I was recently asked, "What does being a mom mean to you?"
It sounds pretty straightforward, but the words did not immediately come to me. My first inclination was something sarcastic, like "being a referee who shuttles children around while running on caffeine." But really, it's this beautiful gift that is continually changing. It seems that way to me at least. Let's be honest, it is certainly not always sunshine and rainbows, but looking back on old photographs and videos, or even reflecting a little at the end of each day, I really just feel so lucky to have the opportunity  to be a mother. My kids are growing up and as that happens my role in their lives continues to change. First, I was the mommy who nourished and nurtured my babies. I held them, fed them, rocked them, stared at them for hours. As they are growing, my role is evolving into something a little different, but still wonderful. I have these inquisitive little seekers of information, always asking questions and trying to figure out the world for themselves. I do not always have the answers, but (with the help of Google) we learn together. They now hold my hand, as we walk together. The feed themselves and are learning to clean up after themselves. We do travel to a lot of activities and there is arguing. Sometimes I stay up too late so I'm tired. But our conversations are interesting and laughs are plentiful. We are together and that is what matters. 
To me, motherhood is a journey. I believe we have been blessed with this opportunity to love on and raise good and kind humans who can make a positive impact in the world. We’re all doing it differently and that’s ok. As mothers, we are not perfect and realizing this is freeing. We can allow ourselves a little grace and know we will not always do everything correctly. We are all doing our best and from a place of love. 

These images were made at The Magically Mundane Workshop with Daphne Mae Photography. I flew from Orlando, FL for a weekend full of creativity and learning in SausiIito, CA.  It was such an inspiring experience with some of the sweetest families and very talented photographers turned friends. I am truly so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.

Even when it's a 90 degree day in Florida, there is a nice breeze along the beach during the Spring. This made LaPlaya on Naples Beach, the perfect location for Peyton's Senior Portraits. It is somewhere that's close to Peyton and family's heart. Not a shabby place to work either, the whole property is stunning!
Happy Graduation to all of the 2019 Seniors out there!! To any of the mamas out there who may feel like they missed their opportunity, it is never too late to get those Senior Portraits done. They are not in college quite yet.. I know you will cherish these tangible memories a few years from now, when the house is just a little too quiet!! 

"A good friend knows all your best stories, but a best friend has lived them with you."

It is true. Kristin has been there for all of it! I struggled with what to write here because there is really so much. I could have gone in so many directions or I could have written for days.
I decided to keep it light..
We met in MWA, or the gifted program, in middle school. Camping in the Everglades, science fair projects, and sleepovers brought us together but we really became close when we were roommates at University of Florida. It all started in a dorm called Hall '95. It's probably not even there any more which is crazy to think! There are too many great memories to share from working at Ballyhoo to hanging out at Campus Club and The Swamp. Somehow we made it back from studying abroad in Europe alive and finished up our Senior year in Gainesville. There have been new jobs, moving around the country, weddings and babies and we still speak constantly, often when I have 3 kids arguing in the background and she is late to her daughter's dance practice. I really don't know what I'd do without her in my life! 

When I drove my kids down from Orlando to Bonita Springs, FL for a few days over Spring Break, I took these photos of my beautiful best friend with her gorgeous daughters. I love these three girls so much!! We were up at the crack, but it was so worth it! Here are a few of my many favs!! 

This beautiful mama and her adorable baby girl were just so wonderful! Katie's home is absolutely gorgeous and her style really spoke to my bohemian, beach-loving heart! We were lucky to have her mother with us for the photos. She was a godsend, whipping out ALL the baby loving nursery rhymes! I wish you could have seen the three of us singing and dancing to make Blakely giggle. It was quite a sight! Some of my favorite photos actually occurred when baby girl was just done. She was so tired and just wanted to sleep. I had the opportunity to shoot through Katie slowly rocking her sweet daughter to sleep. This may not typically be something you would think of as photo worthy, but I know I wish I had some pretty photographs from when my children still needed that comfort to go to sleep. These times when they are so little are fleeting. I am truly so grateful for those quiet moments I was able to capture and I hope that you love them too!

Little girls twirling in whimsical circles, waiting to be tossed high into the sky. Kisses and snuggles fill the air with the melodious sound of children's laughter.  Bright sunshine pouring through moss covered branches like a warm hug. Nature's fresh, new blooms bring the promise of longer, heat filled days. This dreamy, pastel color pallet only adds to the beautiful transition of seasons.
​Happy Spring! 

Tags: Orlando Family Photographer. College Park, Orlando, Buffalo Family Photographer, Central Florida Lifestyle Photographer, Orlando Film Photographer.

I think I say it every time, but 6 months is really such a cute age. Unsteadily sitting up, drool filled  smiles, and so much squishy goodness. This little red haired boy is a dream, outfitted in the most adorable clothes. Where might one find such outfits? From the splendid boutique shops of Spain. Sorry! His grandmother is from Spain and she really knows where to shop!
Side parts and standing up are some of the many milestones this little charmer has achieved since I saw him last. He was just a tiny newborn then. I was so excited to see Auggie and his sweet momma again. I really cannot get over how quickly time goes by. Below are a few of my many favorites. If you're anything like me, these images might have you feeling like you just want to squeeze those chunky baby cheeks! 

Baby Camden surprised everyone when he arrived quite a bit early. Weighing in at just over 5lbs, it reminded me of how small my first baby was when he was born. We were terrified to put him in the carseat because the buckle was larger than his tiny face. His 8th birthday is quickly approaching and I find myself having a hard time believing it. It is almost painful to know that many years have already passed. He is also huge now! These babies of ours will surely grow, it seems to happen overnight. We spend these sleep deprived days staring at the tiny new human that fills us with such unfathomable love, hoping we are equipped to take care of this sweet little soul. Snuggle them in tightly, bask in that delightful newborn smell, and savor those little newborn noises. One day we wake up and realize they are not babies any longer. 

Tags: Orlando Newborn Photographer, newborn photographer in central Florida, mothers and babies, family photographer in Orlando, FL, Buffalo Newborn and Family Photographer, photographing motherhood

I find myself over-documenting this season as she's the only one left with me at home and I know it will go by ever too quickly. I suppose it really is the simplest of activities that delight these little souls.  We can do the most ordinary, daily tasks together and the day is still full of excitement and wonder because all she wants is for me to be present. Those needs are simple. She wants my time, undivided attention and maybe a few snuggles. Keeping that in mind, I'm learning to make the boring tasks more memorable. It's nice to drink in these toddler nuances for a few moments and remember all that is truly good in this life we live.