THE STEWART FAMILY || JOY AND LIGHT

It was pretty clear from the moment they stepped out of the car that this little girl brings this family so much light, and has them all wrapped around her little finger. She was the sweetest, most adorable girl the whole time, and she was very cooperative while we were doing this photo shoot. Most of the shots were centered around her, and she was such a good listener. We weren't sure how long she would last - you know how kids can be, especially when you really want them to cooperate, but she did a great job and we got SO many great photos. I had such a hard time choosing my favorites from this photo shoot.

I know that this family has had it's fair share of struggles. I know they have had health issues and pain and just really hard times. But, you wouldn't know it when you meet them, they are so positive, happy and full of light. They make you feel special and important. I loved watching them together, I loved seeing how much they all care about each other and how much they cherish being together as a family.

I know from my own personal experiences that going through hard times, and struggling together makes you stronger and more united. I find this to be true of the Stewart family. Thank you Dawn for letting me capture your family. You should be very proud of each one of your children and in-laws. They bring light and joy to all those they meet. I am blessed to know you and your children, keep doing what you are doing. Keep cheering them on to be their best and know that I am inspired by your love, your strength and your light.

CALLEIGH'S BAPTISM || 8 IS REALLY GREAT

There is something so precious and special about an 8 year old child who is ready to make covenants, choose the right and be baptized. There is something special about being able to have your very own photo shoot, especially if you're like me and you grew up in a big family and you rarely got to do anything alone!! There is something beautiful about being dressed all in your Sunday best and getting to have all the attention on you for a whole day. And, if you've ever been to a baptism, you know that the spirit is SO strong and you can feel the love that our Father in Heaven has for each one of us.

I was so excited that we had a beautiful, mostly warm day in November, to take these pictures of Calleigh. Her mom had so many cute ideas that she wanted to incorporate into her photo shoot, and I'm so happy with how they turned out. Calleigh and I both love sparkles - especially sparkly shoes, twirly dresses and taking pictures. She would have stayed with me all day and let me take her pictures for hours and hours.

Calleigh, I am so proud of you and the choice you made to be baptized. Your Heavenly Father loves you so much and wants you to always remember how you felt on your special day. Always remember you are special, you can be anything you want to be and you get to choose to be happy!! I hope you always remember how beautiful you are and never let anyone tell you any different! Congratulations!

THE KRUPCZYNSKI FAMILY || EXTENDED FAMILY MINI

I was so excited when Anne contacted me and told me her whole family was going to be in town for Thanksgiving weekend and wanted to know if we could work out a time to take an extended family picture! YES!!! I love extended family pictures. I have a big family and I LOVE when it works out that we can have a picture with all of us.

Extended family pictures are HARD! It's hard to work out everyone's schedules and wardrobe and location. It's hard to get everyone to agree on anything, but I LOVE the connections made during extended family sessions. I love watching grown children interact with each other, especially if they have children of their own. {and most especially if they are struggling with their children when they are usually perfect angels! Believe me, I've seen it all before!!} I love seeing how children interact with their parents, of every generation. I like to watch who the boss is, and who the baby is and which one is the most spoiled. {Everyone knows who that is in my family!!!} I love watching grandma and grandpa with their grandchildren. I love the interaction, the love, the teasing, the unity.

They are some of my very favorite sessions, and this was no exception. I LOVE this one. The colors are beautiful, the location is beautiful and it was such a pretty fall day.