I met Sara a few years ago. We worked together and were friendly, but it wasn’t until about a year into the work relationship that we begged the question: Why don’t we talk more? Since that time we have become great friends. We  meet monthly for girl talk over some great mexican food.

Sara and Ben were my first family session. We met last year on a crazy hot day and stayed in a confined area to avoid the smoldering heat. It’s funny to look back on that session and see how far I have come and how much their family has grown. You can view it here. 

Sara’s family is adorable. Here are a few from the session:

  A little Sara and Ben love.      

This one made me smile…

and this one made me laugh!

Jessica is my best friend. I know I know it sounds a little cheesy and like I’m 16. Not that there is anything wrong with 16. Just that when I was 16 my bff changed every week- even though Jess and I were friends when I was 16. She was my bff then too. and…inhale.

She’s that friend that you have a special connection with. That friend that will always be in your life. No matter what. That friend where no matter how long its been or whats going on in life, we just connect.

At the beginning of the year, I shot newborn pictures of Joe and Jessica’s daughter, Hannah. You can view this post here. My gosh Hannah has grown. As promised in the post, their son, Jeremiah would make his debut on the blog as well. Last weekend, we met for a few family pictures. I spent way longer than a normal shoot with them, but that’s just because I couldn’t get enough of their family. There are a ton of pictures below, and this is the edited version.

Click here for more images and a slide show.

Enjoy and Happy Monday!

First shot of the day.

I love this one of Joe. It just epitomizes father.

Now a little Joe and Jess montage.

WORK.IT.OUT. Jess.

After a quick wardrobe change, Jess pulled out lollypops. I loved this idea.

To me, this picture reminds me of childhood joy. I love the look on Jeremiah’s face.

I want to openly admit that when I first decided to post a session give away I felt a little cheesy, a little gimmicky, and a little shy. Then I posted it… and I REALLY felt cheesy, gimmicky and shy. I thought no one would respond. I thought who am I that I would assume people wanted me to photograph them.  I wrestled back and forth as to whether or not I should just take it down. My mouse hovered over the delete button. Several times. I re-read the post I had written and remembered why I was doing it in the first place. To give something to someone else. So I nervously removed my grip from the mouse and decided to go for it. Just see what happens.

I am completely overwhelmed by the response and comments. As I scrolled through each comment, I would pick a winner. That one! No this one too! Everyone wins! Then I remembered it was randomized and I would be super BUSY if I did that.

I just want to say Thank you thank you thank you! I am so appreciative of each person for taking time to look at this page and join me as I continue on this journey.

So without further ado….the winner is………ASHLEY CHARRON! Congrats Ashley!

Ashley and her husband Jeff will be on the blog soon, but in the meantime, here is a sneak peek from a session shot over the weekend.