Taylor's Announcement!

Bela first contacted me four years ago to do engagement photos during one of my Massachusetts trips. She, Sean and I really clicked at that session, and they booked me to return to Massachusetts for their wedding. If you've never attended a Portuguese wedding, I highly recommend it. I'm pretty sure Portuguese and party are synonymous. I loved how much celebration took place at that wedding, complimented by a laid back bride and groom content to enjoy their friends and family. That contentment returned to our session last week. Bela emailed saying it was time to update their photos, and would I help them execute a plan and could we do it at the apple orchard not far from her hometown. So we met, and I finally got to meet Taylor, their dog child, and we doted on him while creating these images. I cannot imagine a better couple to be on the page that they're on in this season of their life. And I'm glad to be along for the journey, both visually and as a friend.

Everything about these photos speaks to what I love about being a photographer. The continuity and the story and the love. Capturing those elements in our lives is invaluable. I truly believe this, and I'm honored to be a part of the equation. Here is Bela and Sean's story, today.

Can't wait til April 2014 when Bela and Sean get to meet the little feet that will fill those shoes. I'm already brainstorming newborn session ideas. Big contratulations, my friends!

And Korbyn Makes 8!

Having grown up in a large family, it was so beautiful to see how the older children in this crew loved on the younger ones. It was so genuine and sweet. It was like everyone decided to show up with the best version of him or herself the morning of our session, and that best version looks like a family, loving well. I especially loved how tender everyone was with baby Korbyn, just 8-weeks-old and such a pumpkin! Just a quick sneak peek tonight...

A Beautiful Song

Tiny little Aria had opinions about newborn photography. I wouldn't say she was impressed with the idea in the beginning, but once she realized Mom would stay close by, she did just fine. What a beautiful baby this sweet girl is! Her mom's maternity session was one of my favorites ever, so I was so excited to tell Aria's story visually now that she's earthside. It is always lovely to meet a newborn and be with a family during such a sweet time in their lives. I love the way these photographs turned out and cannot wait to watch Aria continue to grow. She's a gift, and her parents and big brother are well aware. Aria's mama has great attention to detail, and I love that she pulled out her wedding dress to use in the photographs. Paired with a ruffled pink diaper cover made for gorgeous, meaningful photos.

Zachary's One Year Session at Tillman's Roadhouse

It's always hard to believe when one of my baby plan babies turns one, and Zachary did just that last week, and he is oh-my-goodness darling. Watching his sister dote on him alongside of seeing him teeter on the edge of walking made for such a fun session. We were fortunate to be able to use Tillman's Roadhouse for our location, and it was a perfect backdrop. I'm excited to share the blog. Happy birthday, little man. Can't wait to see how year two treats you!

Here Come the W Three

Three-and-a-half years ago, my sister and I met the W family on a flight to Kentucky. The triplets were babies, and we wound up sitting across the aisle. We visited a bit on the flight and a few months later, I got to do their photos for the first time. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I met up with my favorite trio of four-year-olds to update their photos. They are so full of life and personality, and I think they are the smiley-est kids I know. I just adore this family, and I just adore these photographs. So much life and love to see. I pulled a photo from each of their previous sessions this morning, and I love seeing how these three have grown and changed. One thing has stayed the same: they are such cuties!

It's a Moment in Time

A visiting grandma and a soon-to-be developed empty field moved the timeline of this session up a bit. "It's a moment in time," Christie said when she booked the shoot. Their neighborhood is undergoing constant change these days, so we used a place that has been special to their family before it goes away. Everything about this session shouts of everything that matters about family photos. It's not that the light was perfect, though it was. It's not that the location was ideal, though it was. It's not that the dog cooperated, though she did. It's that everyone showed up, as themselves, and let me catch a glimpse into the world that makes a family work. It may have been a moment in time, but I suspect that empty field or not, there are endless moments of stories to be captured of life being lived well for this crew. They just fit. I'm glad I got to capture a glimpse.

Everyone, All Together

Watching this little guy grow up has been a privilege, so getting to see him surrounded by so many loved ones was a great way to spend an afternoon. While I love all the images from this session, the photographs with Grandpa just melt my heart. They are so taken with each other. I love when love so easy to see.

Telling Visual Stories: Happy Birthday to the A Twins!

