I love getting to photograph friends and family when I visit Emery County! Except for when it’s a family I haven’t seen in a while and their kids are so grown up it makes me feel super old… haha. The Minchey family was wonderful, but I seriously remember their oldest being a little boy when I moved away. How does that happen?! This location is less than a mile away from my parents house and I had never used it before! I love how it turned out. Thanks for letting me capture your amazing family Mincheys!
photo by mad
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.
Ellis Family + Fall Mini Session
This session was fun for me! It made me realize how much harder I have to work when I have toddlers and babies in front of my camera haha. These older kids were a breeze! Janna and I are related through our grandmas, who are sisters. It had been far too long since I had seen her and her kids, so it was great to get in touch again! I realize I’m not great and staying in touch with people. I just need more hours in the day. Anyone have tips? Or a time machine? I’m just so grateful that people actually keep hiring me to do this. Thanks Ellis family!
Anderson Family + Fall Mini Session
I have been dying to take this family’s pictures and I’m so glad we finally made it happen! Michelle is my sister-in-law’s sister…. so I’m not sure what that makes us but I do know that she’s pretty great. Her two boys, Benson and Banks were the most well behaved little kids I think I have ever had at a session. They were a dream! Thanks again for having me Anderson family!
Jensen Family + Desert Session
Jeremiah is my second cousin and our families used to go camping together when I was younger. Not sure why we stopped because it was always so fun! It’s exciting when everyone starts their own families, but the downside is that it gets so big we gradually stop seeing our extended family as often. I was excited when his wife Melissa contacted me about a family session because it gave me a chance to catch up with them and to see their kids. I can’t believe how old they are! They look so grown up. Jeremiah picked out this location and it was perfect! He had gone here growing up and I’m so glad he suggested it. Basically they made my job super easy and I love the results!
Mexico Vacation + Personal Post
My husband and I took this trip in January and I am just now getting around to posting it (because I took soooo many pictures). It was our first vacation since our kids were born and it was so nice and much needed! Our last trip was to South Korea, where my husband served his mission. While we were there, I found out I was pregnant with Ava. I can’t believe that was already four years ago! Here’s to hoping we don’t wait that long between all our vacations!
We flew into Cancun and then took a bus to Tulum. Tulum was gorgeous and I loved it there! We stayed there for four nights and then headed back towards Cancun to stay on Isla Mujeres for the last two nights. We saw ancient ruins, snorkeled in lot’s of cenotes (John’s favorite), saw Chichen Itza, ate lot’s of tacos and other delicious food, zip lined and deep sea fished. We didn’t get as much beach time as I would have like because we have the worst luck with the weather on vacations. In Korea, we planned to stay on a nearby island for a couple nights to take advantage of the beach… poured rain. Every time we planned a beach day in Mexico… windy and rainy haha.
I would highly recommend visiting Tulum if you are planning a vacation in the future. If you need any recommendations, I’m happy to help (or you could just take me with you).
Walker Family + Big Cottonwood Canyon
I sat down to edit a sneak peek of this session and ended up finishing the entire thing! This family is just too gorgeous, I couldn’t make myself stop. Val and I know each other from design school and I love each time I get to see her and her family. Their sweet Gavin is growing so fast! He looked like such a little man in his outfit. He has grown so much since their session last year (see it here). Gav definitely has a future in modeling if he wants it. He had so much fun exploring, running, and was mesmerized by the river nearby. Hopefully we wore him out and he slept like an angel that night.
This beautiful family has an exciting announcement and they let me in on their secret a little early….
Fromm Family + Saltair
My husband went to high school with Casey, but this was the first time I met him and his wife Kendra. They immediately felt like old friends and I had a blast hanging out with them and meeting their little guy, Stone. He was THE sweetest! I don’t think I have ever photographed a more cooperative one-year-old. He was a dream and was giving me hugs by the end of the session. I loved watching them interact with each other. You can just see how much they treasure Stone. And I mean, who wouldn’t? Just look at the handsome little guy!
Favorite Things + Skincare
I decided I would share a few of my favorite things with you. I found most of them because someone else shared them with me, so I thought I would do the same. Up first is skincare. I have always struggled with my skin. I had horrible acne as a teenager and still break out often. I’m still searching for solutions, so it’s a work in progress. What has helped me the most is keeping everything that touches my face clean. I wash my pillowcase often, wash my hands before cleansing or doing my makeup, use clean washcloths and towel to dry, and clean my makeup brushes weekly.
First off, I use one of these washcloths to wash my face and another one to pat it dry. They are so soft! I just ordered these ones too, but haven’t tried them yet. I’m not sharing a cleanser because I haven’t found one I love yet, so if you have any suggestions please share!
Comer Family + in-home session
The Comer family. So sweet and laid back. It turns out, our families are at similar places in our lives… both been married 5 years with two kids almost the same ages. Down the road I’m thinking we could set up their boys with my girls! I think it would be perfect… my husband would probably fight me on it though. I don’t think he will ever let them date, but maybe he will make an exception for adorable Sonny and Wells?
I love the way Brinley decorated her home, so simple and modern. It was right up my alley! It really allows their personalities and love for each other shine through. And Brinley’s style! If it wasn’t for her cute kids, her overalls would have stolen the show! I saw so many qualities in them as parents that I hope I can emulate with my girls. Sometimes family pictures can stress parents out (especially when toddlers are involved haha), but they were just easy going, lovey, patient and playful the whole time. I could spend the rest of my life only photographing moms and their babies and I would be completely content. When you see the look on Brin’s face, you’ll see why. Pure love and adoration. It’s just so good! And it’s all that really matters.
