the vardals: newborn and family.

This is the third time I've had the honor and privilege of photographing the Vardal family. First, for their engagement, second, after their first son was born, and now after their second son was born. Few things are better than a family who trusts me to document their lives over the years.

Callie and Dean are superheroes for parenting in the "two under two" category IN THE MIDDLE OF MOVING HOUSES. I think that just might qualify them for a certain level of sainthood, and after spending the afternoon with them, I definitely think they qualify. 

It was wonderful to see them again, along with Alex who I had seen last when he was just a baby, Xena, the lovable pup who always steals the show, and their newest addition Will who was so good and slept for most of the time I was there. Life for the Vardals is full and all the best kinds of crazy.

Thank you again for welcoming me into your home. The pleasure was all mine.

mary and chris: engagement.

My friendship with Mary was forged in the fires of the Bachelor and Bachelorette franchise. We have spent many hours together in front of the television with partially covered faces, just waiting to see how the dumpster fire of a show will pan out. It's admittedly a guilty pleasure, but we can't help ourselves.  

Now over the years, I've come to know and love Mary for much more than our mutual obsession with the Bachelor. Mary is a person who just makes you feel good. Every time we are together, I leave feeling encouraged and loved. She always seems to know what to say to make me feel known and appreciated, so clearly she's very easy to love. Enter Chris: her equally as kind and wonderful fiancee. You couldn't put two nicer people together if you tried.

A few months ago they got engaged, and we had the best time a couple weeks ago walking around downtown Denver to document this exciting time in their lives. They are getting married next summer in the mountains, so they wanted these photos to be in the city they love so much.

Mary and Chris, I just adore both of you. Thank you for spending your evening with me. I love being a small part of the story you two are creating together.

the houghtons: family.

I first met Michaela a couple of years ago when she worked with my sister, and she is one of those people you just love immediately. She's kind and warm and genuine. I am definitely a fan.

So it just made sense that when I met the rest of her family a couple of weeks ago, they were all the exact same way. Spending the morning photographing them together was fun and light. Just the way it should be. 

We spent the morning at Wash Park and baby girl Marlee stole the show from the very beginning. I think it's pretty clear in these photos how much everyone adores her. She is surrounded by such a loving family. What a lucky little girl!

Thank you so much Houghton family for spending your morning with me. I hope you will cherish these photos for years to come!

the chilimindris family: newborn.

Phil and Nikki welcomed their first baby, Jaxson Chilimindris at the beginning of May when he decided to make his appearance a few weeks early. I guess it's not exactly accurate to say that he is their first baby though, seeing as their dog Felix is definitely an integral member of the family and a protective and loving older brother.

I had the pleasure of meeting all of them at their home a couple of weeks ago, and I was so impressed with how calm and content Jaxson was the whole time I was there. He is such a wonderful baby, and Nikki and Phil are already dominating this whole parenting gig,

Thank you again Chilimindris for welcoming me into your home and choosing me to photograph this beautifully sacred time in the life of your family. It is an honor I don't take lightly, and I hope these photographs remind you of the depth of love that you share.