschedule due to snow and then below zero temps. I'm so glad we were able to make it work this weekend! Can't wait for your wedding!!
Enjoy your preview

Noah 9mo

2009-01-19T09:11:00.001-08:00

We caught a few milestones during our shoot yesterday. Its been great capturing his smiles every 3 months! What a sweet little boy

Enjoy your preview!

Camellia Cosmetics

2009-01-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

I had a break in my schedule over the week of Christmas so I went to Camellia for a fresh look makeover. They are amazing- their talent far exceeded my expectations. They even gave me this outline with each item they used and how they applied it. They are great to work with and I will be going back!
To my brides... Gabby will come to you for your wedding day and do your makeup! Give them a call or stop in and they will be happy to help you.

I didn't do a before picture but here is an after!

Full Out & Fearless

2009-01-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

Here is the ad you will find in Michiana Family this month and the site is now live www.fulloutandfearless.com - check it out!

Zachary

2009-01-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

The rest of his photos will be on my new proofing site soon!

lia sophia

2009-01-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

So my wonderful Mother is an Independent Sales Advisor for lia sophia and I had the chance to do some photos for her of a few pieces of jewelry- so much fun!
If you are ever interested in hosting a show- she will take GOOD care of you I can promise you that!

Have a wonderful week!

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

As '08 comes to a close, I just want to thank everyone that I've met and worked with this past year! It has been an amazing year and I couldn't have done it without my family and friends who have encouraged me along the way. I may be biased but I think I have the most amazing clients anyone could ask for!
I honestly can't narrow my favorites down but be on the lookout for a slideshow coming soon to recap the year.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you are filled with the joy of the season.
Thank you for a great 08...

Coach Charrise

2008-12-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

We had a chilly but fun afternoon in downtown Elkhart. Charrise is a business coach and as I've looked at her website- she has some great insight as well as on her blog. You may have read her articles in this magazine.
Her request for the shoot was "artsy" and after she told me a little about herself and her business I knew exactly what I was looking for. The rest of her pictures are here... it turned out to be a great shoot!!
Thanks Charrise- so happy to have met you!

Jenna

2008-12-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

The upload has begun for their wedding and here is one of the beautiful bride

Trying something new

2008-12-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

I'm looking to try something new for my preview photos... wondering what you think of the black frame?

*Hope you are enjoying this snow*

Clark Family

2008-12-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

Amy contacted me only a few days after the Wegner's shoot and I'm so happy she did! The focus of their shoot: decorating! I went to their house while they decorated both their Christmas tree and cookies. What a fun evening! The children were great and even though Emily was camera shy we still caught some expressive faces.

Amy is the founder of momadvice.com and has some amazing insight for Moms who want to stay organized and find fresh ideas, all while saving money. I will be sharing her site with many Moms that I know! Check it out- you will be happy you did!
Thanks again Clark family

(Specials)

2008-11-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

Trying to find something special to give someone for Christmas? A Brittani Renee Photography gift certificate can be added to your list. What a better gift than to give someone a photo shoot to use when its convenient for them.

From now until December 25 you can purchase gift certificates at HALF OFF!

Email brittanirenee@gmail.com if you are interested!

*some restrictions apply and all gift certificates expire 12/25/09

{Jenna & Andy}

2008-11-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Jenna & Andy as they were married November 15... such a fun group of people- I'm happy we could hang out for 2 weddings in 7 months :) Jenna's sister Krista was married back in April!

{family}

2008-11-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

We have some amazing leaders at GCC and Rob is one of them along with his beautiful wife Michelle! I had the pleasure of doing their family shoot last week and had so much fun! We went to MC3 the Monroe Circle Community Center and the location was a meaningful part of the shoot not including the fact that they haven't had a family picture since '03.

A simple thing, such as providing a family with memorable moments fills me with so much joy.

Brittani Renee Photography

2008-11-28T17:50:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the new blog! This is where previews will be as well as specials from time to time. Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving!

Feel free to check out the new site www.brittanirenee.com

Look forward to capturing your life- as it happens.