This family has been one of my faves ever since they moved across the street from us two years ago. Okay, we already had an awesome neighborhood, but the DuBois fam definitely added to the fun. And now that we know them and love them, of course the military would move them!!
Read MoreMilitary homecomings have my heart. They are always special, unique, and emotional. It’s even more special when I get to document a homecoming for a friend, especially someone I admire and look up to as a mother and military spouse.
Read MoreI am finally getting back with the program and starting to blog all the gorgeous sessions I was lucky enough to shoot this fall. With the weather getting rainy, I can’t think of anything better than grabbing a comfy blanket, lighting a pumpkin candle, and sharing Savannah and Nick’s amazing couples session with you.
Read MoreAs we waded through tall grasses to get to the field of wildflowers just on the other side of the parking lot, I couldn't help thinking how lucky we are to live in a place where such beautiful spots are literally only a stone's throw away.
Read MoreThis was such a special day to document. As Heather rolled into the hanger (looking flawless) with not one but two babies, you could instantly see how happy she was. This was going to be a GOOD day. Because not only was she getting her amazing husband home, but there was also going to be another set of hands around! Ha! As an Auntie to twins, watching my sister with her kiddos has given me the greatest respect in the world for parents of twins.
Read MoreI can honestly say that I will never forget this day. It was one of a kind, for sure. You see, I was scheduled to shoot two homecomings on the same day (Easter, to be exact). Both families (who are also friends) had loved ones returning from different places in the world and landing at different times. But the day got pretty interesting when both planes landed within five minutes of each other.
Read MoreI am never fully prepared for the moment of impact. When the planes buzz overhead, and the families realize that FINALLY. Today is the day. The excitement is overwhelming. Once the okay is given, kids' feet fly as fast as they can to reach him - their dad. Because even though mom has done everything and been there for every practice, game, skinned knee, and dance party - they've missed sharing it with their dad too.
Read MoreRaising three amazing, rambunctious young boys is no easy task. Three bright boys who love as hard as they play. Three sensitive boys who miss hugging their daddy goodnight. And yet, my sweet friend Arielle rose to the occasion each and every day while her husband Dustin did his job for his country halfway around the world.
Read MoreHomecomings will always be one of my favorite events to document. Seeing loved ones reunited after months of being apart - there's seriously nothing like that joy and relief. And seeing Katie and Brad's first homecoming reunion brought back all the butterflies that I remember from seeing Ryan walk off that plane and back into my arms during our first deployment. It's like your first date and wedding day all rolled into one beautiful moment.
Read MoreI have been looking forward to this session with the Horn family for months. Literally! We had to reschedule a few times due to work schedules (Navy life!), but we lucked out with the warm weather and beautiful sunset at Deception Pass State Park the night we met to take family pictures.
Read MoreEvery time I shoot a homecoming, I know three things are going to happen. First, I know that this session will be one-of-a-kind - as unique and special as the family I'm documenting. Second, I know that everything about the session (day, time, weather, location) are completely out of my control. And finally, I know that I am going to walk away from the session a different person.
Read MoreThis session reminded me why I absolutely LOVE to photograph families. The energy the kids bring, the love mom and dad gush out on their kiddos, the joy everyone has being outside and being together - it gives me all the feels people. Carrie and Eric are givers. They serve in so many areas of their lives, and are such amazing examples of love and compassion for their kids.
Read MoreThe older kids saw him first. Peering across the flight line, trying to pick him out amongst a mass of similar flight suits. As he moved out from the crowd gathered under the plane, Luke and Drew bolted for him. Their adrenaline taking over, the boys raced to catch him first, nearly tackling him to the ground. Keira squealed in delight and quickly ran behind her brothers straight towards him. Daddy.
Read MoreThis happens to be the time of year in Washington when spring arrives. At least in theory. There are signs, sprouting up. The pink blossoms of a dormant tree. The daffodils accumulating in yards throughout town. And every once in a while, you see it. The sun!
Read MoreIt was clear that Ryan and Alysa were perfectly matched from the beginning. Introduced by family and friends who understood that the joy these two bring to any situation, the playfulness and laughter they find throughout each day could find a permanent home in each other, Alysa and Ryan hit it off from their very first date. As they grew to know each other over the years, they understood they had found something profoundly special. Love.
Read MoreThis little guy had quite the weekend celebrating both his baptism ceremony and first birthday party on Whidbey Island, WA. I met the handsome Mr. Theodore Council when I documented his baptism ceremony the day before, and the party continued as family and friends gathered to celebrate a year of firsts that ended with - what else?! CAKE!
Read MoreWhat a beautiful, blessed day this was! I was lucky enough to spend the morning with this large, loving family as they witnessed Theodore Council's baptism ceremony. And what a child of God this little man already is! Honestly - at just one year old, Council is one of the happiest babies you will every meet. And he is so very loved, not just by proud parents Jackie and Cooper (both in the Navy), but also by all the family and friends who traveled from across the country to celebrate this amazing little boy.
Read MoreCan you imagine leaving behind your baby girl – your first-born – just a few months after her birth to go halfway across the world and do your job? That’s just what Jeff did – what thousands of brave men and women do every year. But last week Jeff came home. Home to his loving, caring wife Ashley. Home to his beautiful, not-so-little baby girl.
Read MoreThis beautiful, amazing family had so much to celebrate this week. Not only was daddy coming home after a lengthy deployment, but this was also the end of their time in Whidbey before starting a new tour. A shore tour. A few years at home. A chance to be there for all the moments that matter. Like the birth of baby sister Olivia, due in December.
Read MoreThis family is one of my faves, for sure. They are fun, silly, and an absolute joy to be around. I've been blessed to know Amanda for over a year now, and every time I'm around her, I just feel better. You know those people who just keep it real and help you laugh at the small stuff? Yep, she's the best.
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