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Karyn May Photography bio picture

About

Hi, we are Karyn and Joe May and we photograph with love! :)

Our journey together began about 14 yrs ago, we met by chance, we've loved, laughed, and grown. We are an extension of each other and are both unique in our own ways. To us photography is an art of observation, it's a way of feeling, of touching and of loving.. it remembers little details long after you have forgotten everything. life is a true gift, every relationship and bond has meaning and beauty is everywhere! Our goal is to share our love for photography through images you can cherish for a lifetime. 

Thanks for stopping by. :)

Kmay & Joe

Sol & Anna Kate | Wedding | Karyn May Photography | Grand Rapids, MI Photographer

Meet Sol and Anna Kate! These two had a sweet intimate afternoon wedding and reception at Townsend Park. It was a beautiful day filled with family, close friends, and lots of love! We started the day at the JW Marriott then headed to the park. We had such a great time with these two, I always enjoy small private weddings, it was perfect in every way! Thank you Sol & Anna Kate for sharing your special day with us! We wish you loads of happiness together. You two are the perfect match!

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Loved Anna Kate’s pearl clutch and Blue Dolce & Gabanna shoes.
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Shelly did an amazing job on the florals!
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Sol and his boys!
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Sol’s Dad performed the ceremony which made it extra special. :)
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*love*
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November 3, 2011 - 5:52 pm Anna Kate - Wow! So excited to see these. They are wonderful! Thank you again for making the day even more special.

Ross & Mari | Engagement | Karyn May Photography | Grand Rapids, MI Engagement Photographer

Fall is by far my absolute favorite time of year!! It brings in the cool crisp clean air, the warm scents, and the leaves provide a wonderful assortment of colors, it’s really a beautiful time in Michigan! It’s all about beauty and transition! I love to shoot fall engagement sessions and I’m so glad Mari loves the season just as much as I do. Meet Ross & Mari. :) These two are so sweet, easy going, love the outdoors and are so cute together! They really made our job easy! We met up in Lowell and planned to shoot at Fallasburg Park, but found a few great spots along the way which were absolutely perfect and filled with lots of color! We had so much fun with these two. Mari & Ross you guys are Awesome and we can’t wait for your wedding next year!!

Enjoy your preview! :)

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November 2, 2011 - 11:08 am Marsha - These are BEAUTIFUL! I love the setting, the colors, and the happiness on their faces. Just all-around a great session! {Love the save the date idea as well!} ;)

Andy & Sarah | Engagement | Karyn May Photography | Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer

Meet Andy & Sarah! Together these two are one Fabulous couple! They are both funny and playful and obviously very much in love, I just adore their funny dynamic! We started the session in downtown Grand Rapids. The weather was looking a little iffy, but we managed to get a few great shots before it started to downpour! So, we had to cut it short and plan for round two. Sarah really wanted to shoot at a playground to show their silly playful side so we picked up where we left off then we headed to the playground. :) Andy and Sarah you two are wonderful! We can’t wait for your wedding next year!!

Mwah! Love you guys!! ;)

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Awe
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I love this one!
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i love moments this like this….
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here comes the rain…
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Round two! :)
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These two are so silly!
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Rwaaar!
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October 31, 2011 - 8:55 am Bryan - PERFECT!!! :)

Adam & Marissa | Wedding | Karyn May Photography | WI Wedding Photographer

Meet Adam & Marissa! These two are so great, individually and together and have loads of chemistry! Joe and I have been so fortunate this year to have such Amazing clients and Adam and Marissa are definitely one of them!! They were married in Two Rivers which is a city in Manitowoc County, Wisonsin. It’s way out in the country just 30 mins south of Green Bay where Marissa’s family lives. The day couldn’t have been more beautiful! We even had time to head out to Point Beach on Lake Michigan for a few photo’s! Their day was filled with lots of love, it was such a joy to be part of it all. Thank you Adam and Marissa, your special day was such a sweet joyful event it truly was an honor to be part of your Happy Day!

So, without further delay.. here are a few of our favorite moments! :)
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Marissa has the greatest sense of humor and the BEST laugh! love her!
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I just loved Marissa’s dress! She looked so Beautiful!
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Marissa is a tennis pro and Adam plays hockey…. so the tennis racket and hockey skates were perfect on her garter… i just love meaningful details like that!
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Guys have it so easy on the wedding day… lol! Adam started the day with a little golf! :)
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Adam looked so Handsome. :)
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Love these next pictures on Lake Michigan..
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her bouquet was so pretty..
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the gorgeous girls….
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proud mom..
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this little cutie was a doll!
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The sunset was Amazing…. and I think Joe captured it PERFECTLY! LOVE the silhouetted silos!! Congratulations Adam and Marissa! We wish you lots of happiness together!!
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October 23, 2011 - 7:15 am Valerie - Gorgeous!

