Had a quiet day at home with my family and I think it was just what we needed. Mother’s Day is kind of a bummer for me because I just wish I could celebrate it with my mom and spoil her. I’d love to have one more day with her! On the other hand, I’m incredibly lucky to be a mother to these two precious girls. They are pure magic! I was in awe watching them play in the yard this evening. (Earlier in the day, when they were running away from me during church, I was watching in a completely different kind of awe.) Hope you all enjoyed your day and were able to spend it with loved ones! Happy Mother’s Day!
Blog
One Year Ago
One year ago today I followed through with a very big decision. It’s weird because even though it was a huge huge decision, at the same time it was very simple. I had a prophylactic double mastectomy. In case you don’t know, that is an elective operation to remove the breasts so that the risk of breast cancer is reduced. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 10. She was only 34 years old. She underwent several surgeries including a double mastectomy and reconstruction. After all her treatments she was declared cancer free. 14 years later, she had a recurrence in her lung. It spread from there to her bones and her liver. That cancer stole her from us 3 years ago. She was much too young and it has been tragically heartbreaking for my family and I.
Martin Family + Memory Grove Park
The Martin family was so sweet! Their beautiful little Serena was so laid back and relaxed during their session. I was completely shocked! Usually at her age, they just want to crawl away and do anything but pose for the camera. Courtni and Kade make such a cute couple and their interactions were so sweet! I could tell they just adore their baby girl. Here are some of my favorites from their session. Thanks Martin family!
Personal Photos + Black & White Film
Sometimes I shoot film for fun. Mostly for personal work. I love how it pushes me to try new things, learn more and slow down a little. It’s fun not to be able to see the final image right away. I just got back some scans today and thought I would share some of my experiments with you. While there are quite a few that turn out blurry, I got a handful that I really love! Technically, most of them are still really bad haha but they are of my people so they still give me all the feels!
Regan + Look Two
This was a second field of flowers just down the road. Her dress for this one is amazing! I love how just changing the dress creates a totally different look. If you missed the first blog post of Regan, you can check it out here. While editing these I may have swore out loud a few times… she’s just stunning! Thanks again Regan, it was a dream!
Regan + Look One
Regan just glows! She’s one of those people that are so beautiful on the inside that it just can’t be contained. I had a great time photographing this gorgeous girl. I was driving to my home town for Easter, and there were fields of purple flowers everywhere! I just knew I had to do a shoot in them. I asked Regan about 30 minutes in advance and she pulled it off like a dream! I’m so thankful to her because this was so fun for me! She brought a second dress that I can’t wait to show you in a future blog post.
Deegan + Senior Session at Saltair
Deegan lives in my hometown and it was so fun to have him come all the way to Saltair for his senior session! It’s one of my favorite locations and I love how his photos turned out. He only has about a month of his senior year left! That makes me feel really old, because I remember Deegan as a kid (cringe). After graduation, he plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he returns, he will be attending BYU. Good luck in all you do Deegan!!!
Anderson Family + Orchard Session
I was so excited for this session because the last time I photographed this family was a dream! (You can see that session here.) Their sweet girls are looking so much older now! The whole family is so sweet and their sessions are just FUN! I love playing with their kids and they make my job so easy. We had to reschedule a couple times because the blossoms were late and they were so laid back and understanding about it. I’m convinced I have the best clients/friends. The mom, Jordan, is so photogenic. Capturing her relationships with each family member was so special. I love those tender little moments. Thank you Anderson family!
Kenzie & Quinn + Salt Lake City Engagements
Kenzie and Quinn’s session was so fun! She originally asked for blossoms, but I didn’t think the timing of their session would work out. As it turns out, the cherry blossoms at the Utah State Capitol were a little late this year so it worked out perfectly! If you haven’t been to see the blossoms yet, you should go. They are absolutely gorgeous and they don’t last long! After the capitol, we went to a nearby rooftop and got some really fun shots. I love shooting downtown! These two were playful and made each other laugh through their entire session! Being able to capture their dynamic and unique relationship was a joy! Congratulations you two!
[Read more…] about Kenzie & Quinn + Salt Lake City Engagements
Spring Break
We spent spring break in St. George and the weather was perfect! We saw friends and family, fished, covered ourselves in sand, swam and ate delicious food. It’s always so nice to get away for a few days and just play together. I actually didn’t take many photos, but the sand dunes were definitely one of the highlights! Love my people! 
[Read more…] about Spring Break
