Teal Memories

06/11/2026

06/09/2026

Day 9 of posting my photos until I hit 2K followers. 🫶📸

This session was such a fun one because it gives a little peek behind the curtain at what sessions with me are actually like. Lots of laughs, random life conversations, hyping each other up, and occasionally me reminding my clients to be a little kinder to themselves. 😂

This wasn't a cake smash session, but rather a birthday session featuring the most gorgeous cake. The client wanted an indoor location and chose to book a hotel room for the shoot, so I packed up my backdrops and gear and transformed the space into our little birthday studio for the day. (Just to clarify, hotel bookings are client-provided when that location option is chosen. 😊)

One of my favorite parts of this job is that every session becomes so much more than taking photos. We celebrate milestones, share stories, laugh over silly comments, and create memories right alongside the images.

And for the record... 33 is definitely not old. 😉🎂✨

Would you ever do a birthday photoshoot for yourself?

06/09/2026

If you're looking for a fun, unique adventure, add the Alligator Sanctuary in Athens, Michigan to your list! 🐊✨

We spent the day there this weekend and had an absolute blast. For just $14.95 per person, you get to see all kinds of rescued alligators and reptiles up close, learn their stories, and even read about many of their rescue journeys throughout the sanctuary.

Want to make it even more memorable? You can purchase experiences like holding a small or large alligator, feeding a tortoise, and even feeding some of the alligators! The proximity to these incredible animals is wild, and the educational aspect makes it even better.

It's clear how much care goes into giving these rescued animals a safe place to live, and getting to learn their backstories made the experience that much more meaningful.

Fun? Absolutely.
Educational? Definitely.
Worth the trip? 20/10 recommend. 🐊💚

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

Sooooo... my husband and I had a church adventure this weekend. 😅🙏

I have a home church that I absolutely love, but it's about 45 minutes away one way, which can make it difficult to get there every single Sunday as often as I'd like. My husband used to have a local home church as well, but things have changed there over time and we no longer attend. So, we decided it was finally time to start trying out some churches closer to home.

Now, I haven't visited a new church in YEARS. We even brought my mother-in-law with us, so naturally there was a little pressure for everything to go smoothly. 🤦‍♀️😂

To be fair, things started off great. The couple at the information desk were incredibly sweet. They happened to be Yoders too, so of course we immediately started chatting and bonding over that. They mentioned it wasn't the regular pastor speaking that day but an elder pastor filling in, and we got settled into our seats feeling optimistic.

Then came the coffee.

Listen... I know this sounds ridiculous, but I LOVE church coffee. 😂 It's part of my Sunday routine. Grab my coffee, worship Jesus, hear the message, and head into the week feeling refreshed. Well... not this Sunday.

The lid refused to stay on, coffee was leaking everywhere, and for some reason my gut told me to grab a napkin before sitting down. Thank goodness I did. Eventually my husband had to throw the whole thing away. Looking back, maybe that was my warning sign. 🤣☕️

Once worship started, things just felt... off for us. The music was very flat and acoustic, and while I know everyone connects with worship differently, I personally love energetic worship. I want to sing, celebrate, praise, and start my morning with joy before settling in to learn and grow through the sermon.

What surprised me most was that despite being a large church with multiple services, a stage, screens, and all the things you'd expect from a larger congregation, it didn't feel particularly welcoming beyond those wonderful people at the information desk. The overall atmosphere just wasn't one where we felt comfortable or connected.

And the sermon itself simply wasn't for me. I believe church should challenge us, teach us, encourage us, and help us become stronger followers of Christ. I want to leave feeling inspired to grow, not uncomfortable or discouraged. Unfortunately, that just wasn't my experience this particular Sunday.

That said, this isn't meant to criticize the church. Every church serves people differently, and what isn't the right fit for one person may be exactly where someone else feels at home. It simply wasn't the right fit for me and my husband.

So, we'll keep looking. ❤️ There are so many wonderful churches in our area, and while there's probably a reason we've continued making that 45-minute drive all these years, we're excited to keep exploring and see where God leads us next.

One church down, however many more to go. 🙏🩵✝️

06/08/2026

🩵🥹📸 If I haven’t met you yet, hi! I’m so excited to meet you new friend!

✨📷✨

06/07/2026

YOU BRING YOUR IDEAS & I’LL BRING MY CAMERA! ✨

Have a creative vision but need help bringing it to life? A model call is a collaborative photoshoot where you share your ideas, and I handle the photography, lighting, and ex*****on to make your vision a reality.

Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Book a slot: Choose between a discounted rate for your idea or an open model call where we brainstorm together.

2️⃣ We chat: We’ll discuss your expectations, the results you want, and what’s needed to execute your idea.

3️⃣ Make it happen: I’ll plan the logistics, set up the shoot, and capture the art you’ve imagined.

Let’s create something beautiful—without the hassle or the high cost. Use link below to book your session today.

https://book.usesession.com/t/ePyOS-Eulp

06/07/2026

Day 7 of sharing my work until I hit 2K followers 📸✨

Before anyone gets confused... this is a 🎱 pool shoot, not a 🏊‍♂️ pool shoot. 😂

One of my favorite things about photography is finding creativity in places most people would walk right past. Give me a camera, a good subject, and a little imagination, and we're in business.

Thank you for following along on this journey and supporting this small-town photographer with big dreams. Every like, comment, share, and follow means more than you know. 🤍

Road to 2K continues... 🚗💨

06/06/2026

I got over 50 reactions on my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

06/06/2026

Just finished *The Favorite Girl* by Monica Arya and I am currently staring at a wall trying to process what I just read. 😳📚

This book was SO good, but wow... there is a reason for the trigger warnings. It is intense, emotional, shocking, and had me questioning everything more than once.

I won't spoil anything because everyone deserves to experience the twists for themselves, but just know my jaw was on the floor multiple times. 🤯

My only complaint? That ending. 😭

I have questions. So many questions. It felt like a cliffhanger and now I need answers immediately. Is there a second book? A novella? A secret chapter hidden somewhere? Monica, respectfully, I need closure. 😂

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for keeping me hooked from beginning to end, even if I'm slightly mad about it.