An Opportunity Worth Sharing

This year I was approached by a very close friend Karly Aldridge (soon to be Synwolt) and was asked to help capture content for a very special foundation, The Tip Jar and West Michigan Food and Beverage Awards. The idea was to visit past nominees/winners of the West Michigan Food and Beverage Awards and capture a variation of food shots that could be used for The Tip Jar and WMFABA content. The locations we ended up visiting were Has Heart, Good Good Good, Eastern Kille & The Rix.


This was not only extremely good exposure for myself, it was also amazing to visit each location and see what makes them so special and deserving of such an awesome award. This was a challenging opportunity by having to challenge my ability to capture detailed, close up shots. Its very obvious my niche is human interaction, but it was super fun to step outside them box and try something new!


What is The Tip Jar Foundation?



The Tip Jar Foundation is a nonprofit based in West Michigan dedicated to supporting the food and hospitality industry by providing scholarships and financial assistance to individuals pursuing education and career advancement in the field. The foundation grew out of the West Michigan Food & Beverage Awards, an annual event that celebrates excellence in the local hospitality scene and helps raise funds for their scholarship efforts. Through events, donations, and community involvement, Tip Jar aims to remove financial barriers and empower workers in the industry to grow their skills, strengthen their careers, and contribute to a thriving local food and beverage community.



What are the West Michigan Food & Beverage Awards?



West Michigan Food & Beverage Awards is an annual celebration that honors the best chefs, bartenders, restaurants, mixologists, and hospitality professionals across West Michigan’s vibrant food and drink scene. The awards recognize excellence in innovation, service, community impact, and culinary creativity — from local favorites to emerging talents throughout the region. Nominees and winners are celebrated at a gala event that brings together people who make West Michigan’s food and beverage community special. The awards also support the Tip Jar Foundation’s mission to provide scholarships and career resources for future hospitality professionals.


Locations we visited.....

Chocolate chip cookies and coffee cups arranged on white plates in a dark, moody cafe setting.
A sequence of photos showing hands holding a coffee mug with illustrations, demonstrating different angles of the cup.
A sequence of images showing a white coffee cup with decorative illustrations being filled with creamy latte art.

Has Heart

I had the opportunity to work with HAS HEART, a mission-driven coffee shop rooted in creativity, community, and connection. Founded on the idea of bringing veterans and creatives together through storytelling and art, HAS HEART is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee—it’s a space built with purpose. From the thoughtful design to the welcoming atmosphere, every detail reflects their heart for honoring service and fostering meaningful conversations. Working with a brand that values community as deeply as HAS HEART was truly inspiring.


Two people sit and chat on woven ottomans at round wooden tables in an industrial-style cafe space with exposed brick walls.
A cozy floral shop interior decorated with dried flowers hanging from the ceiling and fresh arrangements on wooden counters.
Four wine tasting photos show hands holding glasses and bottles at a wooden table in a cozy restaurant setting.
Hands opening a bottle of sparkling wine against a dark textured background.

Good Good Good

Good Good Good Wine & Flowers is a natural wine bar and flower shop based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They specialize in naturally farmed, minimal-intervention wines alongside fresh, locally sourced floral arrangements — creating a unique space where guests can enjoy a glass of wine, browse bottles to take home, and pick up beautiful blooms all in one place. Their selection focuses on wines made without unnecessary additives, and the flowers are curated to reflect seasonal blooms and local growers. The shop also offers merchandise and community-oriented events centered around wine and flowers.

A series of orange cocktails with citrus garnish in lowball glasses photographed from different angles in moody lighting.
A person in a white tank top sits at a counter enjoying a frothy beverage with a big smile.
Modern bar interior with sleek counter seating and rows of illuminated bottles displayed on wooden wall shelving.

Eastern Kille

Eastern Kille is a craft distillery and hospitality destination from West Michigan that celebrates small‑batch spirits, cocktails, and communal experiences. What began as a whiskey‑focused distillery in Grand Rapids has grown into a destination with a beautiful new facility in Rockford, MI, nestled on 16 wooded acres where they produce and age spirits inspired by Michigan’s changing seasons, host tastings, and serve refined food and craft cocktails in a striking architectural space.

A wooden charcuterie board filled with meats, cheeses, bread, and pickled vegetables served with wine glasses.
Hands serving braised meat and vegetables in a pan alongside a citrus cocktail with salt rim on wooden table.
Elegant plated pasta dish with seared scallops and wide noodles served on rustic brown ceramic plates.
Vibrant craft cocktails with garnishes lined up on a wooden bar in warm lighting, featuring red and orange hues.

Rix

Rix at the ADA Hotel is a stylish rooftop restaurant and bar in Ada, Michigan, offering a relaxed yet refined dining experience with both indoor seating and a scenic outdoor terrace. The menu blends bold, creative flavors with local classics, featuring seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and brunch on weekends. Rix’s atmosphere is ideal for everything from casual brunches to celebratory dinners, all set against beautiful views in a warm, inviting space. They also offer private dining options for special gatherings