Shaylea | Class of 2019 | Traverse City Senior Photography

It was such an honor that Shaylea, her mom, aunt and grandma made a 10 hour drive from St. Louis, MO for her Traverse City senior photography session. I met Shaylea a little over seven years ago when I photographed her as a little dancer. A few months later I photographed her parent’s wedding and her mom Amanda became a dear friend as she worked with me photographing weddings in the St. Louis area. So when Amanda let me know they wanted to drive up here for me to photograph Shaylea’s senior portraits – I was ecstatic!

Shaylea is a Senior at Marquette Catholic high school in Alton IL where she keeps a busy schedule with cheerleading, student council, National Honor Society, cultural awareness club, and breast cancer awareness club – wow! She also loves reading, dancing, and hanging out with friends. Some of her favorite memories from high school include making varsity cheer team as a freshman, being senior captain, making homecoming court, and singing in the car with her friends. She is one of the sweetest girls you’ll ever meet and her inner beauty beams out in her easy smile. Seeing what a beautiful woman she is growing up to be and getting the chance catch up with her family was awesome!

Not only did I get to photograph Shaylea all afternoon, but also played tour guide showing off this place I now call home. We started at Brew with Shay’s favorite drink – iced coffee. From there we made a stop at Grand Traverse Commons, drove out to Sleeping Bear Dunes and the lookout at Pierce Stocking, and soaked in a beautiful pastel sunset on the shores of Lake Michigan. We had a blast and didn’t want the day to end.

Best wishes Shaylea as you finish your senior year and pursue your dreams of college and medical school. Your hard work and inner beauty will take you far in whatever direction you choose.

“Never doubt you were born to do great things!” ~ Catherine Pulsifer