family

Throughout these years that the Aviles family has given me the honor of taking their photos, we’ve done family sessions at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, and multiple beach family photo sessions in Ocean City, Maryland. This year, they decided to capture their family moments at their family home in northern Virginia. If you’re familiar with my photography, or have spoken to me about photo sessions, you may know that your family home is my favorite place to capture family photos and this session did not disappoint . . .

When baby Natalia arrived on August 29th, more than two weeks early, her mama was not at all surprised. Born 7 lbs, 7 oz and with a head full of thick, dark hair, this girl was ready for the world and she knew it.

And from the smiles, the quiet moments and the contented sighs that I witnessed at her in home newborn session in Washington, D.C., her family was ready for her as well . . .

I have been blessed to call Meredith a friend for a long time, and even though we sometimes go months without catching up with one another, every time we talk, I find out more and more how grateful I am that she is a part of my life. I’ve watched this woman handle both life’s struggles and triumphs with such grace. She shows leadership and intelligence in every interaction. I feel so fortunate that I’ve been able to be a witness to both the hard times and the joy in her life. So when she sent me a message this summer that she was due with a baby girl in September, I was both excited and honored that she asked me to capture some moments of her family before they became a family of 4, plus 2 doggies (who were their first babies).

When I first met Allison and Chris, we were at Friendship Trees for a Christmas tree farm session. It was a chilly morning, and their (almost) 3 year old, Riley, was not enjoying the cold, dew soaked grass. We captured some sweet moments anyway, and I mentioned that for a full session, I really do enjoy doing them at home so that the kids don’t have to be packed into the car to go anywhere and we can move at their pace . . .

Fast forward a few months to this spring, and Allison reached out to me again. She said they were interested in a family session, at their home in Severna Park, and I could not have been more excited to have the opportunity to document her, Chris, Riley and one year old Connor again. And this time, I would get to come to them and play with the kiddos where they feel most at home . . .

When Lauren first reached out to me about documenting her wedding, it was planned to be an Annapolis courthouse wedding. Her family would be waiting to greet the newlyweds outside of the courthouse (as guests were still not permitted inside) and she was hoping to capture some beautiful family photos in downtown Annapolis.

What a year. Whether the year was good or bad or a combination of the two (the most likely scenario), I think one word can describe it for us all, it was certainly memorable. I don’t think I need to recap the world events for anyone. You lived them, you know. But I want to recap my year and reflect back on all of the things that I have to be grateful for . . .

The highlight of our time together was when we decided to put half of the family members on other’s shoulders. I imagined the kids going up on shoulders but had not imagined that Michael (Bubba) would be putting Bonnie (Bubbie) on his shoulders . . .

Melissa’s birthday is November 7th and she thought that family photos at her home in Annapolis, Maryland, would be the perfect way to wrap up her birthday weekend and to celebrate herself and her family. And she felt overdue for family photos, not having had them done since sweet Holly (who is 20 months old) was born!

Megan and John have such a beautiful home on the water in Severna Park, that it’s no wonder they wanted to capture some memories there. This time in their lives was especially important to them to document, as they are looking at a potential relocation and they’ve raised their two sweet little girls in this home.

Heather and Marcus are living in a house with 10 animals. At least that’s what their daughter, Jessica said, since, in her words, humans are animals. Recently engaged, they are combining their families, each bringing three children into the home, a beautiful new home that they JUST moved into in Gambrills, Maryland. Lucky for me, that home backs up to woods that make the perfect backdrop for a fall family photo session.