the heywoods: family.

This is the third time I was lucky enough to photograph the Heywood family The first time I met them, Grant was only a few days old, and now he is an adorable toddler with places to go and people to see. What a joy it is to reunite with families every year and see how they grow and change. It's such a privilege that I don't take lightly.

We met at Cheesman Park on a beautiful, crisp, perfectly fall Saturday morning. We walked around the park, played in the leaves, admired all the dogs, and caught up on the last year. Ellen, Ron, and Grant are some of the very best.

Thank you Heywood family for choosing me again this year to document your family. I hope you will cherish these photos for years to come.

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.