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.

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Weddings

Ali and Aaron James | Whimsical Winter Wedding in January | McKay Ballroom Tower | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Last year, when I first met Ali and Aaron, they harbored a dream of a magical outdoor winter ceremony. Their vision was to have the snow create a enchanting ambiance for their special day, and Mother Nature did not disappoint. While the outdoor ceremony wasn’t in the cards, the McKay Ballroom provided the perfect backdrop […]

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Weddings

The Value of Hiring a Professional Wedding Photographer: Beyond Family and Friends

Your wedding day is an extraordinary occasion that encapsulates the essence of your love story—a day filled with cherished moments, heartfelt emotions, and beautiful memories. Among the myriad of decisions to be made, choosing the right photographer stands as one of the most crucial. While the idea of entrusting this role to a friend or […]

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Seniors

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Photographer for Your Senior Photography

Your senior year is a time of transition, reflection, and celebration. It marks the culmination of a significant chapter in your life and the beginning of an exciting new journey. One of the most cherished traditions during this period is capturing the essence of this milestone through senior photography. Choosing the right photographer for this […]

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Weddings

Top 10 Light and Airy Wedding Venues In Michigan

One of the most common things that is overlooked when choosing a venue is the style of how you want it captured. Even though all great professional photographers can make your venue look their own style (mine being light and airy) in photos you, a bride or groom can not make every element in this […]

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Weddings

Katie & Sean’s Fall Wedding at The Colony Club | Detroit Wedding Photographer

This fall wedding at The Colony Club in Detroit was one of those celebrations that felt both elegant and personal. From the joyful first look to the unforgettable portraits around the city, Katie and Sean’s day was filled with warm light, genuine moments, and rich fall color — the perfect backdrop for timeless wedding photography. […]

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Weddings

Light and Airy Destination Photographer | Spring Wedding | Charleston, South Carolina

Your quest to find the perfect photographer to document your Charleston spring wedding, complete with the exquisite allure of cherry blossoms and the whimsical charm of Rainbow Row, is an adventure I’d be honored to embark on with you. While I haven’t physically tread upon the cobblestone streets of Charleston yet, my artistic vision and […]

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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!

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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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