Courtney + TJ | Engagement Session

There is something so magical about a wintery engagement session.  The snow, the quiet, and a sweet couple madly in love and keeping it warm!

TJ and Courtney were such an easy couple to photograph. I love how you can not only see the love between the two of them, but you can see that they love to laugh!  

See what I mean about having fun?!  There was so much laughter happening!

TJ and Courtney, I am so excited for your wedding this September!

A little about TJ and Courtney:

They met through TJ's sister, Megan.  It wasn't until her wedding when they really had a chance to talk.

Their first date was June 29, 2013 at Leo's Lodge in East Lansing.

They got engaged on December 13, 2014.  Um, hello, 12-13-14!  Clever, TJ!!

Their wedding date is September 12, 2015 at St. James Lutheran Church and their reception is at The Loading Dock in Shelby, Michigan.  I can't wait!

Who is the Girl Behind the Camera?

One thing I love about being a photographer is getting to know my clients.  I send them questionnaires and read through their answers and then try to incorporate their personalities into their sessions.  I have made quite a few friends through this job, and one thing they'll say to me is, "I can't believe how much we have in common," or, "Oh my goodness, I didn't know you liked that!"

So, let me take a moment and let you know about me.

I'm Sara!

I'm the oldest of four girls and grew up right here in Michigan.  I was born in Alma and never dreamed that I'd end up right where my life began.

I'm married to my college sweetheart, Jeff, and together we have four wild and crazy kids - Jake, Hannah, Luke, and Ally.  They are my LIFE.

Thanks to my wonderful friend, Miranda Parker, of Miranda Parker Photography, for taking this beautiful photo of us!

I taught for eight years before becoming a stay-at-home mom.

I enjoy all the foods I shouldn't eat - pasta, pizza, and french fries.  I love donuts and am a freak about my coffee.

I think my husband is the most handsome guy in the world and am madly in love with him.  We gross our kids out all the time.  ;)

I have loved Harry Potter since the books first came out.  I honestly cried when the entire series (including the movies) was over and have been trying to get my kids to love the books as much as I did.

I once ran a marathon.  At mile 26, I did the running man as I slowly jogged passed my family and friends.

I ran the marathon in memory of my dad, who died of a brain tumor.  I raised over $2000 in his memory and thought I was a rock star.

I am not a rock star.

I get super nervous before a bridal consult and always leave feeling like I talked the poor bride's ear off.  :)

I love photographing kids.  I love photographing families.  I love photographing weddings.
In summary, I love being a photographer.

My favorite colors are pink and turquoise.

Unless I'm running or working out, you'll never see me without mascara and lip gloss.  I'm weird like that.

I sing when I run and forget that other people can hear me.  My oldest son won't run in races with me anymore because of it.

I smile a lot.

I love to read and just started a book club!

There you have it - Sara in a nutshell.  I hope you learned something new about your photographer!  :)

Happy New Year!

2014 was a wild ride.  I vowed to not be as busy, but somehow was busier.  I resolved to be more organized, but somehow my office was almost always a disaster.  I promised to be less stressed, yet somehow I had a few (ok, several) freak-out moments.

Yet, I met awesome people.  I witnessed several couples exchange vows.  I photographed beautiful children celebrating birthdays, milestones, or just because.  I laughed with families, chased after toddlers, and snuggled crying newborns.  Yes, 2014 was a wild ride.  But it was a great one.

Looking at 2015, there are a few changes that I'm making to Sara Bonacci Photography.

1 - I will no longer be photographing seniors.  While I love it (LOVE it), we have so many great senior photographers in the area, I'm going to quietly let this area go.  I do have a few scheduled and will, of course, photograph them!  But I will not be taking on new seniors.

2 - Newborn sessions are a life-style type session.  While I never fully got away from newborns, despite the fact that I resolved to (another broken resolution), I am changing how my sessions go.  They will be at your home and I will focus on the relationship between your family.  It's so important and special.  I still will take photos of your baby, but there will be limited props.

3 - I will no longer be doing photo shoots on Sundays.  Sundays are family days.  I missed out on a lot of family time this year because of squeezing in sessions on Sundays.  I can't do that this year.  My kids are growing too fast!

Not a lot of changes, but enough.  SBP is still growing, and I'm taking baby steps to turn it into the business that I want it to be.  My dad was a business man, and sadly, he is no longer here to guide me.  (Teachable moment - kids, listen to your parents when they're trying to teach you something!  It's important!)  :)

I wish all of you a wonderful and safe 2015.  I can't wait to see so many of you in front of my lens again.  I honestly love this job so much, and am so proud of how much my little business has grown.  I have big dreams for Sara Bonacci Photography, and I am so thankful that each and every one of you has been a part of it.

Hugs to all!  

-Sara

Kylee + Seth | Engagement Session

Kylee and Seth rocked their engagement session!  We headed out to their gorgeous property where they got engaged.  It was the perfect setting.  I loved Kylee's creativity with her apple bucket for her save-the-dates!  I am so excited for their August wedding.

Alex + Ramon | Engagement Session

Ramon and Alex are such a fun and sweet couple.  We met up at Deerfield Park to get photos by the covered bridge there.  The three of us weren't expecting to go for a hike, but we laughed along the way and even went to some suspension bridges as well.  The fall colors were beautiful.  I am so excited for their July wedding!

Alexa and Luke | Engagement Session

Alexa and Luke rocked their engagement session.  We had so much fun walking though downtown Alma and then heading to the street they both live on.  It's funny how these two lived just down the street from each other, yet didn't meet until they were older.

We then had a picnic where I introduced the two of them to my favorite wine.  (Just in case you're wondering, it's Black Star Farms Arcturos, Late Harvest Riesling.  You're welcome.)

Anyway, in a nutshell, these two are the definition of love.

I cannot wait for their September, 2015 wedding!