Best of 2014 - Families // Year in Review

This past year was so incredible for me, and for my business. I learned and grew so much, and when I think back to a year ago, I am so encouraged by how far I've come. More than that, though, my joy is in meeting people through photography who I never would have otherwise met. I got to do just that with so many families this year.

Between having my first mini sessions to support our adoption (and having twice the response I was hoping for!), and getting to spend time with some incredible, sweet new families, all I can do is sit back and count myself blessed for getting to spend time with so many people.

It's hard to choose favorites, but here are a few that stood out to me this year. Here's to so much more to come in 2015!

The Rivers Family // Fort Monroe Family Photographer

I met Melissa and her family on a cold but beautiful day in late December. Her whole family was home for the holidays (one from as far as Germany!) and she wanted to commemorate the occasion with professional photos. As we walked around Fort Monroe, I had fun getting to know each one individually.

The Rivers are full of laughter and joy. Kevin and Melissa' continued love for each other after so many years is obvious - I love it when couples are excited to take 'just us' pictures during a family session! And when three siblings can not only get along with each other, but pose some of the cutest pictures together, you know their hearts were full as they got to spend the holiday season with each other.

Kevin, Melissa, Josh, Kelsey, and Lindsey, I'm so glad I got to hang out with all of you the day after Christmas! Thanks for being great sports, and for being pros at walking, talking, and posing. I'm so glad I know each one of you, and I look forward to seeing where life takes you!

Miles, Sarah, and Elizabeth // Suffolk, Virginia, Photographer

Miles and Sarah have been such good friends to us for such a long time. Nathan and Miles' friendship goes back all the way to elementary school, so it was natural for us to spend time with them when I moved into the area. Sarah is a sweetheart, and an amazing hostess - she throws the best parties, and I look forward to them every year!

I was absolutely overjoyed when Sarah and Miles told us they were expecting little Elizabeth (though we didn't know who she was at the time). Time flew by, and a few weeks ago she came into the world, beautiful and dainty, stealing the hearts of her mommy and daddy, and everyone else around.

I had the privilege of spending time with little Elizabeth in the hospital, and again in their home when she was only a few weeks old. Newborn lifestyle sessions aren't something I do often, but seeing Miles and Sarah, the way they look at Elizabeth, and the way they look at each other, just melted my heart. I'm so proud to be a friend to both of them, and I'm officially claiming the title of 'honorary aunt' to Elizabeth. She is beautiful, and I can't wait to get to know her as she grows.