dreamy backyard lifestyle portraits | caleb, rosie & ezra

As Ezra ran towards me with a huge grin, I couldn't help but think: I'm the luckiest! I always love getting Caleb and Rosie in front of the camera, so when they stopped by to visit, I had to get the "big camera" out. Ezra's fascinated with it and loves to see his picture on the back monitor, so he's the best little poser and has the sweetest grin! I cannot WAIT to have sweet baby Waters #2 coming this fall & they are already so loved.

That tiny John Deere hat absolutely stole my heart. Nothing runs like a Deere...or Ezra on a bumpy yard. This little family has my whole heart! <3

Rosie snapped this one and I cannot handle how cute it is!!!! <3

the college adventures of Mei Lin | sophomore year

My sophomore year of college is DONE! (full photo and journal recap right here.) For those of you who don't know, I'm a music education major, which means I live in the practice rooms, & live, eat and breathe Classical music. It's such a gift! As I’ve been reflecting back on this year, I kept laughing over these small moments. I’m a huge believer in celebrating the little things...so I hope these make you smile today!

-This year I found out I could fit two outfit changes (my formal concert attire + workout clothes), plus snowboots, lunch & dinner, AND textbooks in my locker at once. I can feel the sweat just remembering how much cramming I had to do.

-You know the scene in Tangled where Rapunzel keeps trying *and failing* to shove Flynn in the closet? THAT’S HOW IT FELT. I would just like to praise the Lord that it always happened around 7:15 in the morning when no one else was there.

-My best friend, Katelyn, and I would get ready in the practice rooms because the lighting was so good. Bless the people walking by who didn’t bat an eyelash at me curling her hair & my hair pre-concert!!! *pictured above!!

-I also casually walked around the music building past teachers holding a curling iron, and no one asked any questions. Next time, I’m going to try and smuggle my baby nephew around. Hoping for the same response just so I can have him with me always ;).

-I ate bananas almost every morning for breakfast right before class. People started to notice.

-My teacher in my 7:45 a.m. thought it was hilarious.

-It felt fitting I then submitted a self-reflection for his class titled “While I Ate a Banana, I Learned…”

-Right after I made my solo collegiate piano debut at Musical Moods, I was so stoked! The stage wen pitch black and I immediately ran into a music stand!

-The lighting crew accidentally dropped a spotlight on me as soon as it happened. Truly one of the proudest moments of my life. Nothing like an awkward grin at the audience. ;)

-I had my first full-faculty piano jury over Zoom! (our end of the year assessment for your instrument major!) It was the sweetest mix of intimidating and excitement to see seven faculty faces staring back at me while I played.

-I lasted about 8 hours post-jury without studying any music. And then I cracked, researched recital music for next year, and then printed off a Beethoven sonata and a rondo. Help.

-I scheduled my new piano lessons to start the day after juries, and I’m SO THANKFUL I did. The withdrawal from music education is real! Mei Lin is getting JAZZ-ed this summer, and my head is currently swimming with 7-3-6 or 3-6-9 chords. I’m so stoked to keep learning, and I'm really lucky to have a wonderful new teacher.

And there we go! We did it, friends! Another year closer to my Bachelor's Degree.

See you back on the blog soon!

xx,

Mei Lin Kate

grand rapids spring engagement | lizzy + nate

Their first date was on her birthday, last year. Nate gave her a "10/10 would recommend to a friend gift": he asked her out. And she said yes!

Flash forward to January.

Setting the stage in true Michigan fashion, there was just enough snow to make it look magical. Sweet friends came together to set up the most beautiful backyard engagement for Nate and Lizzy to walk in on, complete with twinkle lights, photos strung on an iron arch, lanterns, and a lit path in the snow. It was there, with a ring whose diamond was her grandma's, the one whose name she shares, Nate asked Lizzy to marry him.

And there was one resounding answer: again. Yes.

As I've gotten to know Lizzy + Nate over the past few months, their love and excitement for each other have just shined in everything they do. We've worked through all the complications the virus has brought, and as we have, they have been more than kind, accomodating, and supportive.

It's clear to me that they don't just want a beautiful wedding, they want a beautiful, thriving marriage.

And since they got engaged in a backyard, it only felt fitting we shot their engagement portraits in one too. They lit it up with some of the most natural, radiant smiles I've ever seen as they laughed and twirled their way through their session.

Lizzy & Nate,

Rachel and I are SO thrilled to help you celebrate your love story in August! The way that you love Christ is so apparent in all that you do, and I can't wait to see how that shines even brighter on your wedding day.

Hugs,

Mei Lin Kate