Sheri Lynn Photography

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The Schenk Extended Family Session at Jean Klock Park in New Buffalo, Michigan

The Schenk family gathered together on a brisk but beautiful night along the beach of Jean Klock Park in southern Michigan. There was dancing, there was laughing, and there was a sunset to remember.

If there ever was a perfect way to start a friendship, I would say my dear friend Brandon and I found it. Our freshman year in college we were assigned to the same residence hall, just a floor apart. While I started off my college career as a painfully shy, introverted, scared freshman…Brandon was singing show tunes through the hall lobby and becoming bff’s with the hall director. And I thought “I want to be friends with that guy….”

And for some reason my mind had decided that the best way to introduce myself and become friends was to bring him a bowl of my mom’s homemade mashed potatoes. So with an awkward knock on the door and probably even more awkward introduction, Brandon and I became lifelong friends.

So when he called to plan a session, I knew it was about to be a night filled with personality and flair. Living in the DC area, we only had a short window of time to make stars align for his session during a trip home. Potential poor weather had us debating on if it would happen as he insisted that it would be a beach session or no session. And (for once in our 10+ years of friendship) I was glad he stubbornly held strong on a decision. Though it was windy and a surprisingly chilly evening, we got the most beautiful images! So let me introduce you to the Schenk Family!

This was not the first time I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Brandon’s older sister, Jammie. Brandon previously gifted Jammie and her family a holiday session with me in 2020 and we had a gorgeous evening together and a lot of fun. It was great to see them again. Jammie can rock some red lipstick in a way I’ve always dreamed of being able to, plus that gorgeous red hair. But more on Jammie later…

There’s also her husband Tony, who, like Teri probably is kept on his toes quite a bit between his spitfire wife and handsome sons. Charlie and Vinny are seriously the cutest guys. Charlie is so cool and laid back, and Vinny has a smile that will melt your heart in about two seconds flat. I love seeing these boys with their mama, and also with their grandma and Uncle B!

This was the first time I got to meet Brandon’s partner, Daniel. And I was absolutely giddy going through these images post-session. Getting to see my friend in love is so sweet. The way they look at each other, the moments they share when off on their own, and their little family of the two of them and their pups. My romantic heart was bursting with every click.

So now let’s jump to the part of the session that featured outfit changes and a catwalk featuring both Brandon and Jammie…

Did I not say this session had laughter, dancing, and there was definitely some strong personalities and sass!

So Jammie came in strong with an outfit change into this shimmering gold number. Combined with that red lipstick, she is looking drop dead gorgeous! I love her fire and heart and have so much fun when I get to click away with her! Brandon couldn’t be outdone though and did his own quick outfit change. That top left photo of him may be my all time favorite (appropriate) photo of him. So handsome and happy - just how I like him to be!

Give me every cloudy day on a beach from here on out because the lighting and the fresh air were everything. Even though I got a little lost and turned around a few times when finding this spot, it was definitely the spot. We had so much fun that we even caught some time watching the sunset.

Thank you, Schenk family, for being the beautiful souls that you are! Anytime you want to head back to the beach be sure to give me a call!