October 21, 2011 - 7:30 pm Marsha W - Wow! These are just amazing! This makes me really excited to see Andy and Jess' wedding pictures. We are waiting with great anticipation! Such an exciting time! Great job Karyn and Joe!

Bryan & Leah | Wedding | Karyn May Photography | Grand Rapids, MI Wedding Photographer

There are so many aspects of being a photographer that I enjoy- of course being able to express myself artistically, but what I love the most is working with such A-mazing clients! Meet Bryan & Leah the most in LOVE and funnest couple EVER!. This couple is so amazing on so many levels… I don’t even know where to start. These two are so thoughtful, have hearts of gold, and love to laugh… their love truly is so refreshing and inspiring! This adorable couple was married at a private residence in Ada. The day started off a little rainy, there were even moments of heavy down pour, but luckily for us the clouds parted just in time for the ceremony and for us to get a few shots outside- Yay!! Despite the rainy conditions the day was perfect. It was full of love, tears, and lots of laughter! It’s always great to see a couple so happy and full of love on their wedding day. Besides the love Bryan and Leah share the love between their families was amazing!

Bryan & Leah may your joining together bring you more joy than you can imagine. I hope you two celebrate everyday together the way you celebrated your special day! Congratulations! :) We just love you two too pieces and wish you many blessings in your lives!

Mwuah!!

Kmay & Joe

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Leah you are Gorge!! ;)
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And this is how the guys got ready…
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Looking good Bryan!! ;)
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First look!
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I love these two so much!
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Leah & her Gorgeous girls
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Bryan and his beautiful sisters… a true lol moment. :)
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Bryan cracks me up…
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The handsome guys!
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The food was AMAZE!!
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They even did small skits… it was hilarious!
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Each one of Bryan’s sister shared a story of their Awesome Big Brother…. they are all so sweet- love this family!
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… and they partied all night! thank you guys for sharing your special day with us… we love you guys!! xoxo
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October 12, 2011 - 11:33 am Bonnie Gordon - LOVE it!!! They are amazing and you both are GREAT!! Can't wait to see all the photos :) Bonnie and Jim

October 11, 2011 - 12:05 pm Valerie Holt - That full moon at the end is unbelievable! Amazingly artful shots. Love it!

October 11, 2011 - 11:22 am Kellyb. - Kmay and Joe...These are Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your documentation of their wedding is simply perfect!! They are going to LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!! xoxo

October 11, 2011 - 10:11 am Bryan - You guys are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Max & Sarah-Wedding | Karyn May Photography | Grand Rapids, MI Wedding Photographer

Meet Max & Sarah. This couple is SO wonderful! They had a beautiful outdoor wedding at a private residence in Fremont, MI. The day started off a little rainy but the clouds parted just in time for this sweet couple’s ceremony, it ended up being a beautiful day! The day was perfectly planned by the wonderful RSVP Events. All the details were gorgeous… Eastern Floral did an Amazing job with all of the flowers… I just loved all of the pink! We can’t say enough wonderful things about their family, truly great people!

Thank you Max & Sarah, it was an honor being part of your special day! We hope you guys had a Fabulous time in Mexico!!

We started the day at Cheeky Strut- love this salon- they did an amazing job with the hair and make-up.
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Loved Sarah’s Gorgeous dress!
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Sarah you are beautiful!!
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Looking good Max!!
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**LOVE**
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I loved the beautiful bridesmaids dresses from Ann Taylor
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isn’t she a little cutie. :)
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They partied all night and even ended the night with fireworks! Congratulations Max & Sarah! We wish you lots of love happiness!!
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September 30, 2011 - 8:55 pm Jessica R - LOVE the bridesmaid's necklace picture - You guys are great :)

September 29, 2011 - 1:09 pm Sarah and Max - Thank you for capturing our day so beautifully!! I can’t wait to see what more there is to come!!!:)

Freddy & Megan-Engagement | Karyn May Photography | Grand Rapids, MI Engagement Photographer

Meet Freddy & Megan. Oh, we just adore this couple!! They are both Michigan natives and graduates from GVSU. Megan grew up on the East side of the mitten. She loves to travel especially during the Fall (me too) and enjoys being outdoors as much as possible. Freddy was born and raised in Traverse City, loves music, nature, and playing guitar. They are planning a beautiful Fall wedding here in Grand Rapids and we can’t wait!! We started the session downtown early in the morning which was perfect as the city was still, quiet and a little dreamy with fog. Joe and I had so much fun working with these two .

