Before our spring special kicks in, this photographer is about to get a little bit sentimental!

I was just sitting here thinking about how I have had the chance to meet such beautiful families through being a photographer…it is one of my favorite parts about this job. I also love the fact that taking photographs has brought me closer to families who I have known for years! I thought I would do a little post to show how incredible it is to be able to photograph these sweet families through so many years and stages of life (and hopefully more to come!) I am truly honored and blessed to know these people, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to be a part of all of your special journeys.

The Flanagan Family

I have known the Flanagans since I was 16 years old! I met Jim and Tammy at a high school church retreat where they were a coordinating adult couple. Seeing such an inspirational love at such a young age gave me a perfect example of what a strong marriage looks like. Jim and Tammy are truly wonderful people and best friends. Their love shines through the eyes of their two wonderful children, Leah and Drew. Being able to grow up watching this family grow has been a blessing. Being their photographer has not only allowed me to stay a part of this family’s life, but to see them grow. My heart is full of love for these 4!

The Walls Family

I met Tracey and Joey through a good friend, Jenn. She went to college with the 2 and told me one day “My friends are the BEST and really need some family photos! They have 3 kids and are expecting one soon!” When I contacted the Walls Family, I never knew how much I would fall in love with all of them. What a fantastic group of people. I have raved about these guys in past posts, but I really could go on forever about the unconditional love and joy shown by each member of this family. Every time I see them, I am immediately filled with happiness! I ran into the kids with their grandparents at the fair and we had our own mini-reunion filled with smiles and sweet hugs. It is so amazing to see this family grow and grow. Since we met for the first time in Pullen Park in 2012, there have been 2 new additions to this sweet bunch. Tracey, Joey, Cassidy, Lilly, Finn, Eli, and Emmerson make up one of the kindest families I have ever known!

The Hammond Family

I have also known the Hammonds for a very long time! Josh worked with the Flanagans at the retreat I went to in high school, so I also got to meet him when I was in high school! I remember in college, I was working the kitchen staff at one of our retreats and he was showing the girls how he proposed to Jenny! I remember finally getting to meet her when we did out first photo shoot back in 2012, when little Will was a baby! Since then, I have had the privilege to shoot multiple times with this terrific trio! They are the definition of family love…especially when I see Jenny rooting for NC State and Josh rooting for UNC, that is true love! 😉 Will is getting bigger and bigger, I can’t believe how fast this kid is growing. Before we know it, he will be off to college and I will (hopefully!) be taking some graduation photos! Thank you guys for being such a big part of my life…so much love for the Hammonds.

The Schwanke Family

We have  been photographing the Shwanke kiddos for years now. I met Allen and Jamie through Jim and Tammy! They have sweet and spunky Mara Kate who is now in Kindergarten! Adorable Gavin…”G” as they call him….is too much to handle with that red hair and those chubby cheeks. These two are the definition of BFF. I kid you not when I tell you that in our last photo shoot they held hands, stared at each other and screamed, “BEST FRIEND!” then proceeded to crack up to no end. I cannot get through a photo session with these guys without laughing so hard. I loved how Gavin was calling me “Libya”  and when we started laughing he giggled so hard and called me that for the rest of the shoot. I remember at our first photo shoot with these 4, Mara Kate brought me a flower she picked from the field we were shooting in. Just so much love for the Schwanke family. <3

The Dunston Family

Last, but not least, the Dunstons. I had the pleasure of meeting the Dunston family back when I started photography in 2012. We met at Pullen Park and I could not get over how sweet and funny little Olivia was! I remember her telling me different words that she had learned, she was just a tiny little thing! We met again this past fall for more photos and I was blown away with how big Olivia was! She was still her spirited self, running around and giggling away! I am so thankful to have met such genuine and kind people in the Dunston family!