Some memories are etched so deeply into our hearts that they shape the way we view the world—and sometimes, they even find their way into the work we do.
The Magic of Saturdays: A Childhood Filled with Music and Love
When I was growing up, Saturdays were magic. Game days meant walking into my grandma’s house and being greeted by the unmistakable scent of what we all called “BBQ”—which was really just sloppy joes simmering on the stove. Freshly baked chocolate cupcakes, perfectly frosted, sat waiting to celebrate U of M football, win or lose. In the background, my grandpa’s guitar tinkered to life, filling the room with its raw, unpolished charm. He is a self-taught guitarist who doesn’t read music but plays with his soul. It was the soundtrack of my childhood—a melody that felt like home.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself working Saturday nights at my mom’s coffee shop. It wasn’t just a job; it was her intentional way of keeping me grounded and out of trouble. Saturdays there held their own magic, thanks to my grandpa’s jam sessions. A group of older men would gather, their guitars in hand, revisiting their youth through the songs they played. It was their day to let loose and connect—to laugh, to reminisce, and to lose themselves in music. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate what was happening, but now I’d give anything to hear them play again. My grandpa can’t strum like he used to, and that realization makes those memories all the more precious.
A Guitar, A Newborn, and a Father’s Love
These moments from my past came rushing back during a recent newborn session in Grand Rapids, MI. Dad brought his guitar—a simple, heartfelt inclusion—but as soon as he started playing, it became so much more. A former professional musician, his movements were effortless, natural. The way his fingers danced on the strings was like muscle memory, a language he’d spoken for years. His soft melodies seemed to speak directly to his baby girl, soothing her instantly. Mom watched, her face full of love—not just for their tiny daughter but for her husband as well. It was a quiet, beautiful connection, a family wrapped in music and love.
As I captured these moments, I couldn’t help but think of my grandpa and the way his music shaped my childhood. I thought of the joy, the comfort, and the sense of belonging it brought me. And I saw those same seeds being planted in this little girl. She’ll grow up with the hum of her dad’s guitar in her ears, a melody that will anchor her to these early days. She’ll have the gift of those same kinds of memories—of music and love intertwined, of being surrounded by warmth and joy.
Watching this family, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the chance to witness their story and for the way it mirrored my own. And gratitude for music, for the way it connects us to the people we love, weaving memories that last a lifetime.
This is why I do what I do. As a newborn photographer in Grand Rapids, MI, I specialize in capturing these timeless connections that tell your unique family story. Every family has a story worth telling, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, it brings you right back to your own.
If you’re ready to create timeless memories like this for your family, let’s chat about designing your own session. Whether it’s a simple prop that holds meaning or a moment you want to preserve forever, I’m here to help tell your story. Contact me here to book your Grand Rapids newborn photography session today.
xoxo,
Jackie
