A rainy day session in Carver County

I first met Danielle and Shane last fall when I had mini sessions in Waconia. Then, little Paisley was just a few months old so when Danielle contacted me about doing 1-year-old photos as well as some new family photos I was thrilled.

We choose an evening in one of the hottest weeks of the year and planned to get some fun "golden hour" shots of the family and soak up the yummy sun at some of my favorite outdoor spots in Chaska, Mother nature had other plans, though. It was a rainy, overcast day. 

So we rolled with the punches and photos of Paisley inside at my in-home studio. She was pretty stingey with her smiles but we still got some adorable photos of her. Her momma had ordered her adorable outfit from Etsy.com. I couldn't get over those "shoes."

After working hard to get some photos of Paisley we went outside and got some family photos. We went to a location that had a little trail so they wouldn't get soaked. I love the moodiness of the photos and how the smiles and love shines through. 

Gathered in Cologne for a family photo session

Family:

We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.

This family has been planning this session for months and it worked out that everyone could be in Cologne to have the family portraits taken. The family coordinated outfits by color for each individual family and it turned out great. I love sharing my Pinterest board for outfit inspiration as the client prepares for their session.

As evident in the photos the day was a just gorgeous Carver County June day. The skies could not have been more blue and the grass geener. The sun was a bit harsh and hot, but everyone, even the little kids, were so cooperative and excited to do photos.

Growing up one of my most favorite memories was spending time with my grandparents. I love that this family made it a priority to get professional photos with them. Making memories as a family will last a lifetime.

Part of the session also focused on each individual family so they could have new portraits as well. It was a great way to get updated photos that will coordinate for a wall gallery in everyone's homes. This blog has helped me create gallery walls in my own home - I think they're a great, modern way to display photos and art as well as bring a room together!

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Hilary and Natalie: back in Minnesota!

"Though miles may lie between us we are never far apart, for friendship doesn't count miles it measures by the heart."

Hilary met my mom about 10 years ago when they were in an early childhood education class in Waconia together. Since then they have become and stayed close friends. Even when Hilary's family had to leave the Carver County area and move to Texas for her husband's job our families stayed connected.

This May, just in time for my in-home studio Mommy and Me Mini sessions, Hilary and her middle child Natalie were in Chaska. They've been relocated back to the tundra state and were checking out local schools and squeezed in a mini session! How adorable are they in lime green. I can't wait to start to photograph this family (including her husband and other two kiddos) when they move back this year. Natalie took direction so well and loved being in front of the camera and Hilary was easy to work with - it was a fun mini session!

 Seriously those bright, cheerful, coordinating colors make me so happy!  How sweet is she - child photographs - that are not school photos - allow so much more personality to show through!  I love how natural they look snuggled up together.  I'm curious to see how tall little lady is back to back with her mom in a few years! Then it will be time for follow-up photos! [contact-form][contact-field label='Name' type='name' required='1'/][contact-field label='Email' type='email' required='1'/][contact-field label='Website' type='url'/][contact-field label='Comment' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form]

The McQuillan Crew

Sometimes extended family photo sessions can be really difficult to get every adult and child to cooperate. Luckily for me, the McQuillan family was a breeze!

I've known Lauren and Ben McQuillan for quite a few years and have LOVED photographing their family. Our first session was a maternity session when they were preparing for their first kiddo, Carter and he'll be 4 in November. Lauren purchased gift certificates for her family as a Christmas gift (yes, we do have gift certificates!) and we were able to schedule a session for a beautiful summer session!

Check out a few favorites!