They were the perfect kind of family to photograph before I take a summer maternity break from photography.  Meeting Noah is right around the corner, and becoming a mama to that little boy…well I am thrilled.  After my session, my heart was lit with a little extra love for the little guy brewing inside of me.  Because it was watching, capturing and experiencing everything about them that made me more excited to walk hand-in-hand with Bryan on our little journey with Noah.  It was Kaesen’s little fall at the beginning and the countless cuddles that melted my heart.  Emerson’s big heart and curiosity of anything and everything.  The way Kelli loved her boys truly to the moon and back.  And, John’s smile that could tell someone a mile away how proud and thrilled he is to be a husband and a father to these three people who make up his whole world.  Most of all, it was the way John and Kelli looked at their boys and knew that this life they share and have is…spectacular.

This captures them perfectly.

Experiencing these smiles and laughs is indescribable.

Gorgeous family, I tell you.

Some K and E fun…

Just the perfect kind of photo to capture…family.

Have a beautiful day, friends!

It never occurred to me the emotions that come together for a mama-to-be during a baby shower.  It is really not about the gifts or the food.  It is about celebrating with all those who love you and the growing little love in your belly.  It is about feeling nothing less than pure joy as you see the faces of your loved ones who come together near and far to be there to wish you best of luck for the next big adventure coming soon in your life.  I have dreamt of being a mama my entire life.  And, during our showers, I was reminded of that indescribable feeling I have watched family and friends display on their faces and hearts.  To our mothers and aunts, thank you so much for the AMAZING showers!  Noah is definitely one very blessed (and spoiled) little man.

It’s tradition to do a little ceremony to bless the little one on the way and the mother.

Noah is so blessed to be loved by all these people and more.

Cute little cousin guests.

Little people clothes melt me every single time.

Love these colors.

So fitting for our little man!

I still remember like it was yesterday…the conversation I had with him a few days after meeting her.  I could tell from the first sentence, he would never go on another first date.  Throw in the fact that she loved Excel spreadsheets as much as he did, and I knew they were destined to be together.  Because is that not how life works out?  You get placed on this windy road, and if you keep walking and having faith, it will lead you to some of life’s greatest blessings like the one person who makes your life complete.  This is Ryan and Jamie.

Over the years, these two have become close friends who have turned into our extended Kansas City family.  And, while Bryan and I have been making fun memories with them, we have watched them grow into this amazing pair who complement one another well.  They are getting married this fall in the mountains, and we cannot wait to celebrate their love with them!

Bes and Jamie, simply put…we love you guys, and we are overjoyed you found your best friend and partner-in-crime forever in one another.

Be prepared…these photos might leave your jaw dropped with their gorgeousness.

How cute are they?!

The one on the right…that is 100% them.  Always laughing.

And, then they bought the “fierce…”

Sunset and these two…good gracious!

Leaving all of you with two of my favorites.

This blog post is actually a little surprise birthday present for Jamie.  Happy Birthday, Jam!  xoxo

My journey in the past five years has been surrounded and inspired by the people I have met. My life has crossed paths of others who have placed an imprint on my heart for a moment to years, and for this, I am forever grateful. I am a believer of everything in life happening for a reason, sometimes past our understanding. There are those who inspire you to reach for the stars and make those unthinkable dreams become a reality. And, if life were to give you a little challenge, there will be those who walk in to calm your heart and give you the encouragement you need to hear. Enter the Miles family. I knew Erin and I had very similar stories from our few email exchanges. Upon meeting her family and her, I fell instantly in love. It was a number of things. The way Gage loves on Nora, which makes any heart melt. Or the way sweet Nora lights up at a game of peek-a-boo or patty-cake. Or the way Mike and Erin love one another and their little ones. However, the one thing I still remember is this sense of peace that overcame me when parting ways with this very sweet family. On that Sunday afternoon, another imprint was left on my heart.

Gage and Nora, I adore you.

He kind of rocks!

These two and their love for their little loves makes my heart melt.

Beware: cute munchkins alert!

When I think of family, I think of them.  It is such a remarkable transition to go from being husband and wife to a husband and father & wife and mother.  The center of your whole world changes.  Yes, you may not be going on Friday date nights or out with friends every Saturday.  However, your day starts with a sweet little face smiling at you or ten toes that wiggle when they are happy to see you.  You are a witness of God’s beauty in creating a little miracle that encompasses your heart.  Together, you get to tackle the good and bad days.  You get to embark on the most amazing and challenging adventure.  Family is about sharing your life and creating memories with the people who make your heart whole each day.  While I would photograph Ellie, I would catch that look of pure happiness on Chris and Stephanie through their smiles and laughter.   They became a family of three at the end of of last year, and I can say it looks good on them.  Really, really good.

