It is a tall task to capture the essence of a family in just a couple of hours – their likes and quirks and the unique way they experience the world. That is my main goal when I go into a photo session – to capture families as they are on their best days. The days when the phones are away, the tv is off, the chores are done, and the calendar is clear. And that is why I LOVE in home sessions. It is my sweet spot, my calling, my bliss. I don’t care if you don’t think your home is beautiful – it is. It’s beautiful because that is where you live and love. And when you let me in, like this sweet family did, I promise to do my very best to capture your story.

Meet the Morris family. Loving, energetic, creative, and loyal. They graciously welcomed me into their home and into their lives and I am a better person for it.

When you know, you know.

Shar and Mark knew they were supposed to be together. Once they got engaged in February they decided that March was the perfect time for a backyard elopement. It was the most simple, pure, and authentic way for them to celebrate their love for one another and it was perfect.

To celebrate this special time, we wanted to do a photo shoot to capture them as newlyweds and to remind them of this joyful season. They are absolutely lovely people and I was honored to document their love.

The rain was scheduled to start at the exact time we were supposed to start taking photos. That would understandably upset any couple, given how much time and effort goes into a wedding day. Lisa and Matt, however, weren’t the least bit concerned. They knew it was all going to work out because they knew at the end of the day, they would be married and that was all that really mattered. And, while they very much cared about their photos, they cared about each other most of all and the incredibly loving and supporting people surrounding them on their wedding day. And, as it turned out, the rain stayed away until just after we were done with pictures. It was a beautiful day filled with love, laughter, sweet tears, and one heck of a party. I was honored to document it.

Vendors:

Photography: Megan Hartley Photography

Second shooter: Shauna Miller of Maple + Elm

Florals: Art with Nature

Hair and Make Up: Flawless Faces

Ceremony venue: Mariners Chapel Irvine

DJ: DJ Lux

Desserts: Sweet and Saucy

Reception venue: Bella Collina

I’ve had the incredible joy of photographing this bunch as they’ve grown from a family of two to now a family of five. Gavin’s birth was the first birth I ever photographed, over 4 years ago. They’ve allowed me into these precious, sacred moments and I do not for one second take it for granted.

I can hardly describe the feeling of walking into someone’s home and seeing my photographs from over the years on their walls. Captured emotions, in the past now but still tangible because of those photos. It makes every late night of editing, every negative comment, every doubt and moment of wondering if I’m even any good at this at all … it makes it all totally worth it. Because these captured emotions are important.

Someday soon her toes will not be so tiny and we’ll marvel that her head was ever small enough to fit that headband. All too soon his hands will be bigger than his Mama’s and his arms will be strong with muscles instead of wrinkly soft.  And when that happens, memories and the photos that inform them will remain.

January 8, 2015

Logan Sawyer, born at 11:01 pm

Hallie Grace, born at 11:27 pm

January 9, 2015