I’m just gonna first say, I’ve typed big long text to go with this blog about my dear friend’s session twice and lost it twice! Oh…goodness. I fear it may not be meant to be. If you’re seeing this, it means this is my third time typing this sweet post, but it’s finally out and I am celebrating with a little happy dance.
This was her bucket list photoshoot. She had dreamed of it for years. A lifestyle family session on their farm that over looks the rolling hills of central KY, their home. She wanted to show her family exactly as they are. She cried when she was filling out the session questionnaire and going into detail about what she wanted to remember about her family and what she wanted her kiddos to remember about their childhood. But she worried they would be stiff in front of the camera. Put on their fake smiles. She almost had me worried too. I prayed, as I usually do before each session, that I would be able to see their family and capture them in a way that they could see too. You know what happened? We all laughed almost the entire time. Not a fake smile to be seen.
She shines light and love and joy, especially when she’s with her family. She’s a friend who supports me and kicks me in the butt when I need it, brings me eggs and honey and plants and seeds and yummy yummy homemade food from time to time. Did I mention she’s a food blogger and photographer? {Feast and Farm}
I watched as he looked at her and I could tell he saw her for the light that she is. He saw just how funny she is, how strong she is, how important she is. She looked at him and I knew they were just as, or more, in love than ever. They are best friends and true partners. She’s as much a farmer as he is and so supportive of the difference he makes in the lives of others. He supports her in this crazy dream of being a food blogger and farmer and superhero mom and wife at the same time. I am seriously constantly amazed by all she does. They are such strong, loving, examples for their kiddos. I watched as they all laughed and snuggled together in a field just in front of the home they built together. She took her sweet baby boys face in her hands and they giggled as they got nose to nose. She wrapped her arms around her oldest and soaked in the cuddles as they come less and less as the years move on. I watched as J swelled with love and devotion as he loved on each member of his family. They took turns cuddling up together then went inside for a quick change. C showed me her crafts and L showed me his prized toy gun (it was a stick before that) with the beautiful golden light coming in behind. I watched as they took pride in making biscuits with their momma. They each filled with glee as they swung high on their tree swing. We walked just a bit down their gravel drive to see if we could see any of their cattle. The took an adventure into their summer garden. Finally they all loved and snuggled in the tall grass, in the setting sun, with the KY hills behind.
It was my turn for tears as I left that day. I felt as I do so often with family sessions. Full of love, joy, and knowing that I saw them…really saw who they are…they opened up and showed me their love. When R saw her dream session for the first time she said “this is us”. That is the greatest compliment I could receive.
So much love,
Cilla
p.s. Click HERE to chat about your lifestyle session! September, October, and the very beginning of November are the best times to get those images taken to be back in time for the holidays. The spots are filling up!
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