There's something about photographing families in their own spaces that makes their sessions extra special. It feels more like home when you are surrounded by your favorite people. 

Melony really wanted updated photos of her family, so we decided to do what most families do on a typical evening together: stay home and relax. 

Jay and Melony have a lovely backyard, with lots of nooks and crannies for photographing! 

We made up some rules for croquet, and blazed through a lightning round.

Then, in keeping with our "evening at home" theme, we started a fire and toasted some marshmallows. 

While I typically photograph families with small children, I found that the interactions that Jay and Melony had with their kids were similar in nature. Affection, respect, and friendship were overflowing, and I'm so thankful I got to see it. 

I guess the family that plays croquet and makes fires and marshmallows stays together. 

Jay and Melony, I'm SO thankful I got to photograph your family this week! Thank you so much for the generosity you show, not only to me and Sunil, but also to those around you - especially your children. Enjoy your photos! :) 

I grew up in a family with five kids. As the youngest, this was normal, everyday life - even if it was sometimes loud and a tad chaotic. There was always someone to talk to, someone to play with, and best friends came built in. I think that's why I've always wanted a large family of my own, and why I'm drawn to photograph families with lots of little ones. Life is never boring!

I've been photographing the Kemmling family for several years now, and each time I photograph them there's a brand new baby to snuggle! 

This session was no exception, and we loved on Baby Hannah the entire time! (And how amazing does mom look already??)

She is already adored by her older sisters, who insist on holding her every chance they get. 

She is, of course, already a daddy's girl. :) 

Pink, fluffy skirts and soft, sweet hands are some of the best details there are! 

It's been so fun to watch this little family grow, and I've been so honored to photograph them through all of their transitions! 

Mike and Chris, you two are some of my absolute favorites to photograph! Thanks for allowing me to catch glimpses into your (crazy) beautiful life together, and for raising such adorable children!! :)