A Very Special School Yard Maternity Session

So I must warn you, I'm totally choked up trying to write this post. The Hessler family is about to welcome their newest member, and I couldn't be more excited! Kristen and Jason are the kind of people that anyone would want as parents. They are insanely sweet and genuine, but have the best zest for life. They know how to have fun and aren't afriad to never "grow up". This is going to be one lucky little boy!

I have known Kristen pretty much my entire life. Years of playing softball as our dads coached, taking art classes and practicing photography. Not to mention we have some great memories rocking out at the Empress Ballroom to our favorite punk bands! When she started dating Jason, she just had a new light to her. They have been together since high school and as soon as you're around them for two minutes you can see why. He is the "ying" to her "yang" - they are just THAT perfect for each other. But other than the fact that I've known these two forever, this session was very special to me for another big reason.

Kristen and Jason were the very first people to ask me to shoot their wedding day. This was a huge milestone for me personally and professionally. They were the very first people to take a leap of faith in a girl with a camera and a passion for memories. I had never really thought that I would get into shooting weddings, as they are SUCH an important day in people's lives, and with that comes a ton of stress. I just didn't think I'd ever be able to hack it! But these two came along and asked me to just try. To give it a chance...for them. They wanted to keep their wedding intimate and have someone they knew capture it for them. So I held my breath and said Yes :)

When I was packing my car to go meet them for this session, it hit me. This is what I love about my job - the full circle. I want to be with people when they get engaged, when they get married, and when they have children. I want to photograph their children's wedding, and their children's children. That is what it's all about.

Kristen and Jason, I can't thank you enough for taking a chance on me. For believing in me when I didn't yet. For giving me the push that I needed to open the doors to doing something that I absolutely love. I am SO happy for the two of you and I already know what outstanding parents you are going to be!




















And these last two images? I'm in love with.