I'm happiest at home with a cup of coffee (heavy on the cream & sugar), watching some HGTV (Fixer Upper, anyone?!) and trying out a new sourdough recipe. These days, life is even sweeter as I soak up moments with my sweet three-year-old, Sawyer, who keeps me on my toes and fills my days with laughter. I love exploring new places with my sweetheart, Shawn, trying new foods, craft beer, coffee dates, Michigan autumns, and, of course, PHOTOGRAPHY!
Thank you so much for stopping by my page. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you all, and I appreciate each and every one of you!
Choosing a photographer can be tough. My photography style has been described as modern, rich, vibrant, colorful and yet authentic and timeless. My goal is to tell your unique story and capture your moments and memories as they are, but give them a little pop. It's important to find someone you're comfortable with so your personality can shine through your portraits. I want to not only create beautiful and timeless images you will cherish for years to come, but to also have a great time doing it!
meet mandy
hello there!
mY PHILOSOPHY
I am rustic charm and family heirlooms, not urban vibes and wild trends... I believe that the “small” things in life are really the big things, and that the fleeting kinds of moments are the ones that should always be cherished. I believe a cup of coffee with a great friend can solve any problem, that laughter is the greatest medicine, and I especially believe in the power of love to conquer all.
I believe that life’s greatest adventures should never be tackled alone. And I believe in tradition - in both celebrating old ones and creating new. Because more than anything, I believe that timeless always trumps trendy and that classic will never go out of style.
mY JOURNEY
a look back...
2009
2011
2012
2018
2019
2020
2017
2022
Portraits by Mandy was born! I started my photography business specializing in senior portraits. My first paid sessions were in 2009!
Graduated from GVSU - Go Lakers! - with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Accounting & Finance with a minor in Spanish. Nothing to do with photography, but definitely useful for starting and running my own business!
Assisted my friend at a wedding for the first time. I was immediately hooked and knew I wanted to start shooting weddings myself.
We've come along way since these 1st sessions!
Photographed my first Portraits by Mandy wedding on September 1, 2012. I will forever be grateful to these beautiful people for taking a chance on me!
Met Shawn in May, 2018.
I kept shooting as many weddings as I could, both as a lead and second-shooter.
We're engaged! December 23, 2019
We started planning a destination wedding in Ireland, but then the pandemic hit. We eloped on March 23, 2020.
READ OUR ELOPEMENT STORY>>
Photographed my 100th wedding.
Hired to shoot my first destination wedding in Texas!
Became a mama! Sawyer Rook was born June 22, 2022.
Read sawyer's birth STORY>>
today
Still capturing weddings, seniors, and growing families and loving every minute of it!
quick facts
Favorite flower
listening to
game
tv show
season
guilty pleasure
dessert
holiday
hobby
Sunflower
Country Music
Euchre or any card game with friends
Starbucks
Gilmore Girls
Autumn
Tiramisu
Planning parties & decorating
Halloween
Mandy's venue
bucket list
greencrest manor
Tiramisu
felt mansion
shepherd's hollow
etre farms
venue3two
venue bella giornata
planterra conservatory
ivy house
city flats ballroom
bay pointe inn
anywhere in ireland
santorini, greece
click each venue to see more!
Mandy's venue
bucket list
greencrest manor
felt mansion
shepherd's hollow
etre farms
venue3two
venue bella
giornata
planterra
conservatory
ivy house
city flats
ballroom
bay pointe inn
anywhere in ireland
santorini, greece
Given all the photographers out there these days, why choose me? With over a decade of experience, a detailed and organized approach, and a brand that emphasizes vibrant, authentic, and timeless imagery, I ensure clients get the absolute most out of their photography investment. Good photography goes beyond just capturing moments—I provide a personalized experience from start to finish, and just may become a close friend by the end of our time together. My goal is to help my clients optimize their experience by helping them truly prepare for their events and sessions in order to create stunning, heartfelt images.
