KARA HANES

I live and work in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I love photographing weddings across West Michigan, Detroit, and Chicago. My couples value genuine connection, joyful moments, and timeless storytelling through photography.

KARA HANES PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BLOG

I'm a hopeless romantic who finds great joy in creating and capturing connection and beauty wherever I go.

Weddings

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Weddings

Detroit War Memorial Wedding | Architecture & Lakefront Gardens

The Detroit War Memorial is one of the city’s most striking wedding venues, blending modern architecture, peaceful gardens, and sweeping lakefront views. This wedding shoot celebrated everything that makes the War Memorial unique — clean lines, intentional design, and a setting that feels both timeless and contemporary. For couples looking for a Detroit wedding venue […]

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Seniors

Grand Rapids Senior Portraits Designed Just for You

Grand Rapids senior portraits are more than just photos — they’re memories you’ll treasure forever. At Kara Hanes Photography, I specialize in creating Grand Rapids senior portraits that reflect your personality, style, and story. Together, we’ll design a custom session you’ll enjoy from start to finish.

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Bride and groom kissing under The BRIX sign at the front doors

Weddings

A Romantic Fall Chicago Wedding at The BRIX on Fox

Gia and Jeremy’s romantic fall wedding at The BRIX on Fox in Carpentersville, Illinois, with a first look, champagne ceremony and candlelit reception.

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Bride and groom by the courtyard fountain at the Italian American Club of Livonia

Weddings

A Classic Celebration at The Italian American Club of Livonia

Kara and Jeremy’s classic black and white wedding with a ceremony at St. Thomas A’Becket and a reception at the Italian American Club of Livonia.

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Weddings

Leona Road Wedding Photography in Grand Rapids | Kara Hanes

Rachel and Peter’s real wedding at Leona Road in Grand Rapids was a day full of joy, sunshine, and the perfect mix of elegance and fun. As a Grand Rapids wedding photographer, capturing their celebration — timeless, heartfelt, and full of love — was an absolute delight from start to finish. Every moment reflected their personalities, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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Couple kissing on the marble staircase at the Chicago Cultural Center

Engagements

A Downtown Chicago Engagement Session for Gia and Jeremy

Gia and Jeremy’s downtown Chicago engagement session at the Chicago Cultural Center, the Riverwalk, Millennium Park and North Avenue Beach.

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GET INSPIRED

THE
WEDDING LOUNGE

I'll give you all the tips on how to maximize your Kara Hanes Experience

Hello

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welcome to my blog

I'm Kara, West Michigan Photographer, Wife, Mom of two kids and our sweet Maltipoo. I hope you stay a while or reach out to chat!

want to plan?

the senior lounge

with tons of information on how to maximize your senior session and plan to make it your own. I've got lots of resources for my high school seniors.

Let's make magic together.

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