Ho Family Photoshoot

Today I had the pleasure of photographing an old friend's family (and finally meeting her gorgeous littles!) at the beautiful International Peace Gardens in Salt Lake City. Em and Johnny have the most darling little ladies. I had so much fun chasing around their spunky 3 year old and making silly faces and noises at their 9 month old. 

Here's a peek at their photoshoot from this morning:

Emmy's Blessing Day

We're in Utah! Part of being here for the summer is enjoying the mountains, seeing all of the beautiful temples in the Salt Lake valley (and the surrounding area), eating all the yummy food (FRY SAUCE!!) and catching up with some of my favorite people. 

One of my favorite people in the whole world gave birth to a beautiful baby girl about 7 weeks ago. I was honored to snap some last minute photos of Emmy and her family. 

Here's a sneak peek at a handful of photos from today:

Olivia's Newborn Photoshoot

It had been 11 days since I'd seen this little family. Not much has changed from the outside, but on the inside, some incredible things have happened. The moment you walk into their home you're greeted by a tired mama who apologizes for her appearance followed by a very excitable pup. Bella is their first baby and she loves the attention. After assuring the sleep-deprived mama that she has never looked more beautiful (which is the honest truth) and waving hello to a working daddy, you peek around the corner to find a content little bundle, gliding away in her rocker. She is the center of this happy couple's universe now. Her presence is made known everywhere. The diapers, the hand sanitizer, the burp cloths and the color pink. Oh, the pink! It's in every nook and cranny. After spending a few hours with this family, I was able to capture a glimpse of their own brand of heaven. 

{Official family photo. There were others with Bella making herself front and center, but really this is more fitting, especially making sure Olivia is where she's supposed to be.} 

{Sweetest little eyelashes}

{And lips}

{Livie's nursery is beautiful}

{And the chandelier? Gorgeous}

{Cutest hippo in a tutu}

{Mom & Dad's old books line Livie's book nook}

{Special gifts from family}

{Tiny baby toes}

{Sweet little Livie}

{Olivia, being held by her grandma Teri}

{Daddy & Olivia}

{Mommy & Olivia}

{Grandma Teri, what a wonderful, gentle soul she is!}

{Olivia's furrowed brows are my favorite! She's so serious.}

Olivia's Birth Story

When I got word that Kellen and Chris were having a c-section birth (their plan B), I was bummed. I was certain I wouldn't be allowed in the OR and I would miss some crucial photo opportunities. Thanks to Kellen's inquiries with some friends at the hospital (shoutout to some awesome nurses, Kellen included!), I was given the green light to be present during the c-section. It was incredible. Just to be there to feel the anticipation, emotion and love was phenomenal. To document it was something else entirely. This experience will always stay with me. 

{waiting and waiting and waiting}

 {kellen & chris visiting with family}

{a thorough belly button cleaning is essential for surgery prep}

{while waiting in the hallway,  I asked Chris how he was feeling. He said it was a strange feeling, but one he had felt before. "It was like on our wedding day. I was an anxious wreck and didn't think I could get through the day... Until I saw her. The moment I laid eyes on her, every bit of anxiety went away. I know this strange feeling will go away, I just need to get to her, but this damn door is blocking my way!"}

{we listened to the monitors beep and sang along to Prince's "Little Red Corvette" playing on the radio} 

{and then, after what felt like an eternity, sweet little Oliva came into the world}

{first time touching her Mama}

{footprints}

{she was such a sweet little thing that would immediately stop fussing when her daddy put his hands on her head}

{motherhood looks beautiful on Kellen}

{so. much. hair!}

{typical girl... loved every minute of having her hair shampooed}

{skin to skin with daddy}

2015 Slideshow

2015 was a great year! Here's a peek into a few of our adventures this past year. 

Mendoza Family Photos

Sibling love (even when it's forced for the camera) is my favorite to capture. 

{Families are Forever}

O'Connor Family Mini Session

Along with a maternity shoot yesterday, a few family members of the mama-to-be had some mini family sessions. 

This family was so much fun, braving bugs and itchy grass. I love when photoshoots are full of laughter and happiness :)