the wells family | cortland, ny

There is something really sacred about stepping right into the middle of the chaos of a young family. It’s so physically exhausting just to do all the things that so often it is hard to see the beauty that is all around. I feel like an archaeologist dusting off the sand to expose the treasures that are right there in the middle of diapers and feeding and tween attitudes.

I was able to fly to upstate New York last week to be with my friend Ashlee and her family. The weather already felt like fall (my favorite!) and so we ventured to a nearby lake to take some pictures one morning. I’m not gonna lie it was not my easiest session with crying babes, and certain boys who didn’t want their pictures taken but we just pressed on and got what we could. When I uploaded the photos to my computer I was just bathed in the goodness of the in between. Those real moments of beauty just captivated me and I was so happy to show it to them, “Look! Look at how precious your family is! Look at the joy that is there among the early morning feedings and the late night picking up of toys”.

A gift for them and definitely a gift for me!

I especially love the tandem nursing shots I was able to capture of the girls and their brave mama.

sacred roots | michelle

In a lifetime, pregnancy is a relatively fleeting season of life, but it leaves deep, deep grooves in the heart. The stretching, patience and ultimate surrender it brings is transformative in a way that cannot even be uttered in words.

Michelle, carrying her third child, joined me in the woods in early August, hesitant about how the next few hours would feel, but confident that this sacred season should be documented. The hours flew by as we waded in the river, sat at the base of trees deeply rooted, and stood in silence as the river roared around us.

Today, just a few weeks later, her baby is on the outside and already these images are nostalgic. That’s the beauty and the ache.

welcoming lincoln | asheville newborn photography

Two and a half years ago I photographed Whitney and Sam’s wedding on a snowy winter evening (my very favorite kind of evening). The wedding was the warmest, jolliest, intimate affair complete with homemade pies and a jam circle. This summer Sam and Whitney welcomed their son Lincoln into the world. I was very honored to be asked into their sacred postpartum space to capture the early days, which pass by so quickly.

The whole session was absolutely jam packed with authentic, precious moments, I teared up multiple times and pinched myself with how wonderful it was to be present for such wonder. The record player was spinning, Whitney whipped up some cookies, and we all just enjoyed the gift of this sweet baby. We also explored the river nearby and their garden. Their home was just like their wedding, dripping in warmth, art, and love.

As I left, with a handful of warm cookies, I cried happy tears and thought to myself, “I’m so glad they have each other.” What a precious family they are.

Enjoy!

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