Michigan Vacation Family Film | The Bettcher Family

BabyBeachChildrenDocumentary PhotographyFamilyFilm SessionLifestyleTravel

Jun 6

One answer from Cara’s questionnaire kept playing in my mind during the filming of this session. She said Mike, her husband, is “the best dad you’ve ever seen. If God gives us a purpose, his is undoubtedly to be a father. He’s fun-loving and always up for fun and laughs.” I totally got it while I was watching their family interact. The way he spoke to his kids and played with them was moving. One of the reasons Cara wanted to do a film session was because she wanted to remember what an amazing dad her husband was and how much they still care and love each other. (The day after our session was their anniversary!)

New Buffalo Lifestyle and Documentary Photography

A joyful moment captured at a beachside restaurant where a father, mother, and their children are laughing and sharing a light moment by the rail. The image shows an adorable family interaction with colorful umbrellas in the background.

This is the Family Film Story of Michael, Cara, Finnley, and Riggs. Day-tripping to the beaches of Lake Michigan is one of their favorite summer activities, as it feels like a mini-vacation away from Mike’s 70-hour work weeks. We met at New Buffalo, where we were surprised to see some major improvements. New parking lots, boardwalks, playground equipment, and a restaurant are bringing a little life back to the popular stretch of sand. Cara says that Finnley regularly asks to move to the beach. She is a little water bug and will swim until someone drags her out! However, there was no swimming for us this time—the water was c-o-l-d! We did get to enjoy some boat watching, rock hunting, and sandcastle building, though!

Family walking along the beach at sunset.

Father and daughter enjoying the beach together.

Family hugging at the beach during sunset.

Finnley is 4. She’s outgoing, loves to be the center of attention (you’ll see!), and is nurturing and sweet, especially towards little brother Riggs. She laid some serious kisses on the cutie during our time together. I love her little voice, and I’m so glad we captured so much of it. When she calls her treasure a “seashell rock,” it reminds me so much of my 5-year-old’s voice. Nothing better.

Father helping child with a treat at the beach.

Father, mother, and children enjoying ice cream at the beach.

Mother and father sharing a quiet moment with their children.

Child drinking a milkshake with the family.

Family spending quality time together at the beach café.

As if I wasn’t already so excited to meet my own baby in September, Mr. Riggs pushed me to the edge! Wait till you hear his baby laughs. Ohhhh man. Can’t wait! Even his little cry was sweet. Watching mama rock him and sing to him was precious. The comforting power of a mother is one of the most amazing things we can experience in life, right?

Cara and Michael are still so sweet and in love. They’ve been together since they were 15—half their lives! This is so similar to my husband and me. It just makes me smile.