Fireworks in the city - Detroit, Michigan

When we weren't lucky enough to be out on some family pop-up camping adventure during the Fourth of July, we watched the fireworks from our living room. Detroit has always offered a spectacular show, albeit days and days before the actual holiday. I've had the opportunity to view them in person twice now, including this year's show last Monday night. I just couldn't pass up the chance to drag along my camera and tripod and take a few stabs at the sparkly show.

But first, let's start with a warm sunset.

A few people take advantage of a super tall view from atop their apartment building. Watching them from our eighth floor spot made my knees week.

Hope you have a fantastic Fourth of July!

Photographing Lauren and Matt

Matt, an advertising creative pulled out all the stops when he proposed to his blog-loving girl Lauren. He wrote a special, heartfelt message and posted it to Lauren's favorite blog and slyly turned the webcam on to capture her reaction. Watch the proposal here and I dare you not to tear up! :)

They brought their inventive do-it-your-self style to their charming Ann Arbor wedding. We started with a first look and portraits in the Law Quad at University of Michigan, made a quick stop at Cafe Habana to photograph them at their first date table before heading over to Vinology for their ceremony and reception.

Here Lauren's mom fastens the clasp on her necklace. Lauren made this necklace using lace from her mother's wedding gown.

Lauren's sweet niece and nephew flew in from Florida to share in the day and during some moments, steal the show! ;)

I loooove the moments leading up to and just after that first look! So much anticipation!

Who doesn't love a baby squirrel?

Lauren and Matt shared their first date at this table! Looks like it turned out pretty well for them!

Lauren's father officiated their ceremony.

The "bubble room" at Vinology.

Who says you need a cake to have cake toppers? We found a use for them anyway!

Congratulations Lauren and Matt! Here's to a lifetime filled with fun, surprises and great love!

Princess Lily and her fourth birthday party

I can still remember my fifth birthday. It was my first boy/girl party (one of those stinky boys brought me a button with my name on it and I still have it!) I remember playing pin-the-tail on the donkey, listening to music and eating cake! It was a lovely November affair held in my family's living room. :)

When my co-worker and super blogger mom Jenn asked me to come over for a last minute birthday party photo shoot for her daughter Lily, I couldn't help but say yes! I mean, who can resist a cutie like this?

Lily loves on her cousin Zoe.

Here, Ms. Lily is "cleaning" her scooter. Because why wouldn't you clean a scooter with spray-able sunscreen! ;) Perhaps a princess theme Jiffy Lube in her future?