the kiersteins: family.

Janell is one of my sister-in-law's coworkers, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet her and photograph her beautiful family. We met in Golden, the leaves were the perfect shade of yellow, and the weather was gorgeous. We couldn't have asked for anything better.

 Since I'm used to photographing families with small children, Will and Peter were a couple of pros in my book. I don't think it was too painful for them (fingers crossed).

Thank you Kiersteins for inviting me into your lives for a little while. It was so fun to meet you, and I hope you will cherish these photos for many years to come.

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there." -Barbara Bush

the heyds: family.

First of all, I must say, Carrie, Will, and Maebel are a family of troopers. When we arrived at the spot for our photoshoot, the weather took a turn for the worse, and before we knew it, the wind picked up, the rain came, and the temperature dropped. We attempted a few shots, and then decided to wait out the rain in the car. Lucky for us, our patience payed off. The rain subsided, the wind died down a notch, and we were able to leave the confines of the car! Maebel was the real star of the evening. I couldn't believe how well she did, despite the colder temps. She wins.

I've known the Heyds for many years, and this was the second time I was able to photograph their family. The first time was when Maebel was born and now she is a busy toddler, and Carrie is pregnant with baby #2. The love they have for each other is so evident, and I felt very fortunate to be trusted to photograph this exciting time in their lives. 

The best is yet to come, Heyd family. I'm sure of it.

"Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family." -Menachem Begin
 

the collier/rays: family.

This family is near and dear to my heart. Once upon a time, Ann and Tyler were our landlords, and now they are our friends. When we first met them, Ann was pregnant with Hattie, and now Austin is a full on toddler.

It brings me so much joy to be a part of a family over years and milestones, to photograph all the little moments that make up some of the most precious times in their lives. It's such a gift to have friends that give me that honor. 

Last week on a chilly Saturday morning, I spent some time with this precious family. It was everything a family photo session should be: loud, chaotic at times, not orderly or predictable, complete with girls who would not smile on demand, and songs and dancing, joy and love (and maybe a little bribery on the side for good measure). It was real life, and I loved it.

Thank you Ann, Tyler, Hattie, and Austin for letting me hang out with you for a little while. Your home is beautiful, your smiles are contagious, and you are all full of what truly matters: love.

touraya: senior.

Fewer things bring my heart more joy than watching my former students thrive after the awkward years of middle school. I don't think I've ever heard any adult say, "You know what time in my life I really loved? Middle school." The fact that they make it through relatively unscathed is a testament to us all. 

I feel extra fortunate when those same students stay in touch, send emails, and drop by my classroom every once in a while. They are living and breathing reminders that one day the lightbulb comes on and things click and their middle school selves mature into young adults who make this world a better place. 

Enter Touraya. Once upon a time she was a sassy 8th grader with a definite soft side, but an extra dose of opinions. I adored her and her sisters (who I also had the privilege of teaching), and now, what do you know, she's the student body president and a beautiful young woman. 

I've loved staying in touch with her over the years, and it was even more of an honor to be able to take her senior photos. She is full of light and so much promise, and I feel grateful that I was a very small part of her story.

College is coming and the future feels uncertain, but one thing I know for sure is this girl is going places. She's still got that middle school sass, and there isn't anything or anyone who will stand in her way.

I also feel it is worthwhile to note that I never looked this good in my senior photos. The framed photo on my parents' wall is proof enough. Just look for the girl with the straight face, white wool sweater turtleneck, and teal eyeshadow. It's not pretty.

{sidenote: Touraya brought her friend Reilly along for some pictures, and I couldn't help but include them. Aren't they adorable?}