This little lady is sure to brighten any day with these photos…

melt. my. heart.

Simply adore this family!

Finishing with a smooch sandwich!!!

Have a lovely Tuesday!

When I met her, she was still a baby in my eyes.  Eight years have passed by, and somehow she is graduating high school and moving on to big dreams.  Everytime, I peeked into my camera to capture another shot of her, I could not help but think of the gorgeous lady in front of me.  Who has beautiful heart and spirit and who has a smile that can chase any bad day blues away.  Not only that, but she has a bright future ahead of her to do anything her heart desires.  I, for one, cannot wait to see the amazingness she will make happen over the years.  Sandra, congratulations on your accomplishment and get ready to have a blast during the next chapter of your life.  It is one of the best!  xoxo

The contrast of the black and white…love.

She belongs in a magazine.  Just saying.

These colors.

Just beautiful.

Did I mention she is kind of a rockstar in the sports she plays?

AHKJDJHJHKJH*((*&$(*&$&(!!!  OH MY WORD!?!?!?!?!!

Love this lady for all her beauty!

They live four hours apart.  But, you would think they live right down the street from one another.  Their bond…there are no words to describe it.  They love on him like there is no tomorrow.  They have a spirit that is free and fun.  Oh the fun.  And, the sweetest part…they are best friends with their mama and daddy.  As for the cute little guy with the straw hat that makes you want to melt, he is ALL about adventure and exploring.  His eyes make you melt.  On the spot, I should add.  And, he kind of adores his two older cousins.  A lot.  I realized near the end of our time together, no matter the distance, their bond will always be crazy strong.

Starting it off with a handsome little stud…

This hat…and the little guy wearing it…oh. my. word.

Now, for some twin cuteness.  Brace yourself!

Are they not the cutest little ladies or what?!

Happy Friday, friends!!!  Go out and do something fun this weekend!  xoxo

It is said one baby is the biggest blessing on earth.  So, two babies are double the blessing.  And, they changed Taj and Pooja’s world in the best ways possible.  After all, who can resist those darling eyes and cheeks?  As if their mama was not beautiful enough, Taj is now surrounded by an insane amount of gorgeousness who love him to the moon and back.  I have a feeling Taj and Pooja have a crazy-amazing future of adventures with their two beautiful, little loves!

How sweet are they?!

Those cheeks…

All bundled up and looking ever so adorable!

Leaving all of you with some of my favorite family shots…

xoxo

It only takes a moment.  A moment in which someone can impact your life in the smallest or biggest of ways.  A moment in which you feel awakened. A moment in which pure joy overtakes every inch of your heart.  This is how I imagine they leave everyone though.  It’s their smile.  Their unconditional love for their sweet Hazel.  The blue eyes of a little lady that can light up any room or heart.  Their beautiful souls, in which words do not have to be spoken of how truly happy they are to be best friends and raising their sweet little one.  It took me email exchanges to fall in love with this wonderful family.  So, I warn you, if you are blessed to cross paths with this adorable family, be prepared to be impacted in the smallest or biggest of ways and have your heart feel nothing short of bliss.  It’s kind of what they do.  It’s the imprint they leave on you.  These three beautiful souls.

It does not get much better than this…

Hey gorgeous girl!

Insert cute, CUTE cousin photo below.

Miss Hazel, you are stunning.

Hands down, one of my most FAVORITE photos to date!!!

Amazing what a pink swirly lollipop can do for a little lady!

Love every ounce of this photo!

xoxo

They all told me it would fly by.  One day I would blink, look down, feel those sweet kicks, and be in the home stretch.  With less than three months to go, I feel a rush of all different kinds of emotions daily: excitement, fear, joy, nervousness and pure happiness for the little man growing away inside my belly.  Some days I cannot believe a dream Bryan and I had so long ago would be transformed into this life we have built.  The dream in which we get to love on someone we created, teach him how to be a gentleman and love on others, and show him the amazing things life has to offer.  As we begin to pack up our home and move into a home where many more memories will be made, we cannot help but smile.  Because it was in this home, we celebrated to life, we became a family of three followed shortly by a family of four, we laughed, and God cracked our hearts wide open as we changed and prepared for the crazy, awesome journey that lies ahead.  Yes, it is official.  We are in the home stretch.  Third trimester.  12 weeks or so until we hold the single, greatest blessing we have been given…our sweet little man.  Until then, we plan on soaking up date nights together, sleeping in on Sundays, and preparing for Noah man to make his arrival into this beautiful world and meet all the amazing people in our lives.  xoxo