Thanks Freddy & Megan for hanging out with us! Enjoy your preview. ;)

Yeah. These two are Gorgeous!!
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*love*
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One of my favorites!
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love the this one of Megan!
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next stop. apple orchard. i just love these images!
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Aww… they danced a little for us. :)
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I asked if one of them knew how to juggle… and sure enough, Freddy did – he’s Awesome!! :) )
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Megan. You are seriously Gorgeous!!! You are going to make a stunning bride!!
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And, Freddy…. you are pretty dang handsome yourself!!
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I love willow trees, so we quick stopped for a few shots… I’m so glad we did. :) LOVE this shot from the hubbs.
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Then ended the session by the water. ** LOVE**
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September 21, 2011 - 10:10 pm Tina - beautiful pix - can't wait for the wedding!

Tyler- Kids | Karyn May Photography | Grand Rapids, MI Childrens Photographer

Little Tyler, I adore you!! Isn’t this little guy just the cutest thing….my photographic heart always pulses faster when I get to photograph children!! Joe and I had the pleasure of shooting little man when he was 6 months old…. he is now 19 months old and oh my how he has grown! After months of being immersed in shootings weddings, this session was a nice break from the norm. It’s always a privilege for me to photograph and witness a child’s growth and tender moments with my camera.

Lots of love to you Sky and Ashley… little Tyler is just the sweetest!! xoxo

Look at those curls!!!
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I could eat this face!! ;)
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It took him a minute, but we managed to get a few smiles… :)
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the cute family!
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September 18, 2011 - 8:32 am Cindy - What a sweet family!!

Zoli & Angie – Wedding | Karyn May Photography | Chicago, IL Wedding Photographer

I’m so excited to finally share a few images from Angie and Zoli’s Chicago, IL Wedding! We just adore this couple, they are so sweet and totally smitten with one another. Zoli and Angie met in March 2007. Angie was employed at her first full-time job after graduating MSU as a credit lender and Zoli was working in the same building on a separate floor as an IT Architect. They have a super cute story…. after 3 years of dating Zoli proposed to her during their winter getaway in the beautiful Riviera Maya in Mexico… he’s a total romantic!

Despite the 100 degree temps- no joke! The day was perfect! Everyone was so sweet and wonderful it was like hanging out with good friends. ;) Thank you guys for allowing us to be part of your special day, you two are perfect for each other and we wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

ps: Hope you had a fabulous time in FRANCE!! :) )

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Loved her Steve Madden shoes… they even had a little bling on the bottom. :)
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This was her second pair…. love!
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I loved all her florals.. it was perfect for her garden theme.
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Zoli is a Hungarian native so they had a traditional hungarian crepe cake.. and it was delicious! :)
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September 21, 2011 - 12:38 am kelly sweet - I love this wedding! Everything is so perfectly adorable. The light on the first portrait of the two of them is stunning. Awesome work. :)

September 10, 2011 - 12:17 pm Janice H Matthews - Beautiful pictures -- just the best - better than being there! You have some gorgeous people as models. Thanks for sharing them! Aunt Janice

September 9, 2011 - 12:07 am Kellyb. - LOVE this wedding! Those details are SO adorable! They are going to dye when they see these!!! And how fun is that arch way??? You two are awesome:)))

Sam- Senior | Karyn May Photography | Grand Rapids, MI Senior Photographer

Meet Sam. She is sweet, quiet, easy going, loves to read and is one talented young lady. I know I’ve said this before but I just LOVE shooting senior graduation sessions! Somehow I end up with the most Gorgeous Seniors-I love it! We started the session in the studio and then headed downtown, it was the perfect overcast day! :)

Sam was so great to work with… the camera loved her! Thanks Sam for hanging out with us, we had a blast working with you! We hope you have an Amazing Senior year, we know you will do great things!

ps: keep shooting!! :) )

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Sam plays womens Lacrosse.. so of course we had to get a few shots of her in her jersey. :)
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September 3, 2011 - 10:45 pm Cindy - Pretty girl!

September 3, 2011 - 8:03 pm Christine - Once again you did an amazing job!!! :) I love your style!!