I’m not even sure where to begin with this family. I have known Frank and Tara since I was young. Frank was my bishop during my teenage years and Tara was the most fun at girls camp! I adore them both! They have the most beautiful family and I really look up to them as they are raising their four kind, hard working and beautiful daughters. Their oldest Erin (in the black dress), is 21. She is an amazing long distance runner at Dixie. I have loved watching her running journey since she was competing in high school. She continues to amaze me! Earlier this year she noticed a lump on her hand. When she got it checked out, the doctors were pretty sure it was benign but when she woke up for her biopsy they told her otherwise. It is cancerous. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is the diagnosis. She is getting a scan today to see whether or not it has spread to other areas. She will be undergoing intense chemo and so we wanted to give them some beautiful family photos before she loses her hair. If you are the praying type, PLEASE pray for this sweet girl. She is a fighter and in her words, a badass that is going to beat cancer! I know she can! She has a long road ahead of her and her family. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they conquer this together.
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Cassandra + Brian – Salt Lake City Engagements
Strang Family + Raleigh North Carolina Family Session
This family has my heart! Joanna is my sister-in-law and she has the sweetest family! They used to live close to us, but last year they moved to North Carolina. We were recently able to visit them and it was so fun! We loved being able to spend time with them. I’m so glad I was able to get in a family session while I was there. We went to a local Arboretum and it was so beautiful! Thanks Strang family! Love ya!
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Jace + Lifestyle Newborn Session
I love including the entire family in a newborn session, especially when I get to photograph them in their own home! Adding a baby to family creates an entirely new dynamic and capturing that is so special. My hope is that the Sullivan family can look back at these and remember little details that otherwise would have been forgotten. Thanks for inviting me into your home during this special time in your lives!
Kenzie + Quinn – Formal Session at American Fork Amphitheater
Congratulations to Kenzie and Quinn! They tied the knot today! I’m excited to be able to share the photos from their formals. I had such a great time with these two at their session. It all came together beautifully! Isn’t she just stunning her her gorgeous dress with her classic bouquet?! Kenzie and Quinn were both so easy going during their session. They made my job soooo easy! I love how they joke with each other and laugh together. They are such a cute couple! I recently discovered this location and I love it! The lilacs in full bloom just topped it off! So gorgeous! If you missed their engagement session you can check it out here. Thanks for having me, I wish you both all the happiness and love!
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Mother’s Day
Had a quiet day at home with my family and I think it was just what we needed. Mother’s Day is kind of a bummer for me because I just wish I could celebrate it with my mom and spoil her. I’d love to have one more day with her! On the other hand, I’m incredibly lucky to be a mother to these two precious girls. They are pure magic! I was in awe watching them play in the yard this evening. (Earlier in the day, when they were running away from me during church, I was watching in a completely different kind of awe.) Hope you all enjoyed your day and were able to spend it with loved ones! Happy Mother’s Day!
One Year Ago
One year ago today I followed through with a very big decision. It’s weird because even though it was a huge huge decision, at the same time it was very simple. I had a prophylactic double mastectomy. In case you don’t know, that is an elective operation to remove the breasts so that the risk of breast cancer is reduced. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 10. She was only 34 years old. She underwent several surgeries including a double mastectomy and reconstruction. After all her treatments she was declared cancer free. 14 years later, she had a recurrence in her lung. It spread from there to her bones and her liver. That cancer stole her from us 3 years ago. She was much too young and it has been tragically heartbreaking for my family and I.
Martin Family + Memory Grove Park
The Martin family was so sweet! Their beautiful little Serena was so laid back and relaxed during their session. I was completely shocked! Usually at her age, they just want to crawl away and do anything but pose for the camera. Courtni and Kade make such a cute couple and their interactions were so sweet! I could tell they just adore their baby girl. Here are some of my favorites from their session. Thanks Martin family!
Personal Photos + Black & White Film
Sometimes I shoot film for fun. Mostly for personal work. I love how it pushes me to try new things, learn more and slow down a little. It’s fun not to be able to see the final image right away. I just got back some scans today and thought I would share some of my experiments with you. While there are quite a few that turn out blurry, I got a handful that I really love! Technically, most of them are still really bad haha but they are of my people so they still give me all the feels!
Regan + Look Two
This was a second field of flowers just down the road. Her dress for this one is amazing! I love how just changing the dress creates a totally different look. If you missed the first blog post of Regan, you can check it out here. While editing these I may have swore out loud a few times… she’s just stunning! Thanks again Regan, it was a dream!