Have you ever given yourself permission to think about what your wedding would be like if you didn't "have" to do anything?Nicole and Dave gave themselves this permission. Their hearts weren't in the big ceremony with all the friends of their parents and extended cousins they hadn't seen in years. They wanted small. They wanted meaningful. They wanted all the people they love most in the world, at the place they love most in the world. They had their first look in their living room. They said their promises to one another in their backyard. They started their life together, in their home.Sounds like a dream doesn't it? It certainly was. This goes down as one of our favorite weddings ever. It is our privilege to give you our viewpoint of a ceremony that only the most special of witnesses were invited to. 
the flynns OR this is our motion
The Flynns are our friends. The best kind of friends. The kind you always feel loved and appreciated by. The kind that never have to say "our house is your house", because you just kind of know it is.Jessica is a fantastic artist (check out her work HERE) and has an inspiring vision for finding beautiful in the ordinary. I took these photos for them last summer to document their typical day before her first kiddo started kindergarten. As a Mom and as an artist, I jumped at the chance to preserve this fleeting time for Jess.If you are a Momma reading this, no judgement if you burst into tears thinking about your children being littles again. And I've got nothing but love for you if you're like me and are praising the LAWD that your oldest is starting kindergarten this year and you're simultaneously dancing for joy and crying in your coffee in the morning. If you're anyone else reading this, please enjoy your look into the every day life of a Mom with littles. It is chaotic and beautiful, and never stops moving.And if this session speaks to you, please let us know when you'd like to have us capture your family in this way. These images are something everyone should have of your own family. 
kayla graduates OR let the wild rumpus start...but FIRST, blue hair.
I met Kayla on a Sunday evening. When I pulled up to our location, I was shocked to see Kayla and her Mom sitting in the car talking and laughing, her phone no where in sight. And when she saw me, she opened the door and walked straight up to me to shake my hand and offer a warm smile. I don't know how much time you spend around teenagers, but this is not typical teen behavior. Smiling and laughing with your Mom, making fast friends with someone you don't know...I was impressed.So here's the thing. Throughout my short few hours with Kayla, I got to know this girl, and more than that, I grew to admire her. Her biggest goal this summer? To dye her hair blue. I have a soft spot for crazy haired girls. In a few of these photos you'll see her explaining her role in a one act play. She is unique and strong. She has guts and convictions. And if you're thinking you can't get to know all of that about a person in just a few hours, then you've never been on the other side of my camera.Kayla, this life is long if we're lucky. And I think you're onto something big. Keep laughing with your Mom and putting that cell phone away. You're on the right track."Things are not always what they seem in this place, so you can't take anything for granted."
The Fergusons are Reunited OR he's back in her arms again
This is the story of the day Thomas came home, and Laura could breathe again. Almost a year ago, I was meeting Thomas, Laura & Malachi for the first time. They sat with me in our local coffee shop and talked about how they loved one another and how they were preparing to split up for 9 months. They were heartbroken but strong. Their life was about to change for a little while, but they were already emotional thinking about the day they would see each other again after all that time apart.And now, here they are. Their beautiful reunion. What a beautiful privilege to see it first hand.
