the wetterlings: family.

Any family who agrees to take their photos in an ice cream shop is immediately one of my favorites. This is the second year that I've been able to photograph the Wetterlings, and it just keeps getting better. They are wonderful.

We met at Sweet Action (the best ice cream shop in Denver in my humble opinion) on a Saturday afternoon a couple weeks back because it's pretty easy to make two boys happy when they have ice cream in their hands. 

We left Sweet Action and walked around south Broadway during which I may or may not have almost gotten run over by a bus. All I have to say is keep both feet on the sidewalk when taking a photo at a bus stop. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Thank you Wetterlings for always being awesome, wearing the best outfits, and making my job so ridiculously easy. In the words of Tina Turner, you're simply the best. 

the vardals: newborn.

I was so happy to hear from Callie when she emailed me a few months back to ask about taking newborn photos. Last year, I got to take her and Dean’s engagement photos, and I love to be welcomed back into people’s lives when such big milestones happen.

I got to meet baby Alex at their home a couple of weeks ago, and although he wasn't too keen on sleeping, he was totally content to just hang out and watch everything going on around him.

Of course, the photos wouldn't have been complete without Xena, the family dog, who tried her best to get into as many photos as possible (the one with the Alex and Xena on the bed is one of my personal favs). Dogs and babies will forever be a winning combination. 

Thank you Vardals for welcoming me into your home! I loved meeting little Alex, and I know you two are going to be the very best parents. Xena is already singing your praises. 

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.