Love.

Courtney | Senior Shoot

Literally a week ago Courtney was in 6th grade and I was her youth leader. 

Seriously it has to be like one week or less because it feels so much like yesterday we were playing silly games and cooking meals at church. 

I adore her. The whole gaggle of these girls stole my heart really. 

She is beautiful and so wise to be like in 6th grade last week and a senior this week. 

She's a world changer, and that ain't me blowing smoke. 

Love her. Excited for her last year!

Realini, Beautifulini, Dorlini

I absolutely loved this early morning.  This is a family I've been with before - and always like the spunky nature of their little gals.  But now, they've got a new little man and this was my first time meeting Sir Tyson.  (No, he is not a knight yet, but I know he will be chivalrous).  We shot early to get all the youngins pre-meltdown.  I was welcomed with a deliciously strong cup of coffee - an Americano to be exact- and it is my love language.  Between that, the hipster music keeping everyone happy in the background and this beautiful momma.
I was in photography heaven.
I love how this family let's it unwind - naturally.  I hope when they look back at our shoots many years from now - it will bring them vivid memories of what real life was like with three kids under 4 (close to it) and how wild and crazy it was.  Because, if you know me, you know I believe a lot of beauty rests in between the wild and crazy.  Full Life. I love it. I eat it up.

We let the morning unfold - no stress - and no tears.  It was great.

note: dottie coming through the secret passage in the background

E, Myself, and I.

 “I don't remember who said this, but there really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child.”

 Anne Lamott, Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year 

Isn't my sweet sister friend a dream come true

She's really growing into a beautiful momma. ***

Check out her blog. She's the best.
(more to come from this day, but some things must stand alone)

***(this makes me ache for Jane - and a photoshoot in Houston with Forest, my Godson - more on that big news later)

Christmas Card Blitz

The goal is to write about 2012 - at some point.
But for now. There are pretty pictures to share - red eyes to recover from - real work to be done - and sleep to be had. So. That said. I want to share a shoot I
L
O
V
E
D

I took a lot of Christmas card photos this year, including my own families.  I loved each shoot.  Being with a family can be such a blessing - when you watch mom's and dad's love their children well - the way it was meant to be.

I love that.

It sort of gets me. Like, every time. Duoy.

This shoot -was one of those.  The precious little girls living into their great personalities and their parents just helping them in that process.  It was my first shoot with Pocahantas as a main character, and I must say I hope she returns.

I met Danielle and Corey when I was in college serving on Summer Staff and they were this beautiful couple running work crew.  I don't know how she managed to look beautiful in 100+ heat every day - but she did. I loved reconnecting a bit when they returned to Roanoke to work with high school friends again. 

This family is off to the North to share about the gospel. I know they will be missed in Roanoke, VA