Jeremiah is my second cousin and our families used to go camping together when I was younger. Not sure why we stopped because it was always so fun! It’s exciting when everyone starts their own families, but the downside is that it gets so big we gradually stop seeing our extended family as often. I was excited when his wife Melissa contacted me about a family session because it gave me a chance to catch up with them and to see their kids. I can’t believe how old they are! They look so grown up. Jeremiah picked out this location and it was perfect! He had gone here growing up and I’m so glad he suggested it. Basically they made my job super easy and I love the results!
Blog
Summer Reminiscing + Personal Post
I’m just finishing up some editing from earlier this summer and man I already want to do it over again! These are from the 24th of July and our Johnson family trip to Steamboat Springs. [Read more…] about Summer Reminiscing + Personal Post
Mexico Vacation + Personal Post
My husband and I took this trip in January and I am just now getting around to posting it (because I took soooo many pictures). It was our first vacation since our kids were born and it was so nice and much needed! Our last trip was to South Korea, where my husband served his mission. While we were there, I found out I was pregnant with Ava. I can’t believe that was already four years ago! Here’s to hoping we don’t wait that long between all our vacations!
We flew into Cancun and then took a bus to Tulum. Tulum was gorgeous and I loved it there! We stayed there for four nights and then headed back towards Cancun to stay on Isla Mujeres for the last two nights. We saw ancient ruins, snorkeled in lot’s of cenotes (John’s favorite), saw Chichen Itza, ate lot’s of tacos and other delicious food, zip lined and deep sea fished. We didn’t get as much beach time as I would have like because we have the worst luck with the weather on vacations. In Korea, we planned to stay on a nearby island for a couple nights to take advantage of the beach… poured rain. Every time we planned a beach day in Mexico… windy and rainy haha.
I would highly recommend visiting Tulum if you are planning a vacation in the future. If you need any recommendations, I’m happy to help (or you could just take me with you).
Family Hike + Personal Post
John had to work a lot this weekend, but he took a couple short breaks to get outside with the kids and it was so nice! Ava threw a massive tantrum the entire drive to this hike … kicking, screaming, possessed-looking red face. It was BAD. John and I just had to laugh it was so ridiculous! She was screaming that she didn’t want to go to the mountain and just wanted to stay home. Of course, once we got there she loved every minute of it! Her and Tess climbed every rock, picked acorns, looked for squirrels and sniffed every flower. They didn’t want to leave. Toddlers are funny (and by funny, I mean completely frustrating).
Family Films
First off, I am obviously not a videographer. So I am not posting this to show off my video skills (or lack thereof haha). I just think family videos are so important! I have so many little video clips on my phone that I NEVER did anything with and rarely went back and watched. I took an easy and affordable course from Sam Kelly about how to turn all those forgotten clips into pure magic. Seriously, this one makes me tear up a little. My kids already love watching them over and over! You can check out the course here if you are interested. Even though I have a DSLR, almost all of the videos I take are just on my iPhone because it’s easy and I almost always have it with me.
Morgan + Senior Session at Silver Lake
Morgan may just be the most beautiful senior ever! Her sweet soul just shines outward. I completely enjoyed her session and just being around her, it was so fun! She is the oldest in her family, plays soccer, basketball and has plans to be a pharmacist after graduation. Her future is as bright as her gorgeous smile. Good luck in all you do Morgan!!!
Walker Family + Big Cottonwood Canyon
I sat down to edit a sneak peek of this session and ended up finishing the entire thing! This family is just too gorgeous, I couldn’t make myself stop. Val and I know each other from design school and I love each time I get to see her and her family. Their sweet Gavin is growing so fast! He looked like such a little man in his outfit. He has grown so much since their session last year (see it here). Gav definitely has a future in modeling if he wants it. He had so much fun exploring, running, and was mesmerized by the river nearby. Hopefully we wore him out and he slept like an angel that night.
This beautiful family has an exciting announcement and they let me in on their secret a little early….
Streeter Family + Neff’s Canyon
I was lucky enough to photograph Elena and her adorable kids last year (see that session here). Her husband was deployed and she wanted updated family pictures to send to him. They are so sweet! I loved being able to see them again and their daddy got to join them this time! Yay! Kids grow and change so quickly… it’s fun to see them each year.
Gines family + snow basin
Motherhood. It’s intense, difficult, exhausting, incredible, fulfilling, joyful, heartbreaking, challenging, messy, and a million other things. I think all mothers wonder if they are doing it right, get confused about where to go for help and information. There are so many conflicting opinions out there when it comes to parenting. Just remember we all screw up at times but we are doing our best. Give yourself grace. Kids are so loving and can forgive in an instant. It seems they give us endless chances to get it right, love unconditionally and continue to look up to us. Kids are the best. I know none of us are perfect, but this beautiful mamma might be the exception…. She is so involved, loving, present and selfless despite life’s challenges (that we all have). She has an Instagram account under @thisnewlifeofmine_ (you can find her blog there too) where she shares respectful parenting, kindness, her adorable kids, great tips, and support for other parents of kids with disabilities (or rather different abilities). I look up to her and love how positive she stays!
My husband and I met Addison and Jenna about 6 years ago, well before either of us added sweet babies to our families. We were all living in Logan at the time, but didn’t meet until we moved to Little Rock, Arkansas for summer sales. Funny how life works. I’m grateful they gave me the opportunity to photograph their beautiful family!
Hammocks + Summer
Sometimes I shoot personal work on film. Since all the pictures from my childhood are on film, these instantly feel like old memories to me. I love that about it. And the colors are just so perfect. I will always remember summers hanging out in the back yard after John gets home.