The Quast Family // Portsmouth Family Photographer

I'll say it over and over again: I LOVE that I get to meet people I would have never met while I'm doing my job, and this day was perfect for just that! Nancy is a dear friend who contacted me about portraits for her family while they were all in town for a family reunion, and I'm so glad she did! I got to meet so much of their family, from great-grandparents all the way down to the little ones.

We met in Portsmouth City Park last Saturday morning, and between trying to get the kids to stay in one place and making sure we didn't miss any big family pictures, the time flew by! I truly loved getting to know each little family, especially when I heard that Rick's parents have been married 58 years. And what a legacy they have left!

Rick, Nancy, and the entire Quast family: thank you so much for letting me be a little part of your lives last week! I'm so grateful to each of you for helping me at the session, joking in between the pictures, and making me feel at home. I hope the rest of your reunion weekend was amazing!

These two have been married 58 years. I asked them to kiss. They kissed not once, but twice, and asked me with a twinkle in their eye if I wanted them to kiss again. So much love!

Of course we had to get a picture of all the 'out-laws!'

And here's the whole group!

Joe, Leslie, Jalen, Aiden, & Austin // Newport News Family Photographer

The five of them - Joe, Leslie, Jalen, Aiden, and Austin - met me on a gorgeous Friday at Newport News park just two weeks after Austin was born. Leslie shared with me that she had several complications with her pregnancy, and at times it was a little scary to think about all the could-be's and what-if's. But, nonetheless, Austin came into this world as a happy, healthy, baby with the fullest head of red hair you ever did see.

Watching Leslie become a new mother has been a beautiful thing to witness. Her care for her little one is obvious in every smile, and in every gesture. Aiden is growing in his role every day as a new big brother, and one of the sweetest moments was when he held Austin, looking at him like he was too perfect to be real.

Seeing this family grow from four to five is truly an honor. Through all the sleepless nights and dirty diapers, this mother wouldn't give the hard parts up for anything. I am so blessed to have met such a beautiful, loving family, and I can't wait to see each one of them grow with each other in their lives together.

PJ & Krista // Norfolk Military Photographer

I know deep in my hear that photography will never grow old. Styles change, people come and go, but the essence of capturing the most precious moment of a person's day, year, or life will never be outdated. I was absolutely honored to witness one of the most special moments I've seen so far.

PJ had been out to sea on the USS Bainbridge for about 7 months. In that time, Krista not only survived but thrived, and gave birth to their first child - a sweet little girl. Then, on a rainy day in Norfolk, Virginia, PJ & Krista's entire little family was reunited again. Each new mom was led up to the deck for some one-on-one time when their husband first got off the ship.

The moment PJ saw his family, his eyes lit up. And when he came out, I had to hold back tears while PJ gave Madi her first kiss from daddy, and gave Krista her first kiss in a very long time. I'll honestly never forget the joy that PJ and Krista had that day, and the love for each other and for their daughter.

PJ & Krista, I am humbled to have been there for such a sweet moment, and I was truly blessed by seeing your reunion. I hope and pray that PJ's time here will be full of joy and learning as daddy, mommy, and daughter are all together again!