Capturing Family Moments: The Willie Family at Provin Trails
Fall in Michigan is a time of breathtaking beauty—crisp air, golden sunlight, and vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. It’s also the perfect season for a family photoshoot. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing the Willie family at Provin Trails in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during the peak of fall. With the trees bursting with color and the ground covered in crunchy leaves, it couldn’t have been a more ideal setting for capturing the love, laughter, and connection of this wonderful family.
The Willie Family: Maura, Brian, and Their Two Little Ones
Maura and Brian are parents to two beautiful children: Owen and Ellie. From the moment they arrived, it was clear how strong their bond is as a family. There’s a warmth between them that radiates in every shot, and their playful interactions made it easy to capture genuine moments of joy.
The kids brought all the energy to the shoot and made it easy to get endless photos of the fun they had the entire day.
The Beauty of Provin Trails in the Fall
Provin Trails is a unique place to shoot in Grand Rapids because it offers multiple different landscapes to shoot in. They have huge pine trees, beautiful winding paths that cut through them and a giant sand dune in the middle of the park!
As we walked along the trail, the kids ran ahead, their laughter filling the crisp air, while Maura and Brian held hands, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Every corner of the park offered a new opportunity for candid shots—whether it was the kids kicking up leaves, Maura and Brian sharing a quiet moment, or the entire family gathered together for a joyful portrait.
A Playful and Heartwarming Session
One of the best parts of family photoshoots is capturing the candid, unscripted moments. The Willie kids had no shortage of energy, which made for some truly fun and natural photos. Their son, who is a little older, took the lead and happily explored the trails, while his younger sister giggled and ran after him, trying to keep up. Their playful banter and sibling connection brought so much joy to the session, making it impossible not to smile while photographing them.
In between the fun and laughter, there were quieter moments that spoke volumes about the bond between Maura, Brian, and their children. Whether it was Brian dancing with Ellie, Maura watching Ellie run up the dunes or the kids playing together, there was never a dull moment.
Embracing the Fall Vibes
The colors of fall were everywhere—burnt orange, deep reds, and golden yellows surrounded the Johnson family as they posed in their cozy outfits. Maura wore flowing teal colored dress that contrasted well with the background colors. Ellie wore a bright yellow dress that matched her personailty. And dad and son both wore long sleeve shirts with khakis that had a classic look. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love photographing families—capturing both the big moments and the small, intimate details that tell a unique story. The joy and connection between Maura, Brian, and their two kids were evident in every shot, and I feel so lucky to have been able to preserve this beautiful day for them.
Creating Memories for a Lifetime
As we wrapped up the session, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have been part of such a special moment for the Willie family. These photos will serve as timeless memories for them to look back on, a reminder of a beautiful fall day spent together at Provin Trails.
If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful way to capture your family’s love, I’d be honored to help. Whether it's amidst the fall foliage, the snow, or the warmth of a summer sunset, there are endless ways to create memories that last a lifetime.
Thank you, Willie family, for letting me capture these beautiful moments. Your love and connection made this photoshoot one I will always remember!
