Category: Family

So I have the SWEETEST cousin named Angela who I’ve always been very close with—In fact, when we were both students at #PennState (I was a senior and she was a freshman), everyone would comment on how much we looked alike and how they could see the striking resemblance. 
The funny thing is, we are actually THIRD cousins!😂 As in, my great grandfather and her great grandmother were brother and sister… AND we share a great-great grandfather (James C. Dalton)–an Irish immigrant from Dublin who moved to Pittsburgh in the 1870s. Who could guess that nearly 150 YEARS and FOUR GENERATIONS LATER, not only are we super close, but we actually resemble each other, too!

So it was only fitting that when we were both back home visiting family in Pennsylvania (I live in NJ, she lives in TX), we’d arrange a photo session;) We decided on the beautiful Buttermilk Falls near Kittanning, PA. Of course, the original plan was wading near the waterfalls and soaking our feet in the river, but unfortunately a major storm the day before caused floodlike conditions and raging rapids, preventing us from actually getting deep into the water. 
Still, I was able to capture the most genuine, beautiful moments between the three of them. 18-month-old son Brooks loved throwing rocks and splashing in the puddles and Mama was able to sneak in a few snuggles as well.

Thank you, Angela & Donnie, for trusting me to document your family! It was such a blessing to spend time together with our children and I only hope they’ll be as close as we are someday❤️ (08.09.19)

For years, this couple has dreamed of having a child to call their own— enduring several IVF treatments, pregnancies & losses and most recently, jumping through multiple hoops to adopt. 
So when the unexpected call came on April 17th that a baby boy had just been born—and he was THEIRS—they were overjoyed to bring him home as their son. 
Just watching them hold, play and sing to him with such tenderness filled me with so much happiness. For years, they hoped & prayed for these moments as parents and now, they are savoring every second. Their love and gratitude for him—and each other— is palpable. 
Congratulations, Erin & Brian, on the #adoption of your baby boy Erik. He is so lucky to have you as his mommy & daddy and I wish you all the best♥️  (08.03.19)

When you narrowly avoid a fender bender on the first day of school– and then realize the other driver also happens to be a mom in your kid’s preschool class🤣🤣🤣 Yes, that’s how I met this lovely client😍And what started as casual conversation picking up our kids turned into playground play dates and then a beautiful friendship bloomed.. and she subsequently hired me to take her family photos😂 I love the various ways I meet my clients.. and how our lives becomes interconnected and their babies give me hugs and ham it up during our sessions😅Thank you, Meg!  (08.01.19)

When my client reached out to me to book a session and mentioned that she’s not only an active duty soldier, but also recently deployed a YEAR overseas, I KNEW her family would share the most special connection. 
You see, an absence of that length is difficult beyond measure, but the silver lining is that, more than anything, it teaches you to savor every moment and truly appreciate the love you have at home. 
As expected, Rebekah & her family were full of joy, kindness and gentleness. They twirled in the sand, danced in each other’s arms and even took a moment to pray as the beaming sun dipped below the horizon.
Just before we said our goodbyes & hugged farewell, three-year-old Charlotte recited the ENTIRE Pledge of Allegiance! As you can imagine, her parents were bursting with pride for her patriotism. After all, her mommy has sacrificed so much for our country– and to see her daughter already respecting that left me speechless.
So many beautiful memories made on the beach that evening. Thank you, Schwarzenberger family!!🐚 🌊🌤💕 (07.30.19)