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!
photo by mad
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).
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….
Fromm Family + Saltair
My husband went to high school with Casey, but this was the first time I met him and his wife Kendra. They immediately felt like old friends and I had a blast hanging out with them and meeting their little guy, Stone. He was THE sweetest! I don’t think I have ever photographed a more cooperative one-year-old. He was a dream and was giving me hugs by the end of the session. I loved watching them interact with each other. You can just see how much they treasure Stone. And I mean, who wouldn’t? Just look at the handsome little guy!
Favorite Things + Skincare
I decided I would share a few of my favorite things with you. I found most of them because someone else shared them with me, so I thought I would do the same. Up first is skincare. I have always struggled with my skin. I had horrible acne as a teenager and still break out often. I’m still searching for solutions, so it’s a work in progress. What has helped me the most is keeping everything that touches my face clean. I wash my pillowcase often, wash my hands before cleansing or doing my makeup, use clean washcloths and towel to dry, and clean my makeup brushes weekly.
First off, I use one of these washcloths to wash my face and another one to pat it dry. They are so soft! I just ordered these ones too, but haven’t tried them yet. I’m not sharing a cleanser because I haven’t found one I love yet, so if you have any suggestions please share!
Comer Family + in-home session
The Comer family. So sweet and laid back. It turns out, our families are at similar places in our lives… both been married 5 years with two kids almost the same ages. Down the road I’m thinking we could set up their boys with my girls! I think it would be perfect… my husband would probably fight me on it though. I don’t think he will ever let them date, but maybe he will make an exception for adorable Sonny and Wells?
I love the way Brinley decorated her home, so simple and modern. It was right up my alley! It really allows their personalities and love for each other shine through. And Brinley’s style! If it wasn’t for her cute kids, her overalls would have stolen the show! I saw so many qualities in them as parents that I hope I can emulate with my girls. Sometimes family pictures can stress parents out (especially when toddlers are involved haha), but they were just easy going, lovey, patient and playful the whole time. I could spend the rest of my life only photographing moms and their babies and I would be completely content. When you see the look on Brin’s face, you’ll see why. Pure love and adoration. It’s just so good! And it’s all that really matters.
Brian Family + Memory Grove Park
My husband and I are friends with Kelsey and her husband Ryan. I was honored when Kelsey asked if I would take family photos of her side of the family, the Brian’s. I had met most of her family before, but it was so nice to meet the rest of her siblings. They are all just as kind and sweet and Kelsey, and they know how to have fun together! It really should be illegal for one family to get all the good looks though; aren’t they all gorgeous? We fit this session in right before all the pretty leaves fell. Some of them had to make quite the drive to meet up for these photos. I’m so glad they all took the time to make it happen, because I love how they turned out! Thanks Brian/Forsyth/Richardson family! I had a great time with you all!
Behunin Family + Temple Quarry Trail
It’s funny to me that meeting new people is one of my favorite parts of photography, because I’m actually an introvert and naturally pretty shy. I’m grateful that it pushes me out of my comfort zone and I get to meet wonderful people like the Behunins. Their kids are so cute! I love seeing their little personalities come out in front of my camera. They recently moved back to Utah and I’m lucky they chose me to take some new family photos for them. They came to my fall mini sessions and the weather was perfect with the most gorgeous fall colors! Welcome back to Utah Behunin Family!
Anderson Family + Green Canyon
We had to reschedule this family session due to bad weather. Jordan told me they were cursed and that it’s a running joke that it happens every time they try to do family pictures. We finally broke the curse, because it was the most beautiful fall day! The weather couldn’t have been more perfect! The Anderson family is the sweetest. I met them through my brother-in-law and they are just really great people. Jayson is so lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful girls. They were all wonderful, but their littlest Blake, was just the happiest little thing through the whole session. She won my heart for sure! I had so many favorites from this one, so I just threw them all in!
Bryner Family + Tunnel Springs Park
The Bryner family was so easy going during their family session and it shows! They made family photos with 4 kids look like a breeze! Rickie and her husband Mike are so cute together! I love getting a few shots of just mom and dad at family sessions. After all, it’s their love for each other that started it all. They just radiated love and happiness! The Bryners live in my brother and sister-in-law’s neighborhood and recently moved back to Utah from Arizona. I had so much fun meeting them and getting to know their kiddos. Such great people, I’m glad they decided to move their beautiful family here!
