I mentioned when I posted their little preview on Facebook that I was hesitant to actually even share a certain image. Why? Because that kind of thing just doesn't happen. It doesn't. It's like the Holy Grail of the newborn photography world. And I don't want everyone to think that I'm magical or something and I can make that happen. I try. Believe me, I try. But this was just pure love and adoration.

While we're on the topic of session magic and Holy Grails, baby girl may have been the most smiley newborn ever:

Or maybe they're more like smirks. Either way, I wish I knew what joke she was in on that we were not aware of at the time.

You *might* recognize this family from a few years ago. Big sister wasn't always so big, but she certainly had the most captivating eyes...even back when. She reminds me of the Afghan girl...she's got the kind of eyes that you will never forget. Even if I saw her on the street 10 years from now, I would 100% be able to know exactly who she was. Lucky, lucky girl.

That's the word that comes to mind when I think of her session. They were ALL sweethearts and you could just tell that these girls loved their parents and were well-versed in having their pictures taken. Mom mentioned that she and her husband were inseparable...I loved that word, too, and it totally showed during our session together. They are so very lucky to have one another and I know they cherish the life they've created together for their girls.

Lauren was one of my roomies at the Jinky workshop last fall. I so enjoyed getting to know her during that time and we had been chatting back and forth since then about her desire to capture her family as it is right now. Finally, I think she just decided it was time and by some miracle, we were able to work out a session for her over spring break. We had perfect weather and perfect light, but most of all, her children were AMAZING. It was so cool to watch her boys care for their baby sister, giving me a glimpse into what I can hope for in the future with my own kiddos. Lauren, I had a great time with you all and I hope we captured the moments you had in mind.

I would be lying if I didn't admit that I was super, duper nervous about this session ;-). I met this little girl's mommy last year when she drove down from Arkansas to attend one of my professional family photographer workshops. It blows me away to think that almost a year ago exactly, she was just *thinking* about having babies and now, here she is, a full-fledged mommy and is doing an incredible job at it, too!

Anyway, why was I nervous? Well, it was the first time I have ever flown anywhere specifically *just* for a session. I would literally fly in to Arkansas that morning, do the session, and fly right back out that night. So many things could go wrong!! 

But...they didn't.

In fact, it was one of the most magical, incredible, beautiful sessions I've had. She was the perfect angel and wow, isn't her mommy radiant? Her big brother was so kind and attentive to her. Their images just glow with love and peace.

We had pretty much finished for the day and I was going to head out to the airport when Meagan reminded me that the peach trees were in bloom. Okay...yes...we should at least try to take some pictures out in the orchard. Wouldn't you know it, though, it was supposed to be perfectly overcast that day, but instead, the sun was just beaming down on us--not exactly the ideal lighting conditions for working outdoors. We waited and waited and waited for the sun to go behind a couple of clouds. And waited. And waited. And then FINALLY...a BREAK! I've never worked so fast in my life and I'm SO thrilled we got some images out in the orchard. She is indeed a little peach blossom and I hope her mommy takes her out there every year to mark her birthday in that field.

Thanks again, Meagan, for trusting me to do this for your family. It was a pure joy hanging with you that day. You are very, very blessed.

Yeah. She came to visit me a little bit ago. I tried really hard to tuck her away in my camera bag so mommy wouldn't notice, but it didn't work. Better luck next time.