Martha and Justin are dear friends of ours whose wedding we photographed way back in 2011 (!!) and whom we’ve played many games of Killer Bunnies with ever since. Martha’s from Chicago and Justin’s from Minnesota, but they met in Chicago. Martha left to attend Duke, and Justin joined shortly thereafter… and they both became Durhamites through and through. Here they adopted a cat and later had a real human child named Emilia, who is the friendliest and most adorable kid on earth. She is a fantastic hugger and excited ALL THE TIME! and also loves pizza. She is also incredibly patient, especially for a 2.5 year old. I’ve seen her look lovingly at pizza that wasn’t hers (while clapping) yet remaining seated (!) and just politely sitting there until her pizza arrived. I’ve seen grown adults who can’t do that and have zero chill when it comes to waiting for pizza (namely my husband).

Now they are sadly (to us!) moving to Minnesota, and taking their knowledge of amazing food with them (Martha helped us discover the joy that is pupusas, and, of course, El Cuscatleco). We will miss them greatly. They wanted a family session that documented a little bit of their time spent in Durham at the playground in Central Park and The Parlour, where Emilia makes the best ice cream eating face. It’s like the face you would make to imitate a tiger, only instead you’re just eating ice cream. I love her. And them. When we visit you in Minnesota you have to promise you’ll take us to see Prince stuff. xoxo.

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.