Willinghams Baby Announcement Session

I love the Willingham family. The kids are two of my favorite children in the world, and I am so excited that I was able to help them announce that they're adding a third sibling to the mix in September. 

I can't wait to meet the new baby (they have such cute babies!), but for now I'm glad to be able to look at the pictures of this happy, excited family of four. Their joy over the new addition is so clear, and those hopeful smiles are absolutely contagious. 

Congratulations, Willingham family! I'm thrilled for you guys!

Josh and Sarah's Engagement Pictures

Last weekend, I was able to spend some time taking engagement pictures for a really great young couple. Josh works with my husband, so I had met him before, but until last Saturday, I had never spent any time with him and Sarah together. 

Turns out, they're adorable. They have a relaxed, comfortable way of interacting with each other, and it was fun to be in their presence. The day wasn't exactly warm, and they were outside for quite a while, but they didn't seem to mind too much. 

I also have to mention their cute little dog, McFly. They adopted him from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, and let me tell you, that is one loved little puppy. I think it's great when families bring their dogs to our sessions, and McFly seemed pretty excited to be there. There were so many things to smell!

Josh and Sarah are getting married in September, and I can't wait to be there to help memorialize their special day. Congratulations on your engagement, you two!

Warren Family Maternity Pictures

I've known the Warren family for a long, long time. I met Taylor when we were both in the church orchestra in middle school, and then he played the violin at my wedding. Katie used to be a nanny for my two youngest sisters. Now, they're both parents to Bailey, who is sweet, beautiful, and so well-behaved. (She also has perhaps the bluest eyes in the entire world.) 

Last Spring, this family was faced with a heavy loss. Katie was pregnant with their second child, a son, when she realized that too much time had passed since she felt him move. Though they never held Hunter while he was alive, their love for him is still obvious. He's an important part of their family, even if he isn't in these pictures.

Their third child, a boy, is due in May. It's a hopeful time, and I was so happy to be able to take some pictures in celebration of this pregnancy. This little boy has brought his family so much joy already, and I know he's going to grow up surrounded by love.

I'm always happy to spend time with this beautiful family, and especially happy to take their pictures. Congratulations, Warren family, and I can't wait to see what blessings the future holds for you.

The Naber Family

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing the Naber family. I had seen pictures and videos of their happy little family, but I was still surprised by just how sweet and cheerful they were.

And while all three of them (well, four of them, if you count their cute dog) were awesome, this little baby was just plain joyful. He smiled and laughed for the whole hour we were taking pictures. One verse of Pat-a-Cake and he was grinning and clapping like a professional baby model. 

I love spending time with families who are just so obviously crazy about each other. Joe and Ashleigh are awesome parents, and I think the love they have for each other and their little guy shows through so strongly.

Naber family, thanks again for letting me take your pictures. It was a joy to spend the evening with you guys, and I hope we can do it again sometime!

Troutman Family Pictures in Mills River

I always enjoy my photo sessions. Taking pictures is my favorite thing to do, so of course I enjoy it. Every now and then, I have a session that just goes perfectly. That's how Saturday afternoon was with the Troutman family.

For starters, we had amazing February weather. It was 60° and sunny with a slight breeze. That's the kind of weather that makes you remember why you've been longing for spring, you know? And I know that everything is lush and green and colorful come April or May, but I love the neutral background of a winter landscape.

Adding to the great weather was the awesome personality of this family. They were sweet and happy to be there, totally willing to walk around the farm and let me experiment with different lighting and poses. Their little boy smiled and looked at the camera and did all of those magical things that I usually have to work really hard to get kids his age to do. 

And then there's the obvious--this family is beautiful, inside and out, and they get along so well. I can do a lot with a camera and light, but I can't make people look happier than they are. 

Sometimes, everything just comes together and we end up with amazing pictures. I think that happened on Saturday in Mills River. Thank you so much, Troutman family, for letting me take your family pictures!