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Hi, I’m Mandy!—a photographer, mother, and quiet sentimentalist who believes in the beauty of simple, meaningful moments.

I’m the kind of person who notices the little things—the way a toddler reaches for their mama’s hand, the nervous laugh between a bride and groom before their first look, or the fleeting glance that says everything without words. Those are the moments I love to photograph, because I know just how fast they pass.

I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist and overachiever (oldest sibling energy, anyone?), but becoming a mom has shifted the way I see the world. I’ve learned to slow down, to soak in the in-between, and to appreciate the power of memory. Now, I bring that same heart into every session—blending intentional planning with genuine connection to create photos that feel timeless, effortless, and real.

I want you to feel like you’re working with a friend—not just a vendor. Someone who’ll walk alongside you, guide you with care, and celebrate your story through images that truly reflect who you are. Whether we're documenting your wedding day, a growing family, or a milestone moment, my goal is simple: to help you feel comfortable, cared for, and beautifully seen.

So if you’re looking for a photographer who values meaning over trend, connection over perfection, and legacy over likes—you’re in the right place.

Let’s capture something real together.

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. 

Working with me feels like spending time with a friend who’s calm in the chaos, quick to offer encouragement, and always looking for the small moments that matter most. I’ll guide you through everything, celebrate alongside you, and make sure you walk away with images that feel like you.

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

Sunflowers - big, bright, and impossible to ignore (kind of like my ideal light for portraits).

Country Music on repeat. Bonus points if it's nostalgic and a little twangy.

Euchre or really anything that lets me play cards, laugh too loud, and snack mid-deal.

A Starbucks run I swore I didn't need... until I did.

Gilmore Girls
IYKYK.

Autumn. I live for cozy layers, golden light, and cider-anything.

Tiramisu. Creamy, coffee-soaked, yes-please magic.

I could plan a party just for fun. Tablescapes? Nametags? Balloon garlands? Count me in!

Halloween - yes, I'm that person with themed snacks and family costumes.

~ Gabi H

Mandy is the most incredible photographer. She helped us coordinate our schedule, pick locations, and provided helpful ideas to make even more memorable moments. She really understood the vision we had and helped create the elegant and timeless wedding that we wanted documented in our photos.
I loved working with her so much we have hired her 10 additional times to document our lives since marriage (and will continue to hire her in years to come).
She has always been so professional and kind - basically she's become an extension of our family, documenting every important moment.

what couples are saying

~ Christina S

Mandy was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the very beginning, her communication style was proactive, friendly, honest, and easygoing, which put us at ease throughout the entire process. 
Mandy was always in the right place at the right time, capturing the special moments like my grandpa tenderly telling my husband to take care of me, and my husband reading the heartfelt note cards I had left for him that morning.
If you're looking for a photographer who will build a lasting relationship with you as your marriage and family grows, Mandy is the perfect choice. Her work is worth every penny and you won’t regret choosing her for your wedding & future milestones!

what couples are saying

~ Brett B

I highly recommend working with Mandy for your wedding. She has been doing photo shoots for my family for years and I have always been impressed with her ability to perfectly capture each moment. Getting photos done and being the center of attention can be kind of awkward but Mandy does a great job directing everyone and helping you feel natural and comfortable. And while most photographers take months to get your completed photos to you, Mandy had our wedding photos back to us before we got back from our honeymoon!

what couples are saying

~ Brett B

I highly recommend working with Mandy for your wedding. She has been doing photo shoots for my family for years and I have always been impressed with her ability to perfectly capture each moment. Getting photos done and being the center of attention can be kind of awkward but Mandy does a great job directing everyone and helping you feel natural and comfortable. And while most photographers take months to get your completed photos to you, Mandy had our wedding photos back to us before we got back from our honeymoon!

what couples are saying

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. 

are we the perfect fit?

inquire here

telling your story.

i BELIEVE IN LIGHT, laughter, having a great time AND

     @portraitsbymandy