Hass Family || Denver Family Photographer

When Adam and I moved across the country to Denver, it meant leaving behind family in Indiana (and Arkansas) and making our own way in a new city and state. We had lived here previously and knew we loved the city, mountains, people, and lifestyle, but leaving family was big. Lucky for us, my cousin and his family had left their families out west and settled in Denver years back. After far too long, we reunited with the Hass crew and have loved our time getting to know their kiddos and spending time with one another. As fall is upon us and Christmas is around the corner, we had to find time to squeeze in a family session. After a weekend of rain, the sun came out and gave us that glorious golden hour light for a fun family session at a park near their house. I mean seriously, just wait until you see these adorable, blonde kiddos with the perfect golden light. We finished up our fall session with the butternut squash soup, carefully crafted ice cream sandwiches, and a game of Ticket to Ride. We will call that a big win.

Baby Hawk is a Coming

As I work to keep this little corner of the internet updated and fresh, I figured I may as well update you all on the status of the Hawk family. Adam and I are expecting a baby girl in just over a month. October 29th is the official due date and it is crazy to think how quickly this pregnancy has gone. It seems like just a few days ago I was coming back from a shoot and saying to Adam "I have something to tell you." He immediately guessed I was pregnant and although I didn't have an official confirmation (no test taken yet), I was pretty darn sure I was indeed pregnant. Sure enough, the test confirmed it and we started a whole new chapter in our marriage.

Lucky for me, the pregnancy has been fairly easy. A bit of fatigue and food aversions in the beginning and a slight "scare" with a specialist in the middle, but overall, I have no complaints. It's been hard going from working out everyday and being fit to being a bit less fit and on a "no working out" order the last couple months, but I know it is temporary. And if I get past my selfishness in that, I easily see the miracle that is pregnancy. I mean I am growing a human. A little tiny human that moves and kicks and sleeps. She is growing, as am I, and in just about a month, we will meet her. Our lives will never be the same which is equal parts exciting and terrifying. In preparation for her arrival, aside from all the normal nesting, we have spent a lot of time talking about how we want to raise this baby girl. Our desire is to continue a life of adventure and questions. Learning and growing. A life that is challenging, but also one that provides space to dream and build something new and exciting. As most of you know, we love to travel and we hope to continue to do so after baby arrives. Yes, I know that for awhile this little bundle will rock our world and essentially take over our schedule and fill it with whatever she darn well pleases, but over time, we want to create an environment that fosters a go, see, explore mentality. One that values experiences, curiosity, and creativity over stuff and media. Compassion and understanding. Lots of hopes, dreams, and prayers for this little baby on the way. Here's to the next adventure as a family of three and a commitment to a life of adventure.

Also, props to my husband for taking a few maternity photos up at Mount Evans a couple weeks ago. I mean he must have had a GREAT teacher. 

Emily + Jeff || San Diego Destination Wedding

When Emily and Jeff asked me to shoot their San Diego I agreed without hesitation. Not only was the wedding in beautiful San Diego, they are also one of those couples you just can't help but love. I met Emily back in 2012 at Creekside Middle School. I was a newly hired 7th grade Social Studies a bit apprehensive at diving into the world of middle school education. Emily's room was two rooms down from me and I knew immediately upon meeting her, we would be friends. And we were. We spent endless hours chatting in the halls and work room, sharing stories over our hurried microwaved lunches, and chatting while we waited in line for the restroom during our 5 minute breaks. Ah the joys of teaching! She was an instant friend, a constant friend, and continues to be one of the greatest blessings to come from my three year stint at Creekside.

In that time, I had the opportunity to follow along her love story with Jeff. Through all the ups and downs of a new relationship, their love persisted. Fast forward to the fall of 2016, a perfectly executed proposal, and the flurry of wedding planning began. I have loved watching their story unfold and was blessed to watch them stand in front of their family and friends and commit to a lifetime of loving one another and fighting for that love. Their ceremony was perfectly intimate, laid back, and beautiful. Perfectly them. So here I leave with you far too many pictures of their day in San Diego because it was just too fun. 

Ben Senior Session || Denver Senior Portrait Photographer

It's that time of year again. School supplies are taking over local stores, the summer is winding down, and the new school year is closing in fast. You may have mixed emotions about the start of another school year, but no matter how you feel it's coming! And for many, this August is a bit different than others because it marks the last first day of high school for all those seniors out there. Now is the perfect time to book a senior portrait session to document this special year in the life of your teen. Senior sessions don't have to be painful or expensive! I can work with you to create a package that works for you and your senior. 

Recently, I helped document this young man's senior year. After a stormy/windy day, the clouds parted and gave us time to capture a handful of shots for him (and mom). Being a former teacher, I always love spending a few minutes chatting with seniors about future dreams and plans. This session was no exception. I loved getting to meet Ben and chat with his mom, a former colleague of mine. We even snuck Mom in for a few photos too. Best of luck at Butler Ben!

For more information on sessions or to contact me head here. Let's book a session today!

Dodson Family || Denver Family Photographer

Sometimes, weather gets in the way a bit of the "perfect" location. A little rain in Indiana is common and for this particular family session, the rain swallowed up some of my scouted locations. So we improvised! With a little space to roam in their backyard and greenery to add some interest, we pressed on with a session right in their backyard. Their little guy was on the verge of turning ONE, so it was the perfect time to document the Dodson family. Randi and Todd have been friends of mine for years and getting to see them as parents has been such a fun switch. The littlest member of the family was a trooper for family pictures. A little unsure at first, but Mom and Dad knew how to get a smile on his face! Thankful once again for the opportunity to document a milestone with this family!