I photographed these sweet girls as newborns, at six months, for their first birthday, for their second birthday, for their third birthday, and then we followed up their three-year session with birthday party photos. Families that return to me time and again make my job that much more enjoyable, and I love that over time, tiny babies become little girls who know my name. Rapport comes with repeat sessions. I start to know more of a family's personality which leads to more-thought out ideas for the next session. It's remarkable to watch babies grow up. Photography is an investment in telling today's story for future generations. Adding chapters to that story as years go by is beautiful and compelling. I'm thankful that the A family has entrusted me to continue to work with them. I looked back over the past few years in preparing this blog post and wanted to share a few photographs through the years.

All is Love. {Lexington Family Photographer}

Green grass and blue skies and extended family and sunflowers and sunsets and happy children and sweetest friendships... Spending days seeing the best of my friends as they love their ever-growing and changing families makes me grateful for my work. And these photographs? Just love.

Sunny Days

With two little ones, the days just fly. I love a quiet morning at the park with a family I'm watching grow before my eyes. How has it been six months since I've seen this crew? I love hearing Lady L learn to talk, and Mr. R is ready to take over the world. It is an honor to tell the ongoing story of a family, and I'm already excited for the next go-round with these guys. How much do you love the photographs of Lady L with her mom? And that little bowtie... to die for.

Lovely Little Family

Somehow my clients are consistently fabulous and beautiful. They make me laugh and share their stories, and I love when they come back for repeat sessions. I love seeing how having a little one changes a family, and I love how bright this little one shines. She is full of opinions and sweetness in equal measure, and while she keeps her parents on their toes, they are utterly enchanted. I'm so excited to share a few photos from their session and can't wait to finish their gallery!

To the Beach! {Cape Cod Family Photographer}

It was so fun that my vacation overlapped with the holidays of one of my favorite Massachusetts families so that we were able to do a photo session on a Cape Cod beach. Cape Cod is magical, but the love of this family outshines any beautiful backdrop. That said, I'm excited to share this session. Will post some vacation photos later this week!

Happy Birthday, Betsy Claire!

My sweet niece turns one tomorrow! I cannot believe just how much this tiny girl has enriched my life and the lives of everyone in my family. To say we are in love is an understatement. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness that I've been able to be so present in her little life thusfar. I have big hopes and dreams for this little sprite. She's just amazing. I got to take her first birthday photos in North Carolina last week. I love you, Betsy! Happy birthday to you.

You can see photos of her first year here, here, here and here.

Happy Little Man, Happy Little Fam

Downtown McKinney was the backdrop of this session, but it wouldn't have mattered what location we picked. Baby Cooper is all smiles and is as laid back as can be. It took a while for us to get this session on the books, and by the time we did a certain little now eight-month-old learned how to sit, crawl and walk (I last saw him when he was four-months-old). Everything about this session was just right. I cannot wait to see how Cooper continues to grow and change and capture hearts. He is such a love!

Super G is 3!

I've known this guy since he was a few weeks old. I got to be his nanny when he was a baby, and as he's grown up I've had the privilege of updating his photos every year. Super G has a shy smile and an easy way about him. He's loveable and fast-moving. Three is a great age: independent, curious and busy as can be. I cannot believe this little boy has grown up to be such a big guy!

Coming in September...

What could be more beautiful than this family? How about adding a baby girl to the mix? I absolutely adore maternity sessions. The anticipation and hope wrapped in a tiny life makes a family absolutely shine, and the love was utterly tangible on Saturday morning. I'm so excited to share these photographs.

Introducing Brendan {Dallas Newborn Photographer}

Remember this maternity session? Brendan arrived a few weeks early, and he is perfect: sweet, snuggly and sleepy. I met him on his 9th day earthside and loved doing his newborn photos. It's amazing to see old friends fall in love with their tiny baby. New life brings out the best in people, and Brendan is no exception. Can't wait to do photos with the whole family in the fall!

Introducing Zane! {Dallas Newborn Photographer}

I met Zane on his 10th day earthside, and he snuggled up right away. That said, he was one of the easiest newborns I've worked with, maybe the easiest ever. I love how wide-eyed he was, and I loved seeing how naturally his parents have transitioned into parenthood. I'm excited to watch this little guy grow.

Landry's One-Year Photos

I've followed baby Landry through her first year, so it was wonderful to see her not-quite-one-year-old self on Tuesday. She laughed and smiled more than perhaps any baby I've had at a first birthday shoot, but she wasn't too excited about getting her hands dirty in the smash cake! That said, I love these photos of this beautiful baby. Happy birthday, Landry. This is part one of her birthday blog. More to come next week!

Happy Birthday, Nicholas!

We did Nicholas' birthday photos at home and nearby, just like we did his six-month photos, so it was fun to see how he's grown and changed right in the midst of his familiar surroundings. He's a happy guy, and his family is crazy about him. Can't wait for the next round!