PERU!

Last month Nick and I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Peru and hike to Machu Picchu, and at the end of the trip as we debriefed our time we both decided with absolute confidence that we wouldn't have changed a thing. The trip was a dream from beginning to end, and we had the very best time.

We planned our trip through OneSeed Expeditions and couldn't recommend them more highly. In my early 20's I was more of a budget traveler and preferred to blaze my own trail. These days, I want someone to pick me up from the airport, plan out every detail of my trip, and if a fancy hotel is included in one of the days, you won't hear me complaining. Oneseed met and exceeded all of our expectations. If you are looking to go on a trip, you should check them out immediately. 

Now as to our trip...

We explored Cusco, drank craft beer in the Sacred Valley, considered eating guinea pig for about .5 seconds, really utilized our hiking poles on the Salkantay trek, hung out with our fair share of llamas and alpacas (and learned the difference between the two), reached the highest altitude of my life (15,200 feet), ate like kings per our incredible cook, became very familiar with our waterproof hiking gear, spent time with our amazing guide Juan Carlos, learned the ins and outs of harvesting coffee beans with Freddie Loco, finally made it to Machu Picchu and felt the magic and wonder of it all, soaked in every second of our time together, and documented like my life depended on it (as is my custom).

So in case you like seeing pictures of someone else's vacation (I know most people don't, so just humor me), here are some of my favorites (you know there's obviously much, much more). I feel so grateful that Nick and I had this opportunity (major thanks to Nick's parents who watched Nora while we were away), and I tried my best not to take any moment for granted.

Until our next adventure...

“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury

the hallmans: family.

Heidi contacted me a few weeks ago to photograph her extended family. Seeing as her family is the only ones who live in Denver, it was a big deal to have everyone together again after being spread out all over the U.S. 

Everyone was so warm and kind, and I loved spending my Sunday afternoon with them walking around the park as the sun slowly set. Few things in life are more precious than a loving family.

Thank you Hallmans for allowing me to capture the love you so clearly share for each other.

There was no lack of joy or laughter between you, and the pleasure was all mine.

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.