Just a couple months ago, I got to attend an amazing workshop hosted by Katelyn James.  I knew I wanted to attend so that I could learn about my business and my craft.  Another thing I knew I would gain from that experience was friendships.  After attending that Magnolia workshop last fall, I met wonderful people who are truly there for me anytime I have a question, concern, need feedback, or just need some encouragement!!  True friends in the business!!  The KJ Workshop was no different!  The very first person I talked to on the first day was Nicole.

Nicole and I instantly connected (check out her photographer here) and quickly found out we live about 30 minutes apart!  Our personalities and sense of humor were spot on and I knew this girl was going to be a friend!  We started talking and had so much in common!  Nicole has been with her husband for a long time (I believe they have been together for 13 years!) and they have 2 little girls.  We talked about being moms and the joys & struggles that can bring, especially with working from home and on the weekends.  We had a  blast learning and soaking everything in at the workshop, but I love that we have been able to stay in contact since then!

This past week, I needed a family to model for me for a session.  I started talking with Nicole about it and we quickly started choosing a color scheme and outfits!  Then, my girl, Jordan Bailey, got on board to do hair & makeup.  Many of my brides have used Jordan for their hair & makeup – thank goodness – and she does an INCREDIBLE job!  I am not kidding! Ladies – if you need a hair & makeup artist, contact her (she works at Apothic Hair Studio in Old Town Petersburg).  We were so lucky she had time in her schedule for us!  The 3 of us hung out in the salon while Nicole got her hair & makeup done, which really brings a whole new level to your pictures – plus, it’s a ton of FUN!!  I encourage this for everyone having a session done because you will be more confident and have less to worry about!  You are putting a professional in charge of being sure you look good and taking that burden away from you.

For the Maurer’s family session, I knew I wanted them to be dressed up because you don’t want to look like you do any other day of the week for your picture session.  You NEED to step it up a few notches.  Also, the fancier you are, the better you FEEL!  The camera loves it!  There is much more that goes in to picking outfits, which is one of the reasons behind this session.  I wanted some more examples for the style guide I am working on for my families, that way I can help you even more when deciding outfits!  Nicole nailed it with these outfits, then we added some flower crowns to the girls, just to give them an even more glamorous feel.

For their pictures, I really wanted to capture the joy they have when all four of them are together and the sweetness of Ava & Olivia.  I wanted you to see how much Nicole & Jason love each other and make them feel special as a couple, not just mom & dad.  I think that families portraits shouldn’t be just a quick, cheesy photo but rather a time of capturing your interactions, your laughter, and your beauty as a family!  My favorite photos tend to be the ones where kids aren’t looking at me or mom is laughing down at her sweet babies or dad is walking alongside his baby girl while holding her hand.  I personally cherish photos like that and have THOSE photos printed on my own walls.

I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I loved taking them and spending the evening with this wonderful family!

I can’t even….they are TOO cute!











NICOLE!!! YOURE STUNNING!!











Of course, we had to work in some headshots!!


I just love her laugh!!




I didn’t leave Jason out!  The fact that he said yes to me when I asked if I could get shots of him alone means Nicole picked a winner!!


I love this family & loved their session!!!  Such a dream!

XOXO – Caiti