January 2015 – elyn marie

Boundary Waters, MN / Pictured Rocks, MI

January 28, 2015June 16, 2015 by elynmariephoto, posted in Personal, Travel

August 2014

For those of you who don’t know, I have a big family. And we’re pretty fond of each other. Now that we’re all “adults” (whatever that means…), the 6 Courey siblings are starting to scatter a bit. Gabe & Trena are rocking it in Milwaukee, as Carleigh & Aaron are in Whitehall, MI. Jake has been off in Kentucky, Minnesota, and sometimes Pennsylvania to visit the lovely Abbey. Si’s in GR, and Sophie is hanging around Holland with Eric and I (and the most amazing Mom, Dad, kitty and pup in the world). All this to say, the most wonderful part of our summer vacation adventures were that we got to do them together (Expect Aaron– we missed you!!!).

This summer, the Courey Crew road tripped up to my sweet in-laws’ cabin in Ely, MN. It was such a spectacular week: we canoed into the Boundary Waters, hiked at Tettegouche State Park and Palisade Head, read lots of Harry Potter and C.S. Lewis and autobiographies and sci-fi novels, cruised around Fall lake at sunset on the old speed boat, talked about life, made s’mores on s’mores on s’mores, finished a puzzle and a half, and learned how to loon-call. Then we came on back to the mother-land (loveliest MI) and spent a day at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore before driving home.

There’s something unique about family. I won’t go on about it as long as I could, but this summer I’ve really realized how specific relationships between siblings and with parents are. When two people become extremely close friends, it’s usually because they’ve revealed a part of themselves to each other that not everyone (or maybe anyone) has ever known. What I realized on our vacation is that the individuals in a family have a special bond. Those deep parts- where our most shameful weaknesses, darkest fears, and most beautiful strengths lie- don’t have to be told to each other. In living life from start to present with 50% of the same genes, very similar life history & context, and each other’s company, siblings just sort of understand those things about each other. And then it’s just a blast when you get to watch those siblings fall in love with their other half and welcome them into our life. This state of relationship is vulnerable and can be intense. And it has the potential to be an extremely beautiful miracle and what I think is a piece of heaven. I am blown away by the grace I find in my relationships with my siblings and parents. With that said, I can’t wait for next year’s vacation!

Christine + Daniel

January 27, 2015February 1, 2015 by elynmariephoto, posted in Wedding

June 2014

Christine and Daniel’s brunch wedding was full of elegance and joy and romance! The morning started bright and early for us, and Christine was as even keeled as ever. Her calm and confident demeanor set such a peaceful tone for the day, and the morning fog that rolled in at the mansion was the perfect backdrop for it. Christine and Daniel take life head on, and completely rock it. I know they are going to rock married life!

Anders

January 27, 2015February 1, 2015 by elynmariephoto, posted in Portrait

August 2014

Well, people, it snowed last week. Also, it’s Novemeber. I think it’s safe to say that it’s finally socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music!! (I’m ok with not being socially acceptable- which is why I started listening to it 3 weeks ago…) And for those of you who think it’s not time yet: JUST DO IT! Christmas music is scientifically proven to increase joy, fulfillment, and life expectancy for 100% of listeners. Probably. So now that we’re all in agreement there, let’s move on.

I had a great time taking Anders’ photos over the summer! He was such a good sport and we had a lot of fun running around the south side of Holland. I love it when my clients come with some ideas and creativity of their own- it’s such a gift to me that their personalities can come out in their photos. Anders was definitely one of those people, and he was so easy to work with.

Sophie

January 27, 2015February 1, 2015 by elynmariephoto, posted in Portrait

September 2014

Ok, world. I guess it’s high time I share these with you! I’ve been hoarding them for a while now, mostly because I’ve had no idea how I would choose which ones to post when I want to post them all! Alas, here they are.

Sophie is someone who you can relax around. She’s that person who brings a feeling of calm and that everything is ok into every room she’s in. She’s always been that way. When we were little, it looked like little-toddler-Sophie bringing me all my stuffed animals, one by one, when I was crying on my bed about who knows what. Now, it looks like all-grown-up-Sophie always taking the time to listen, always having a hand to hold. I’ve watched my little sister grow up this way. If you know me and my spit-fire, impulsive, clumsy personality, it should be no wonder that her patience and calming spirit baffle me. Sophie has watched her 5 older siblings grow up and move away to college over the past 10 years, and now it’s her turn! I know that this young woman is going to continue to bring peace and right-ness into all the future rooms she is going to walk into.

Alright, now that I’m crying I guess I’ll show you some pictures. Love you to pieces, Soph!

2014

January 14, 2015January 27, 2015 by elynmariephoto, posted in Personal

What a year 2014 was! It was a year of change, to say the least. I graduated from undergrad, then Eric and I moved from Chicago to west MI where he started grad school and I didn’t go back to school for the first time since 1996. I started a couple new jobs that stretch and challenge me and I absolutely love. We returned to old friends and made some new ones. And as I said goodbye to the Chicago that I love, I said hello to so much good and many opportunities in the Holland that I love.

It was also a great year for photography! My business expanded immensely including having my first summer full of my own weddings to shoot. Not to mention all the loving families, excitement of graduations and engagements, and the holidays and summer vacations. What fun! In 2014 I was so blessed by encouragement and guidance from artists and business owners I look up to like Marie Clark, Jillian Bowes, Ellie Hawkins, and Carleigh (Courey) Tubergen. I learned that nobody is going to accept my work for what it is if I don’t. I learned to be creative with light and to help clients be themselves. I learned that I love to take in the world through a lens because it helps me to appreciate the details of life. And I learned to not measure success in numbers, but in relationships.

I am in love with 2015 already and can’t wait for the adventures it holds! India, Chicago, Yosemite, the world- here I come!

Maddy + Nate

January 4, 2015February 1, 2015 by elynmariephoto, posted in Engagement

June 2014

These high school sweethearts were a blast to work with! Maddy and Nate compliment each other so well- always really listening to each other and putting each other first. I can tell just by the couple hours we spent together that they not only trust each other, but they really believe in each other. And they also believe in the world. They’re spending their engagement long distance between Detroit and Philadelphia and I know they’re going to make both of those cities all the better for being there! We had a really wonderful night with dreamy golden hour light and the lake was on it’s A-game with all the sparkles we could want. I absolutely can’t wait for their wedding next year!

	Brett Wiersma on 2017
	carleigh courey on Fernwood
	Dominican Republic… on Dominican Republic
	Nf on Kristen + Sang
	Little Miss Travelle… on Dominican Republic