katy and charlie: engagement.

I really can’t say enough good things about these two right here. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Katy for the past 2 years, and she is one of the most energetic, joyful, and encouraging people I’ve ever met. This girl just exudes goodness, and to be around her makes you feel better about the world.

I was so thrilled when she asked me to take engagement photos for her and Charlie, which she called “mini pics” because using the term “engagement photos” was just too much for her to handle. This girl is the opposite of Pinterest, and I love it. She insisted that there be no “gazing into each other’s eyes” or “arms around each other’s waists.” Natural and fun was the name of the game, and I knew I couldn’t disappoint.

We decided to head up to Lookout Mountain because it’s hard to go wrong in such a beautiful setting, and before I knew it they were dominating their “mini pics.” Katy is so full of laughter and Charlie is so sweet, and I think they actually admitted to having fun by the end of it.

The level of comfort, laughter, and joy between these two can only come from going through every season together (5 years of seasons to be exact). They know each other to the core, and it shows through in the way they were able to be absolutely themselves in every single photo.

Katy and Charlie, I just adore you two. Thank you for trusting me to not take the cheesy engagement photos you hate.

Let's get that double date on the books soon, okay? 

the dougans: family.

I met the Dougan family a couple of weeks ago at Fly'n B Park in Highlands Ranch on the perfect fall evening with gorgeous light and the last few glimmers of those beautiful fall colors.

The Dougans were referred to me by one of my good friends (Hi Kandyce!), and we realized we have a few mutual friends, and all the sudden the world felt very small and connected. I always love when that happens.

Knox wasn't too sure about me in the beginning and was very concerned about his lion stuffed animal, but before we knew it he was smiling, running, and exploring in the fall leaves. 

Thank you Dougan's for choosing me to tag along with you on a lovely Sunday afternoon. I hope Knox's lion enjoyed being my assistant.

ashley chavez: senior.

Six years ago I started my teaching career with a bunch of crazy 6th and 7th graders in Aurora, Colorado. Those were some interesting days to say the least. I definitely shed my fair share of tears and worked way too hard during that year, but I also met some very special kids who will have my heart forever.

One of those middle schoolers was none other than Ashley Chavez. Since the first day I met her in my 6th grade Language Arts class, she has never ceased to amaze me. Her kind spirit, positive outlook, willingness to try new things, and deep care and concern for the people around her has been such a source of encouragement and joy to me. Teaching is a hard job, but it is students like Ashley who make it all worth it.

I feel so honored to have kept in touch with her for these last six years and watch her become the beautiful young woman she is today. I can't even believe she is going to graduate high school this year, but you better believe I will be there with the biggest smile on my face as I watch her walk across that stage.

Ashley, you are gorgeous, inside and out. The world is wide open for you, and I have no doubt that you will be successful no matter what you pursue. And if you ever need anything, remember that Miss DeVries always has your back.

the mccabes: newborn.

First of all, when I walked into little Liam's nursery, I just about died. The watercolor animal prints, the elephant mobile, and the huge stuffed giraffe (his name is Jerry, by the way) were enough to throw me straight over the edge. It was just too much.

The only thing sweeter than the nursery was Liam himself and his wonderful parents, Katie and Andrew. For first time parents, they seemed to be doing extremely well for themselves. Liam was happy and healthy and although he wasn't in the mood for sleeping, he cooperated well with all my silly demands. I think modeling might be in his future.

Thank you baby Liam, Andrew, and Katie for welcoming me into your (amazingly clean for just having a newborn) home. Liam is so lucky to have such wonderful parents. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.