the mahan family | carl sandburg's home

On a humid evening in the lush, thickness of this summer, I had the adventure of photographing the Mahan family…complete with a pair of the most perfectly mischevious three year olds. We traipsed about Carl Sandburg’s home (Jamie works there as the project archivist so the grounds have very special meaning). We laughed, rolled in the grass, and searched for tadpoles. They also showered their mama with flowers and reached their arms to be in their daddy’s strong arms. There was so much love surrounding the four of them as we stood there at the end, sweaty and spent. I know it is not for the faint of heart to raise these dear boys (especially during a pandemic), but thankfully Jamie and John are full-hearted and opened armed.

The beauty of this season is waning...giving way to a different kind of beauty. Summer cools to fall, baby cheeks are thinning, and it will all never be this way again.

addy | senior portraits

“The earth has music for those who listen.” -Shakespeare

One day this summer I was feeling dry creatively, and kind of sad I didn’t have anything lined up to photograph. That exact day I got a message from a mother…”I'd love to talk with you about Sr pics for one of my girls. She's my fairy spirit hippie violinist. I think hopefully a good fit for your style.” And then I jumped up and down and closed my eyes real tight because I was smiling so much. You see…I myself am a fairy spirit hippie violinist and I couldn’t wait to capture her in this inhale before adulthood.

When I met Addy I was drawn in instantly by her warmth. It was so genuine and had such depth, something I don’t usually see in girls her age. I loved her instantly, as I think everyone who meets her does.

We spent the afternoon skipping around the forest just letting Addy explore and play her beautiful, soulful music. On top of Black Balsam it echoed through the mountains and in the river it was accompanied by the sound of the water trickling over the rocks. I nestled her in the roots of the big tree I love, her fresh face so bright in contrast to the weathered bark and the twisted up roots. It felt like a dance, it felt like a song, it felt like a part of my heart being given new life.

tyler + madison | a quarantine wedding

In the very middle of quarantine when everything was sideways, Tyler and Madison rolled with the punches and shifted their big wedding to an intimate gathering at the Air b and b Madison’s parents had rented to stay in. It was perfect.

I felt like I had entered a different world as I stepped into this day. Preceding it were endless days of isolation and heaviness. This day was rich with family and love and celebration.

Tyler and Madison have been through it together. Hard, hard, hard times in between the goodness. So seeing them say their vows I knew they knew what for better or worse truly meant. I get chills every time I think about it.

The day was so relaxed. Amber with Blush and Blossoms Events worked so magically behind the scenes that there was no rush, no surprises, just space. It was so lovely.

After the touching ceremony (I cried), dinner was served on the most beautiful veranda with a little stream nearby. And then incredible toasts by nearly every person there. The parents and their love and support for the bride and groom moved my heart in a very deep way.

As the sun set, there was a little bit of dancing under the twinkly lights and I stepped back into the darkness and just watched and breathed. The warmth and tenderness of the day will never be lost on me.