No.  They aren't the Partridge Family.  However, the Armstrong family does share a love of music.  This session was loud.  Louder than most.  And it was so, so much fun because it was so them.  What I loved about this session was how much Trent got involved.  Most dads go with the flow.  Yet, Trent, who is a drummer, took charge during the session.  I love when clients are excited about their sessions!  And that Xylophone, that is their Grandmother's.  It is a treasured piece of their family and I'm so happy we used it in their session. 

This family was one of my first clients.  Or should I say guinea pigs.  Jamie graciously allowed me to borrow her oldest, Aiden, to take pictures of when I was first starting out.  I vividly remember the shoot with baby Aiden and a stuffed soccer ball.  While my style has evolved a bit and their family has grown, my love for shooting this family has not changed. 

Love.  Color.  Sunshine.  Those are three words that first come to mind when I think of the Carson family.  We have had many fun and adventurous shoots over the years complete with run ins with wild animals and even zombies.  But, it's this one that is my all time favorite.  We ventured out to Salvation Mountain.  Because when I saw the pictures of Salvation Mountain I first thought of love, color and sunshine. It was the perfect match for this family who loves love and loves one another.

While I no longer photograph weddings I still love photographing couples.  And I especially love photographing engagement sessions.  Young love is so much fun to capture.  It's effortless and romantic and beautiful.  And, let's be honest, I love that I don't have to bribe anyone with gummy bears :) 

Corrie has been our sitter for over 4 years.  Which is crazy to me.  Brayden had two amazing sitters before her, but Corrie is all he remembers.  Kennedy, who affectionately calls Corrie “Coco”, has never known a life without her.  She was 19 or 20 when she started with us.  As the years went by her friends started getting married.  Corrie never really mentioned any boys.  There were a couple here and there, but nothing ever too serious.

Then all of a sudden there was Thom.  Every time she mentioned Thom she got all giggly.  Even blushed a little.  I know it’s cliche to say, but I’ve never seen her that happy.  And then I unconsciously started looking for a ring on her finger every time she came over.  Before I even met Thom I knew he was the one for Corrie.

When photographing couples I love to incorporate props that help tell their story.  Their bikes, Thom's banjo, Corrie's record player and Thom's records, her camera.  I feel that those little details help tell their story rather than distract from it.

I believe that all stories are worthy of telling.  And I love that this family opened up to me and allowed me to tell theirs.  Marisa wanted to do something to remember the four babies that they have lost.  Four babies who were desperately wanted, loved, mourned, and remembered.  Marisa and James are so incredibly strong and brave.  I admire the love they have for each other and their family.  I admire their courage and resilience.  And I admire how they choose to remember and love those four little souls who forever changed them and left an imprint on their hearts.

When I was first starting out and envisioning what I wanted my company to become I realized that I wanted to not just photograph couples at the very beginning of their relationships.  I wanted to be their photographer for life.  And lucky for me I have amazing clients like this family that let me into their lives and allow me to be there for all of those special moments.  An engagement session with Allison's first babies, her horses.  A beautiful wedding on the beach.  And to welcome their long awaited baby boy and baby girl.