Jessi+Alec // Durham, NC Elopement

It was a pleasure to meet and work with these guys on an elopement-style session! Jessi and Alec got married at the courthouse and celebrated with family later in the week, but they wanted photos in all their garb downtown prior to the festivities, and we were happy to oblige. They are such a sweet couple, and into all things science. They met at an observatory (I believe Alec proclaimed himself the King of the Observatory at one point, which is a truly amazing and wonderful title) and have been having outdoorsy and sciencey adventures together ever since. They also like good music and movies and can ride a rented bike downtown like nobody’s business. It’s not easy to get on one of those things wearing a significant amount of tulle or a suit, but they managed quite well. We hit up all their favorite local spots in Durham (shout out to Viceroy for being nice enough to let us take a few inside!) and got to know this awesome pair. Congratulations to Jessi+Alec!

Jodi+John+Jack+Nicky+Maci // A Durham Family Session

Everyone who reads my blog is probably well versed in my favorite dentist at this point, but if you aren’t, you should know that her name is Jodi and that she is the best. And by the best, I mean hilarious and wonderful and fabulous. There’s not a single time that I see her that I’m not laughing because she’s truly one of the funniest people I know. Plus she keeps my teeth clean so that I look good laughing too. A BONUS. Anyway, I love this woman, and I also love her husband, John, and their kiddos, Jack and Nicky. Jack and Nicky are good kids. Good kids like, REALLY GOOD KIDS. I don’t remember being this well behaved at their age. And maybe it’s because I’m mildly a stranger, but they do everything I ask. There are no eye rolls or attitudes or rude voices. They’re just like, “okay!” and do it. I think they take direction better than almost every wedding party I’ve directed. They’re into heavily into Star Wars and hockey and I respect that. They’re all also into their adorable sweet dog Maci, who came with us to this shoot and spent most of the time running around. Never far away, but not too close either. I love, love, love this family and everything about them. THANKS, FAVORITE DENTIST.

Amanda+Joe // Wake Forest Family Session

Amanda and I have been internet friends for some time, and I was so incredibly honored to photograph her family for her. She is an incredibly talented birth photographer operating as Raleigh Birth Photography. And seriously, if you want your birth photographed, she’s your girl. She’s also a wonderful human being, loving wife to Joe, and fantastic mother to two boys. Our job was to capture Amanda, Joe, Michael, and Lucien as the family of four that they are now, because a new baby is on the way shortly! Then in November, we’ll be back to photograph the new family of five. Amanda told me that she thinks there’s something so interesting about seeing how family dynamics change as a new member is added, and I couldn’t agree more. I can’t wait to see what happens in November! Michael and Lucien are THRILLED about this baby. Like, way, way, way, way excited. They talk to the baby, kiss the baby, discuss the baby, and are plenty prepared to help their parents when baby arrives. They are planning a homebirth and Michael’s job is to tell his parents whether it’s a boy or a girl, and he’s seriously stoked about this responsibility.

When not planning for baby, Michael and Lucien enjoy roughhousing with Joe (who is a great dad wrestler!), playing with Legos, putting on capes, and interrupting any quiet portrait moments between their folks. They also enjoy water fights (which I believe Amanda won, given that she’s pregnant so is the one holding the hose, and therefore has the most firepower) and popsicles. The boys also put sugar on their french toast, which is a tradition from Amanda’s side of the family. This family is also home to the WORLD’S CUTEST DOG named Aria (who really wants to eat said french toast). And while she definitely looks straight-up Dire Wolf, she was named before Game of Thrones, and spells her name a little differently. ;) She is the tiniest Husky I have ever met, and I want to hug her forever and ever and never stop. She is a little fuzzy old lady and I don’t think I’ve ever met anything as cute. She enjoys belly rubs and pets and is very patient. Super excited to rejoin this adorable crew in November to meet their newest member (and to hug their dog again).