It was so much fun having one of my favorite families in the studio for a quick session a few days ago. And even more exciting to do so since they’ve added sweet Miss Emmalyn to their crew. It may have taken a little for her to warm up to me, but when she did, her smiles were just infectious! It is obvious that her family just adores her and I pity any boy that ever wants to get close to her<3

After weeks of emails back and forth planning for Erica’s maternity session, something about this sweet girl finally clicked. Turns out my mom used to babysit her when she was little, and she is just as fun now as she was way back then:)  It is a bit surreal that so much time has passed and she is now expecting a little one of her own, but there is no doubt in my mind that she will be an amazing mom. And I’m going to guess that Heath is going to be a pretty fun dad too!  Here are a few favorites from their session…

Once upon a time. Fourteen years ago. I met an adorable four year old girl and her six year old sister. With chocolate brown hair and eyes that matched perfectly, I will never forget the way her chubby little cheeks made her eyes squish up when she laughed. And that laugh. She had the most infectious giggle I had ever heard. I will never forget the day I met that girl and her sister. Because one year later, I married their dad.

I have been so blessed to have such amazing girls as my stepdaughters. And Hannah is no exception. As with most blended families, the road has not always been easy. But I can say that without one single doubt, it has been worth it.

Hannah, I could probably write a million words about our history and about how much having you in my life means to me, but I’ll try and keep it short. You are one of the most hardworking and headstrong girls I know. You throw passion into everything you do, and because of that, all the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. I have watched you struggle to find answers when you’ve been unsure, and seen you make decisions that most adults cannot. You don’t let anyone push you around and you hide your heart from everyone, but at the same time you care so deeply for your entire family and those closest to you. I have watched you succeed and I have watched you fail, and I have watched you brush yourself off and get right back where you need to be. It has been an honor to call you my stepdaughter and an amazing journey watching you grow into the beautiful young lady you’ve become. I have loved you since the first day I met you, and I will love you beyond the last day I will know you. I cannot wait to see where the future takes you<3

I am so excited to share this senior session!  It has been quite awhile since I’ve had a senior boy in front of my lens, and this boy in particular is one I’ve known for quite some time without really knowing him. Levi’s younger sister is a great friend of one of my daughters, and I have spent many years coaching cheerleaders at rec football games while Zoe’s big brothers played their hearts out on the football field. So, yep I definitely feel old knowing that I have watched Levi play football since he was in the fourth grade. I can also say that he does so without fear of injury. I’m not sure how many casts I’ve seen him in throughout the years, so it was quite fitting that he was casted for his senior session after breaking his thumb just a couple weeks ago. I always aim to personalize my seniors’ sessions to fit them, and well…this session wouldn’t be properly done without this accessory;)

Levi, thank you for being your amazing laid-back self and being completely open to anything for your session. I wish you nothing but the best as you head off to the Marines and I can’t wait to see where you go in life.

Sadie’s parents and have been friends of my husband and his brother for I don’t even know how long, so when Sadie’s dad contacted me to schedule her senior session, I couldn’t wait. I honestly didn’t  know Sadie well going into the session, but it didn’t take long until we were giggling and hiking all over the Arboretum before the sun set. One of my favorite things about Sadie is the adorable faces she makes. Of course her mom probably chalks the little eye rolls up to teenage angst, but when Sadie rolls her eyes in response to every. little. thing…..it’s  freaking adorable. Sorry, Mom;) These are just a few of my faves from Sadie’s session.