Warning: these girls are about to steal your heart!

Just one look at these sweet little faces and they had me wrapped around their finger. But it wasn't only those smiles that had me hooked. (Though they did!) It was the tender way they loved each other, their friendly and cheery greeting to me, and the way they utterly adored their parents. A couple of hours spent around a family is enough to get a small window into who they are and how they operate. It is one of my favorite parts about when I get to photograph families, because getting to truly know people brings me so much life and joy.

I had been looking forward to this session for months! When Leah first got in touch with me last December and told me that she and Matt absolutely had to have me as their wedding photographer, I already couldn't wait for their engagement session! After months of corresponding with Leah over the phone and email, it was such a treat to finally hug her in person and see for myself the magic between these two...

There is something extra special about capturing the love of an extended family. It amazes me to look at a group of fifteen people and to think they all began with just two! It's an especially sweet thing to see an extended family together who does not frequently get to all be in the same place at the same time. The Cate family had all traveled to be together for their parents' anniversary as well as Fourth of July, which fell in the same week. I knew this family was going to steal my heart as soon as those precious cousins all walked up together looking as darling as can be dressed in their best! And steal my heart they did, with those six sets of blue eyes and one of brown, and their patience and gentleness with one another that made me quickly forget they are as young as they are!...

For all you skimmers out there, let me start this with a few SPOILERS: 1. When Erin walked down the aisle...well, just trust me. Grab some tissue and scroll on down! 2. Remember the classic Dirty Dancing lift? Yeah, let's just say this was not your everyday finale to a first dance! 3. Anyone think they can guess who caught Erin's bouquet? Again, believe me when I say you'll want to see it for yourself!...

Every wedding has at least one thing that sets it apart and makes it especially memorable. Sarah and Rudy's had plenty more than one, from the flower arrangements and cake, to the incredible live band. Not mention the oysters and prime rib, and a crowd that could put any crowd to shame on the dance floor! But my personal favorite part of their day was even better than all those...

This newborn session was extra special for me. I first met Beth and Garik when they were expecting their daughter, who is now almost two years old! I can remember their excited anticipation as they were a few short weeks away from meeting their baby girl and their whole life was about to change...