I’ve received several messages over the years from my clients sharing stories of loved family members and how meaningful a specific image or gallery featuring that loved one is. One of my favorite stories is about a bride’s grandmother (in her 90s) who didn’t smile in photographs for nearly her whole life. This changed after seeing the candid (smiling) photos I captured of her dancing with her granddaughter (the bride) and she began smiling in photos and loved how she looked. Heartbreakingly I’ve also received several messages telling me how special a photograph I took of a parent or grandparent, who passed away, and how treasured the photos are. Hearing stories like these and the bond I form with my clients over the years is why I LOVE being a family and wedding photographer. It is incredibly meaningful to capture those moments, knowing they will be treasured for generations to come.

The two families featured here are particularly special. Janet, Dom, and Emerald are the sweetest trio! Janet and I met when I photographed a Mommy & Me Yoga Class in 2017. Janet loved the photos I captured of her daughter Emerald, then six months old, and hired me to photograph Emerald’s first birthday party and family portraits. I now have been taking their family photos every year. We recently had a blast dancing and enjoying spring flowers for Emerald’s sixth birthday and I loved seeing what a chatterbox with such a BIG personality she’s become. Janet’s mom joined us for Emerald’s second birthday session (below). Sadly she passed away last year. Emerald and I spoke about how special her grandmother was and I know they treasure the gallery with her loving presence.

Also shown here is The Tang Family! This family has become extremely close friends—our friendship blossomed from Keira’s first birthday shoot since we (Keira, then just one) immediately bonded. I fell in love with Keira and then became fast friends with her fabulous parents over time. I’m now “Aunt Rachael” to Keira and her sweet little brother Quinn—who I often refer to as Quinny. Prepare for cuteness overload!

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Emerald’s 1st Birthday through 6th (4th was skipped due to COVID19)

The Tang Family, starting with Keira at 1 and Quinn at 7 days old

To learn more about my family sessions or schedule a session click here.