We got the call this morning at 6:15 that at our best friends were headed to the Hospital to await the arrival of their second beautiful baby girl! I was so excited, I literally almost left without shoes on my feet Almost exactly 2 years ago, I held Em’s hand (and took photo’s of course) as they were welcomed into parenthood (after a loooong 27 hour labor) by their first baby girl, Kayleigh Ann..

Fast forward 2 years & 11 days- and there we are, in the room again… only this time, things moved FAST! At 12:09pm Em was being checked again by a nurse because she felt changes, and the words we weren’t expecing to hear that soon “it’s baby time”! The nurse ran to get the doctor for labor (the previous time she was checked the nurse thought she had at least a few more hours…)

Kiley was born at 12:15, thats 6 minutes of pushing! Way to go Em!

There are no words to describe the emotions that were filled in this room. Seeing your baby girl for the first time, becoming an auntie, a grandma, grandpa, a BIG SISTER… It it one of the most amazing things to be a part of, and I think they all would agree, that this day could be summed up in few words… The Lord is incredible, and truly a Miracle Maker…

Welcome to the world Kiley Marie Howard. Zacary and Emily, thank you for letting me be a part of this day, and we can’t wait to get to know our little niece more, she is perfect in every way! WE LOVE YOUUUU!!!

blessings, AUNTIE (x4) dayna!!!! 

With this being a very popular season for these wee little miracles, I always like to do a post about newborn safety! I’ve taken several newborn safety workshops, and, while it seems obvious, but with so many new photographers out there, it must be said, newborn safety should always come first! Many times, parents will bring in sentimental “props” for a shoot, and I am always happy to work with them, making sure the baby remains safe, and comfortable at all times… we are working with little humans here

Here is a composite from this morning, Meet sweet Samuel Calvin, 5 days new. Believe it or not, this is the only shot we got of him sleeping! He is a strong little man. Sam’s daddy brought in the front of a tractor they have on their family  farm. I loved the idea of incorporating it into Sam’s session, but knew there was no safe way to have him on it. So, a composite it is!

When in doubt, always make a composite, and make sure to educate your clients before hand. Happy Monday!

blessings, dayna

Here’s another one from a few months back… Go Michigan!

One spot left for my Vintage Inspired “mini love shoot” Saturday May 18th! {5:00} It’s going to be a great time, email me dayna@daynamaephotography.com for more info & to book your spot!

Prizes for best dressed the part && most creative props!

Happy Tuesday!

blessings, dayna

Where to begin with this post… to describe Josh & Ashley… let’s start with Ashley… Yea, she was that girl. My best friend. The girl I got caught shaving my legs with for the first time, the girl who socked me in the face at my 3rd grade birthday party because she wanted to use my sleeping bag… that girl. Who, through life, is always there, although growing up you realize busy schedules can get in the way of communicating as often as we like, and college lead us to different paths, but through it all, she’s been that girl. We’d stay up, laughing, and being terrified as my dad came out to scare us in the camper… then,  laughing some more, talking about boys, our “top 5′s”, playing with race cars & tonka trucks- not barbies, EW!

Then… Someone invited her to church, and our worlds were changed, more than we knew at the time. I started going to youth group with her, where I re-connected with a boy I had known from playing at a friends house. That boy, through many little moments, that lead to big moments, belly laughs, late nights & prayers, 11 years later became my husband, and Ashley had a role in all that. Which paved the way to where we are now where she’s asked me to be the Matron of Honor in her wedding… and… the PHOTOGRAPHER! But on that day, there is nothing else I would have rather been doing.

That day was the day I watched my best friend say “yes” to the man the Lord had set apart solely for her. Joshua and Ashley are a true example of Christ being in the center. It’s been amazing seeing their journey thus far, and while being Matron of Honor, and photographer was rainbows and butterflies (HA!) , I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. Thanks to Meg Darket & my beyond amazing husband, we were able to completely rock out this wedding, with flying colors. Hence, probably the longest blog post I have ever written

Josh and Ashley chose to do a first look, which there were absolutely no words to describe. Their love for each other was magnified not just because it was their wedding day, but because of the true revelation they  had of their Lord before coming together as one. They had saved themselves, and their first kiss, for their wedding day. As they shared that, in front of many who had watched them since the first day they met, I believe angels were truly rejoicing in Heaven over the union that was formed! We couldn’t be happier for them… and their wedding day, was everything perfect and lovely, just as we always dreamed it would be… in that little camper, before we turned out the lights at our sleepovers…

Finally blogging these images! Enjoy!

blessings, dayna

^^gotta love the reality of the moment, haha thanks Meg!