I’m not going to lie, I’ve had such a soft spot for newborn sessions since bringing my own daughter home last fall. There is something so incredibly special about welcoming your baby home, getting to know her, putting in the hours to gradually become the only two experts on her in this world. It’s such a hazy season of life that seems to move so slowly in the day to day, and yet that newborn-ness is gone in a sleepy blink of an eye. So precious, this life.
And guys, that “Guess How Much I Love You” book paired with Kyle gazing at his daughter like that? I’m a MESS.
Floral headband by Enchanted Bow Shop
Bunny crib mobile by MistrSandman
I feel strongly about couples like Natalie and Kevin, about sessions like this one. And when I say “I feel strongly” I mean I want to wrap them up in a great big hug, squealing about how much I love them and not let go until well, ever. They had considered eloping in the mountains before eventually deciding on a wedding in Dallas this summer after all, so when it came time to brainstorm location ideas for their engagement photos, I wanted to give these two the closest thing to mountains as we could get. A three hour drive later we met up in the Wichita mountains of Oklahoma and basically just played together for hours. The scenery was gorgeous, the weather perfect, and Natalie and Kevin settled so comfortably into just being themselves — there was no second guessing, they just went wholeheartedly for everything I threw at them. And that’s all my lil photographer heart could ever hope for — for people to feel like a true version of themselves in front of my camera.
Natalie and Kevin, thank you for being so real in front of my camera. Thank you for trusting me with that. I’m up for an uncomfortably long group hug at the wedding in May if y’all are.
Basically I’m obsessed with Alia + Ronnie and everyone who comes along with them. I’ll admit that over and over and over again. They’re both so warm and genuine and make loving each other look as easy as breathing. I thoroughly enjoy and find so much inspiration in photographing Indian weddings so I was super-excited that Alia and Ronnie planned to do a mix of Indian and American wedding traditions to celebrate their marriage. The very first time I sat down with them over coffee to discuss wedding photography they told me they were going the destination route because they didn’t want a stressful wedding day like so many others they had been to (I’ll say yes and amen to every single bride and groom who ever says this to me) — so a relaxed wedding weekend out in beautiful Riviera Maya was their plan, and that weekend felt as effortless and easy as their love for each other.
Saturday: Pithi + Sangeet
Before their evening of Indian wedding festivities we took a few minutes to document this bride-groom attire because WOWZA THEY LOOKED GOOD.
Sunday: the wedding day
Can I just take a quick second to point out how well lit their reception was? Because they had stringed lights across the entire area I didn’t have to break out my flash and could lean into documenting with available lighting which resulted in warm, natural reception photos without adding any distracting flash to the ambiance. This is my favorite favorite favorite way to shoot.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Alia and Ronnie for bringing James and I along to document your amazing wedding celebration — just for the record, I’m down for going back this year for anniversary trip photos if y’all are :))
venue: Now Sapphire resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Why take family photos in the sun when splashing in puddles is so much more fun? I met up with the Dotsons for their annual family session the first day back from my maternity leave with Juniper and there’s no one else I’d rather kickstart my going back to work than these fine folks. The day we had set for their photos turned out to be drizzly but the Dotsons are the type of people who just lean in and go with the flow, no need for perfection because that doesn’t exist in real life anyway. Dotsons, I love you and your sunny dispositions, no matter the forecast.
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