downtown grand rapids portraits | glen + mikayla

As I glanced over from my piano into the floor-length mirror in our practice room, I caught Mikayla’s eye and started to laugh. We'd only been rehearsing our new trio for a few days, but Mikayla and I had figured out we had one random thing in common: if we made eye contact with any of us (but especially Glen!), we couldn't keep a straight face. We tried so hard to look like serious performers, but it just resulted in the practice room being filled with laughter from us all.

While we didn't get to play in a recital together because of the virus, one of the many things that stayed with me about Glen and Mikayla was the overwhelming joy and kindness that radiated from them both. If any of us made mistakes, we ALL laughed a lot over the bumps it had caused. They trusted each other, one of the most important components of playing in an ensemble. Even though we'd never played together before, our connections enabled us to rely on each other. That showed itself as we found out we were playing with all the same articulations, expressions, and emotions!

Not only are Glen and Mikayla wonderful trio partners, they're incredible friends with everyone.

If there's a baton in school, there's a good chance it was custom-made by Glen, and 1000% chance the owner will rave over how beautiful it looks and feels. And if you haven't tried Mikayla's three-ingredient peanut butter cookies, you're missing out. Her baking during exam and jury week can only be rivaled by Joanna Gaines. There's nothing like seeing Mikayla pull a bundt pan from under her chair at the end of our 7:45 a.m. class and hearing her say "Who wants monkey bread?!"

I'm not sure they ever met anyone that they weren't super kind, welcoming, and helpful to! It's rare you'll find either of them without people and laughter surrounding them.

As both of them will be music teachers, I can say without hesitation, these are the kind of people you will want teaching your kids.

When they asked me to take their recital portraits, I was so excited! I was thrilled I would be able to capture their joy in a tangible way. And even though it was a cloudy, bitterly cold, windy February day, they cheered each other on with big smiles through cold hands and instrument assembly. I think you'll have to agree: these two are naturals in front of a camera!

Glen & Mikayla,

Thank you so much for trusting me to capture this season in your musical journey! Even though we didn't get to play our woodwind trio together, I loved every minute of practicing with you, and the way that you each showed grace and kindness to all of us in the room. You inspire me to practice more, lead better, and make everyone feel truly welcome. Thanks for trusting me with your trio, and that a seedy corner in front of a hospital would be a great place for some headshots. The best is yet to come for you both in your musical journeys!