the marshalls: family.

I first met Erick and Bry last fall when I photographed their family and two adorable pups. I loved them instantly, so when Bry asked if I would take photos of Eric's siblings and their families, I couldn't say yes fast enough.

Little did I know this family shoot would soon become an engagement shoot when Erick proposed to Bry at the end of the session (Eric told me his plans as I was pulling into the parking lot. I was the only one who knew, so I had to keep it together, even though internally I was losing it...obviously!) 

I cannot adequately express how lucky I feel to have been a small part of this monumental day. It was beautiful from start to finish (not even the strongest of winds could stop us). The love and support was palpable that afternoon, and I loved getting a front row seat.  

Eric and Bry, the best is truly yet to come.

georgia lane: family.

It's difficult to find the right words to describe what it means that my niece Georgia Lane Lord is finally here. For years, we have prayed, waited, hoped, cried, and felt all the emotions possible as we anticipated her arrival. The adoption process is trying and beautiful and excruciating all at once. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. 

No one knows this better than my sister and her husband Aaron, who I have deemed my personal heroes after watching all they've gone through over the years. It has taken every ounce of courage, vulnerability, and hope to hold on and stay standing at the end of it all, and though I feel it's a bit trite to say it was all worth it, the way they look at Georgia speak volumes of the overwhelming love that fills their hearts for this special little girl.

So on a cloudy day a couple of weeks ago, I was able to document this time in their lives. It's chalk full of spit up and diaper changes and laughing and crying and the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In one word, it is everything.

the mccabes: family.

The McCabes are such a wonderful family. I first met them last year when Liam was just a newborn, and last weekend when I arrived at their new home, I was greeted by an adorable and busy 1 year old. It's truly amazing how much life can change in just a year. 

Katie is the definition of superwoman, as they had just moved into their new home a week before I came to take photos, and everything was already in its place. And to top it off, their front room boasts one of the tallest Christmas trees I've ever seen, at an impressive 12 feet. 

Thank you Katie, Andrew, and Liam for welcoming me into your beautiful new home and choosing me to document your family. I feel so honored, and I hope you treasure these photos for years to come.

the heywoods: family.

Last year, right around this time, I was photographing the Heywood family in their quiet home with a sleepy newborn. He was so tiny and precious and snuggled up in his parents bed. His parents were brand new to the job and were still figuring out all the tricks of the trade.

This year, Grant is a very busy one year old, who loves his ball and balloons, and his parents are old pros! We spent the afternoon together at City Park, trying our very best to make Grant smile despite the cold temperatures. 

Thank you Heywoods for inviting me back to document your beautiful family! Grant is so lucky to have such wonderful parents, and I'm pretty confident you feel just as lucky to have him. 

Enjoy some of my favorites from our time together.