PHOTO + DESIGN

BY MAD

lifestyle family photography

Johnson Family + Tunnel Springs Park

James is my husband’s brother. If you already know my husband, then I probably didn’t have to tell you that. They get mistaken for each other all the time! I love his wife Shawn, she’s so fun! I’m not sure how I got such amazing sister-in-laws, but they are honestly all incredible! This is my third year taking James and Shawn’s family photos, and I always have so much fun at their sessions! I wasn’t sure the weather was going to cooperate, but I’m SO glad we didn’t cancel. I have shot many sessions at Tunnel Springs, but this was definitely the prettiest I have ever seen it! Those stormy skies were gorgeous! I couldn’t love how their photos turned out more. I’m so grateful to call these people family.

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Southwick Family + Tibble Fork Reservoir

When Jessica first emailed me, I didn’t realize I already knew her. Her married name threw me off! We went to high school together and her older brother was a good friend of mine. I love reconnecting with old friends and meeting their families! Her husband Jordan is so sweet with his little girls, I loved watching them interact. Sadie and Sophie were honestly angels the entire session! I’m convinced 8-10 months is the perfect age for family photos with babies. And beautiful Jessica… she is so kind and must be one strong mama to be blessed with twins. I had such a great time at this session. This family was so patient and easy going! Thanks for having me Southwick family!


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Nelson Family + In-Home Session

My husband and I met Kensey and Alex through mutual friends. They are such an awesome couple and have the most beautiful family! My family took a trip to St. George over spring break and I’m so glad I was able to do this session while we were there! In-home sessions make my heart happy and the Nelson’s dreamy home topped it off for me! I’m in love with how this session turned out. It was such a great mix of smiles, tenderness and playful moments. This family loves to spend time together and just have fun and it shows!

I want to throw in a disclaimer here. When you look through these you might think, “These seem so perfect. My family session would never go this smoothly. I’m terrified of how my kids might act.” You might think this session was just smooth sailing the entire time. It wasn’t. There were times it went perfectly and then there were times none of the kids were listening, the baby was crying and lots of bribes were involved. This isn’t the exception, this is NORMAL! Expect that your kids will have meltdowns and trouble listening. They are kids after all, it happens! Family photos might be a totally new experience for them. There is no such thing as a family session going perfectly. The important thing is to try and not let it ruffle you. Keep smiling and having fun and the kids will feed off of you! We will push through it together and I promise the end result will be worth it! Thank you for having me Nelson Family! You were champs!

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Meet Madison

I don’t think I have ever fully introduced myself here, so I’m going to give you a little intro to where I came from and how I got to where I am today. My first name is Madison, but friends and family shorten it to Mad. I’m originally from Cleveland…. Utah. When I tell people I’m from Cleveland everyone assumes I mean the one in Ohio because very few people know there is one in Utah. Cleveland is a really small town in Eastern Utah. Small like 500 people small. I loved growing up in a tiny town and still go back all the time! We camped and fished and rode four wheelers around town. I will always be a small-town girl at heart!

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Johnson Family

Bless my dear sister-in-law Nicci! She is the very first person who asked me to take their family photos. She has stuck with me, and I’m so grateful. I look forward to taking her sweet family’s photos every year. She is so laid back and just trusts me and goes with the flow. I love that about her! They are all just so photogenic and I always love how their photos turn out.

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Lemmon Family + Little Cottonwood Canyon

Oh little Maisy! She completely stole my heart at this session! I mean, how adorable is she? She was so perfect the whole time even though it was windy and a little chilly. I used to work with her beautiful mom Brighton, before I had my first baby. I love anytime we are able to get back together. She was such a great friend to have at work! I loved watching her husband Dean with his little girl. You can tell she has him wrapped around her tiny little finger. He is so cute with her! Thanks for having me Lemmon family.

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Gines family + snow basin

Motherhood. It’s intense, difficult, exhausting, incredible, fulfilling, joyful, heartbreaking, challenging, messy, and a million other things. I think all mothers wonder if they are doing it right, get confused about where to go for help and information. There are so many conflicting opinions out there when it comes to parenting. Just remember we all screw up at times but we are doing our best. Give yourself grace. Kids are so loving and can forgive in an instant. It seems they give us endless chances to get it right, love unconditionally and continue to look up to us. Kids are the best. I know none of us are perfect, but this beautiful mamma might be the exception…. She is so involved, loving, present and selfless despite life’s challenges (that we all have). She has an Instagram account under @thisnewlifeofmine_  (you can find her blog there too) where she shares respectful parenting, kindness, her adorable kids, great tips, and support for other parents of kids with disabilities (or rather different abilities). I look up to her and love how positive she stays!

My husband and I met Addison and Jenna about 6 years ago, well before either of us added sweet babies to our families. We were all living in Logan at the time, but didn’t meet until we moved to Little Rock, Arkansas for summer sales. Funny how life works. I’m grateful they gave me the opportunity to photograph their beautiful family!

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The simple things

Bought a bubble machine today. It was a good choice. I love summer.

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Petersen Family + Cleveland, UT

I absolutely love when I get to photograph people from my home town! Cleveland is tiny, and off the beaten path and it will always have my heart. Brooke also grew up in Cleveland, moved away for a bit, and now she and her gorgeous family moved back and built a beautiful home together. I hope to move my own family back there someday. Brooke is so easy to work with and the whole family made this session fun and easy! Their oldest will be leaving on an LDS mission to Arkansas soon and he is pretty excited (his mom isn’t talking about it). I loved documenting their family dynamic how it is right now. It will be so fun for them to look back on when things have changed and the little ones have grown. Thanks Petersen family and good luck on your mission Brans!

I visit Emery County often, so if you are interested in booking a session don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you have!

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Sophia Faye+ in-home newborn session

Sophia Faye. Sophie. The cutest name to go with the cutest little babe. I’m so grateful to this family for inviting me into their home at this time in their lives. Bringing home your first baby is magic. Exhausting, but magic nonetheless. I can already tell Sophie is going to be an independent girl because she made us work hard to get those sleeping shots, but it paid off! There is nothing sweeter and more angelic than a sleeping baby. These new parents are doing a great job! They were patient and so smitten with their fresh little babe. Capturing this new little family in their space made my heart sing! They grow up fast, so I hope they can look back on these photos and remember all the little details of this time.

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