Ziegler Family’s Northern Michigan Cherry Blossom Family Photos

There’s something incredibly special about photographing families as they grow. So when Markie reached out to schedule family photos—especially knowing their daughter Sutton was about to turn one—I couldn’t have been more excited.

I first photographed Markie and Cody during their maternity session, so getting to see them now as a family of three felt full-circle in the best way. Watching Sutton explore the world around her, nearly one already, was such a sweet reminder of how quickly these seasons pass.

Returning families will always hold a special place in my heart. Knowing they trust me to document their milestones year after year is an honor I never take lightly.

A Spring Orchard Session in Northern Michigan

We scheduled their session during peak cherry blossom season, one of my absolute favorite times of year in Northern Michigan. The Traverse City area is known for its cherry orchards, and in the spring, those trees burst into soft white blooms that feel straight out of a dream.

The orchard gave us the perfect backdrop—quiet, natural, and full of life. Paired with a loving family and the excitement of such a meaningful milestone, the result felt effortless and genuine.

Celebrating One-Year Milestones

Sutton was curious, expressive, and right on the edge of toddlerhood. Those in-between stages—where babies are no longer tiny, but not quite big yet—are some of my favorite moments to photograph.

This session wasn’t about stiff posing or perfection. It was about documenting connection. The way Markie and Cody look at Sutton. The way she reaches for them. The laughter, the movement, and the fleeting details that make this season so meaningful.

Why Cherry Blossom Family Sessions Are So Special

Springtime in Northern Michigan has a kind of magic to it. The light is soft, the air feels fresh, and the cherry blossoms create a timeless setting for family photos that feel both elevated and natural.

These sessions are perfect for families who value presence over perfection and want images that feel true to who they are—not overly posed, but full of warmth and connection.

Markie and Cody, thank you for trusting me again to capture this season of your lives. It truly means the world to me, and I’ll forever love these images of your growing family.

If you’re hoping to capture your own family in a season like this—whether it’s cherry blossom time or another meaningful chapter—I’d love to photograph it for you. You can reach out to me here.

You can explore my family photography experience here to learn more about what family sessions with me are like.

If Northern Michigan family photos that feel natural, timeless, and full of heart sound like what you’re looking for, I’d love to connect. You can reach out here to inquire about a session.