family

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Ari's "Peter Rabbit" Themed Birthday Party

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Ari's 1st Birthday - "Peter Rabbit" Themed

Where do I even begin with how amazing and sweet this wonderful family is? I don't normally photograph birthday parties, but this particular one pulled at my heart strings a little too much and after hearing Ari's backstory, the theme of "Peter Rabbit" and that the family was flying in from California, I was too excited myself to celebrate with Ari and his family.  Ari's 1st birthday was a big deal due to some heart conditions that were discovered early on in his little life. He underwent heart surgery at just 8 months old but since then he has been thriving! Full of smiles, laughter and curiousity, Ari was such a joy to be around! 

His 1st birthday was "Peter Rabbit" themed and every part of it was so incredibly sweet and beautiful. Mom did an incredible job on every detail of the day, from the "Tale of Ari Ross" stickers on the cups, to the carrot-shaped snacks and the raddish cake pops. Ari's talented Aunt even hand-painted the standup bunny board! Nothing Budnt Cakes budnt cakes were a specialty as well and oh-so-delicious! The Peter Rabbit cake topper was custom made for Ari as well from Something Blue Bakery  and let me tell you the amazing surprise that was discovered with that... 

As I had mentioned, Ari underwent heart surgery and has a scar in the middle of his chest. Well, while I was editing the images I noticed something really crazy...The custom, fondant rabbit ALSO had a scar in the middle of it's chest. I was moved and thought how sweet it was that the baker created it that way after hearing Ari's story. When I visited Ari and his family for their ordering session I mentioned to them how sweet it was for the baker to add the little scar on the bunny and they looked at me surprised. Apparently, they never told the baker Ari's story and the scar on the bunny was not on purpose. So what a sweet, god-given surprise it was that the custom bunny had the same scar as sweet Ari. 

Ari, you are so so loved by so many wonderful people and I'm so excited to keep in touch with you all and watch you grow and thrive. Happy Birthday sweet boy! 

Together, Ari's family & I sat down and created a sweet little 6"x6" handcrafted, leather album to remember his big day by.    

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Singley Family Session

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Singley Family Session

"There's nothing here...what are we doing here?" their little boy said as we we walking up to their session location. I'm not sure why but this made me laugh, but also reminded me of something so simple but important...

Dustin and Jenna

After a 45 minute drive, beautiful Indiana scenery and a few gravel roads I wound up at this cozy home nestled inside a patch of woods. With colorful leaves all over the yard and the sun casting a perfect glow, I knew this would be a great session. Dustin and Jenna were the absolute sweetest and so were their kids. The twins and an older sister. They all were so much fun and energetic. We raced around the yard, played in the leaves and even played with the dogs. This session was the most fun I'd had all year and I really didn't even want to leave. Haha. So here's a peek at their wonderful session! Enjoy!

We may or may not have needed some candy for cooperation. ;) Haha

Straeter Family Lifestyle Session

Sarah and her gorgeous little family live on the perfect piece of land, complete with a garden, woods, tons of yard space and gorgeous access to the river. Our session began at the barn down the road as we HAD to see the chickens, feed them and collect the eggs. I've never seen a kid as fearless as miss Nora. She walked into the chicken coop so confidently and without flinching chased a chicken around and scooped it up, wings still flapping and all. She smiled the whole time. She also had to pick up and show me each chicken and knew all their names. I was pretty impressed. Haha! Little Elena even wanted to hold a chicken too with a little help from mom and dad! Next stop was back to the house to gather some fresh garden vegetables! Fresh picked tomatoes are delicious by the way! After playing outside on the swing set we headed in to have pizza for dinner, and then to the bath to wash away all the days dirt. Teeth brushing and story time was next and a great way to wind down and complete the day. The kids loved reading the books and sat so still and were so enthralled with them. I remember Sarah telling me how every Tuesday they went to the local library to get books to read to the kids every night. I thought this was so special and something the kids will remember when they are older and see these photos. I can't thank this family enough for sharing their time and allowing me into their home. They were so welcoming and sweet. We had so much fun!

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Lovisa and Michael

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Lovisa and Michael's love story started with the Haste The Day farewell tour concert a few years back where they first met! They hit it off right from the get go, sparks flew, and they still have their concert ticket stubs! How cute is that!? Fast forward a few years and now they are engaged and have a beautiful daughter who's the light of their lives! Their session was so much fun and we were blessed with some incredibly gorgeous light! One particular part of the session they even showed off their matching tattoos! Before their daughter was born they decided they wanted to go with foxes as her themed animal. With the help of Aldo from Carmel Ink Tattoo he brought their vision to life. Two matching foxes. When I inquired more about their pieces Lovisa told me that hers was in color because it matched her bright and bubbly personality and Michael's matched his personality as well, more of a simple and laid back style. The time on the clock you are wondering about in the middle? It's the time their daughter was born! I was so in love with their tattoos and still am! Gorgeous! Their entire session Michael showed such a tenderness and understanding to his future wife and their daughter. Their love is something you can't help but smile at, it still sticks with me to this day. They may be night and day but their love for one another is so gentle and loving.  I wish you both this best and am honored to have captured some memories for you and your family for years to come!