Noelle is Two! - Mini Portrait Session

Sometimes I love just doing a sweet and simple portrait session, and letting the little one’s personality be the theme. For this mini session, I incorporated Noelle’s favorite colors - pink and purple - and let her run the show. I focused in on her sweet little face, let her hold her toy car keys, and hug her stuffy, because ultimately…this is two!

My goal for these milestone birthday sessions is always to capture exactly who your child is at that moment in time. So you can look back on these images, and be transported to them at that age. This quick and easy session did just that, and I hope these will be treasured for years to come.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Noelle!

Lucy is One! - First Birthday Session

It was so wonderful to see Lucy and her sweet parents again! She was such a precious newborn, and has blossomed into the sweetest little almost-one-year-old! Full of personality! I am loving the chunky cable name sweaters that are becoming a trend this year. I think they pair perfectly with a simple, neutral background to really highlight the little person wearing them.

We then did some shots in her pretty, light pink birthday dress while having a tea party with a few friends she brought along. Her birthday party theme is a tea party, so I, of course, had to work it into her session. She was making us laugh while using her teapot spout as a straw!

She gave us lots of big smiles, showing off her six little teeth.

Then it was time to bring out the treat she had been waiting for - her smash cake! She went straight for it, and kept shoveling handfuls of cake into her mouth. So cute and silly! I just adore this little sweetheart, and hope to work with her again in the future. Wishing you a very Happy 1st Birthday!

Mandy & Rianna - Sister Milestone Session

This year, many of my friends and I have turned 40. It’s an age that society has taught us, especially women, to fear, but as this milestone has been met, I’ve noticed it’s been celebrated rather than rushed for both myself and those around me.

Mandy & Rianna are twin sisters, and sweet friends of mine whom I’ve known for nearly 20 years. I admire them both so much as mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. They are both artists in their own respect; Mandy a fellow photographer who inspires me with her work, and Rianna with her eye for decorating. I knew that working with them to mark their 40th year would be magical, as they also find the beauty in the details of simple joys.

For their session, we brainstormed and landed on a picnic setting in North Park. A location tucked between their two homes, and an activity that they often shared with their loving mother, who went to heaven a little over a year ago. They brought along their grandmother’s picnic basket; which they keep in use, their favorite flowers and wine, and a scrapbook and photo album filled with memories from the last four decades.

Besides a birthday, these sisters also share such a strong faith in God. They’ve leaned on Him throughout their lives, and continue to be shaped by His grace.

This gorgeous tree that we found for the session seemed like such an appropriate setting. Just like Mandy and Rianna, it’s gorgeous and strong. We also found two little hearts nailed into the trunk. A perfect little sign from above.

Every little detail of this session was so heartfelt, right down to the sister knot rings they both wore (unplanned - in true twin fashion). It was a dreamy Golden Hour spent with them, and truly an honor to celebrate 40 years of sisterly love.

Braxon is Four! - Birthday Session

I first met Braxon when he was a few months old, and I photographed his family during a beautiful golden hour session. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of documenting his birthdays (with the exception of last year - darn 2020) and watching him grow. When his mom contacted me this year for his birthday session, she told me their family is growing too, so we did a very special 4th birthday session with Braxon, while also featuring the soon-to-be family of 4. For the location, we met up in downtown Zelie where the family has put down their roots, and recreated a few classic shots from our past sessions as well as snapped some new ones.

Happy 4th Birthday, Braxon!

Carson is One! - Birthday & Family Session

One of the frequently asked questions I receive is, “can we get a few family shots during our baby’s first birthday session?” The answer is always, YES! It is always my goal to provide the client with the photos they want. The only thing that sets a birthday session apart is, the client will be offered a (optional) smash cake and balloons provided by me. Otherwise, the session can be family and baby, or just baby.

That being said, it was so fun to capture both Baby Carson and his family during his First Birthday Session. These boys are so cute, and their family always comes to their sessions in such beautifully coordinated looks - I absolutely loved Mom’s dress! Carson was a doll, and opted to have his cake (and eat it too) for his session.

Happy 1st Birthday, Buddy!