the walkers: family.

When Jessi first contacted me and told me that she had one year old twins and a two year old, I immediately called her my hero. Oh, and add on to that list a cross country move not too long ago, and you know that this family is something special. Three boys under three is not for the faint of heart, and from what I can tell, Jessi and Jonathan are taking everything in stride, giving their boys a whole lot of love and giving themselves a whole lot of grace. 

After only spending an evening with this family, I already felt like we were good friends. They were so warm and kind, and their boys are adorable, so the time flew by. Before I knew it, the sun was setting, and everyone at the playground was closing up shop. What a beautiful evening we had together.

Thank you Walkers for reaching out and trusting me to take photos of your perfect family. Can't wait for our next session in a few months! You guys are the very best. 

the heyds: family.

First of all, I must say, Carrie, Will, and Maebel are a family of troopers. When we arrived at the spot for our photoshoot, the weather took a turn for the worse, and before we knew it, the wind picked up, the rain came, and the temperature dropped. We attempted a few shots, and then decided to wait out the rain in the car. Lucky for us, our patience payed off. The rain subsided, the wind died down a notch, and we were able to leave the confines of the car! Maebel was the real star of the evening. I couldn't believe how well she did, despite the colder temps. She wins.

I've known the Heyds for many years, and this was the second time I was able to photograph their family. The first time was when Maebel was born and now she is a busy toddler, and Carrie is pregnant with baby #2. The love they have for each other is so evident, and I felt very fortunate to be trusted to photograph this exciting time in their lives. 

The best is yet to come, Heyd family. I'm sure of it.

"Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family." -Menachem Begin
 

the collier/rays: family.

This family is near and dear to my heart. Once upon a time, Ann and Tyler were our landlords, and now they are our friends. When we first met them, Ann was pregnant with Hattie, and now Austin is a full on toddler.

It brings me so much joy to be a part of a family over years and milestones, to photograph all the little moments that make up some of the most precious times in their lives. It's such a gift to have friends that give me that honor. 

Last week on a chilly Saturday morning, I spent some time with this precious family. It was everything a family photo session should be: loud, chaotic at times, not orderly or predictable, complete with girls who would not smile on demand, and songs and dancing, joy and love (and maybe a little bribery on the side for good measure). It was real life, and I loved it.

Thank you Ann, Tyler, Hattie, and Austin for letting me hang out with you for a little while. Your home is beautiful, your smiles are contagious, and you are all full of what truly matters: love.

the caldwells: newborn and family.

When I walked into the Caldwell's home, I knew immediately that we were going to have a great morning together. They were kind and easy going and just a joy to be around. West loved sticking his tongue out at the camera and wanted to show me his books, baby Levi was sweet and cuddly and only needed a little food every once in awhile to be happy and content, and Megan and Robbie love each other and their little boys with such tenderness. They are the good ones.

I loved the opportunity to spend the morning with this family, and I hope these photos express the deep love they share for each other. Parenting in the early days is such hard work, and it can be easy to forget how precious these moments are. I hope these photos serve as a reminder that yes, these days were hard, but they were also good. So very good.

Thank you Caldwells for inviting me into your home and trusting me to document such an important time in your lives. Your boys are so very lucky to have you.