Before you start scrolling through one of my favorite sessions at Silver Lake, Michigan, you have to hear this family’s amazing story. Rebecca and Dave Yonker and their incredible blended family are the PERFECT example that what’s meant to be will always find its way.

Once Upon a Time…

Rebecca and Dave met when they were in middle school through church youth groups and dated on and off all through high school. And as with most high school love stories, they went their separate ways after graduation … but fate had a different plan.

Fast forward a couple years and babies later, and Rebecca and Dave reconnect both following divorces and got married in 2012. This marriage brought their two families together and are you ready for the magical part? Both Rebecca and Dave each had 4 kids that are almost the exact same age and genders: Broedy (20), Gavin (19), Raelyn (17), Sydnie (17), Kadein (15), Myles (14), Adalyn (13) and Brookelynn (12). In case you lost count, that’s 8 kids!

This family is full of adventure and loves spending their time outside camping, boating, trailing in their jeeps, skiing, snowboarding and enjoying each other’s company. With all this love of family, outdoors and their jeeps, it was a must to do their session at the dunes at Silver Lake. This laid-back outdoor session held a special place in their hearts since they have spent tons of time each year at these dunes.

And as if this wasn’t already a session for the books, Raelyn and Sydnie are two of my Senior Reps! So to get to photograph them AND their family made this session even more special.

Thank you so very much to the Yonker/Bedford family for letting me be a small part of your amazing story!