Vallera Family Colorado Memories

If you are ever traveling to, vacationing at, or even just passing through Colorado, you should DEFINITELY consider capturing your sweet family against the glorious Rocky Mountains. 

I adore this gorgeous State I am blessed to call home, and am passionate about sharing my joy with you during your session.  We will go on a short nature walk, twirl in the fields and of course, snuggle with your loves. <3 What an amazing way to spend the early evening and, in my opinion, the best souvenir you can all enjoy for...well forever! 

The Valleras were traveling for work and I so enjoyed my time with them. Life is crazy busy with two twin boys and I am happy we were able to document some of that chaos in their session. One thing for sure, there is lots of love and patience in this sweet family. I saw it in the little things...the way dad kept looking at his wife, with a sparkle in his eye and she at him with so much adoration. Their patience with their boys,  embracing them for who they are today.  They are twins, but you can see each ones unique role in the family and how perfectly they all just mesh together. Without any expectation, they were able to relax and fully enjoy each other's company.

A photographer's dream they were <3

Cousinly Love.

Downtown Normal! My college stomping grounds - and oh man how much it has changed. Parking garages, a museum, new restraints and hotels! My favorite new addition is the colorful murals on the side of the buildings. When my sister in law Mel asked me to photograph her family and her sisters' families, I suggested downtown normal to change it up from the more nature setting we have done in the past. 

Three families - and 4 cousins under  7! We had so much fun exploring a little bit of the town and splashing in the, also brand new, splash pad with the kiddos. I just loved how the colorful walls added to the silliness and playfulness of the kiddos! 

My sweet nephew Jack is beyond adorable! He is such a fun little guy. 

My sister in law's twin sister recently lost her husband un-expectantly and I wanted to provide her a session at no cost to encourage her to continue capturing memories in the mist of tragedy. These three ladies have gone through so much but are so blessed to have each other during this difficult time. 

The sisterly love is strong here. These girls are always giggling together. 

They also have a younger sister who has the cutest little girl. She was full of smiles and loved being in front my camera!

An evening with the Cannons.

When Valerie and I were planning her family's session location, she suggested her home. I am so happy we decided on a in home session as it was the best way to capture her two wild boys. Yes there home not only provided a safe place for them to be their happy selves, but also literally contained them as they bounced off the walls ;) - what do you expect from two boys under 4! We ran around jumping from one activity to another, because, let's get real, nothing kept their interest for more than 2 minutes. 

Mom and Dad were amazing, fully embracing the chaos and enjoying their kiddos for who they are today!  Dad, especially (because most guys just loose patience, my husband included) was extra awesome sauce for the shoulder rides, wagon pulls and overall getting down on his knees submerged in play with his kiddos. It's so lovely to see families like this! 

We made some brownies (that no one ate, and opted for popsicles instead), took four wheeler rides, chalked in the front lawn, played on the swing set and so many more things in between. These boys are none stop energy and sure keep their folks on their toes!  You will never hear me complain, I was also rolling with it, capturing all the joy and having fun myself. I am a sucker for authentic happiness! So, yes boys, please DO jump on the couch, and drive your parents crazy! ;) 

ENJOY the photos!

Pictures in your home.

Who was the photographer in your family growing up? Do you have a lot of pictures of your childhood? Do you remember your picture being taken? Looking back at your old family albums, which pictures standout most to you. Why do they? 

My dad was our family photographer. We don't have many photos of our childhood, but all the photos we have when we were little, he took. There are not many photos of my younger years and I don't have any memories of my photos being taken. I do remember us having a dark room and cherish the few black and white images that we do have. I recently looked through our old family photos and this photo stands out to me. This one was taken before I was born, and was taken in Russia of my brother and my mom. This little picture means so much to me! But, at the time, my mom remembers being annoyed of my dad randomly taking pictures. She did not understand why this moment of her taking a second to relax was so important that it needed capturing. Today, 30 some years later, it is this photo that she also loves. Something about the wall paper (which I btw am in love with and want in my house!), the lamp shade, and the imperfectness of the moment. My mom, a busy pediatrician finally having a second to herself to read, while my brother, a typical boy, making all the noise he can to distract her. Thirty years later, I relate to her in this photo. The desperate NEED for "me time" and little demanding bodies that refuse to give it to you. But also, how fleeting this time is. Now, us kids are grown, with families of our own, and this photo, nothing but a memory. I am so happy my dad chose to capture it. 

This photo takes me right to that moment. I love it more than all the other "sit and smile" photos my dad took. This little photo reminds me of the significance of what I do, and where I want to go with my photography. I want to document my clients in this way. Often times my clients are concerned about what their house looks like, and do not see the importance of lifestyle/documentary sessions in their home, WITH their children. Yet it is these photos that I believe will matter most and that will stand out amongst the perfect posed family portraits that you think are the ones you will cherish.

I want to capture families in this way. In their home, with people, pets and things that are important to them. It seems that this life will last forever as we are today, but we know that it will not. The "ordinary" of today will be nothing but a memory of the past. Allow me to capture it. Your children will thank you. 

<3 

A patriotic Mommy and Me session

Have I mentioned recently how much I love being a photographer? I love working with families and kids. I love getting to know them and their story! I love capturing memories for them. Gah! I just love my job! This amazing family is  one of the reasons I love it so. 

Momma wanted some photos with her girlies to send to daddy while he is deployed in Afghanistan. She, too, was in the Army before she was a stay home momma. Both are helicopter pilots! Let's just stop here for a moment...I thought this was so amazing! I love asking stay at home mommas what they did before they had kids, and I never expected "oh fly helicopters" to be an answer. No one would ever trust me with that type of equipment lol! 

While I typically bribe kids with skittles and other unhealthy sugary things, this healthy momma brought a slew of snacks to bribe kids with without any sugar! So mommas, take tips - if you want to bribe your kids without sugar it is possible!!! She had plantain chips, nuts, crackers, dried fruits and so much more to keep her girlies energetic and happy. So when I asked Miss. E: "if you were swimming in a pool, would you rather swim in a pool full of marshmallows or m&ms?" I had to tweak to a healthier version of "honey or dried fruits" because Miss. E gave me the deer in the headlights look having  no clue what those things were! 

Another reason (out of so many) why I fell in love with these three is their love for this country! Both mom and dad having fought for our freedoms and these kiddos living without daddy while he is out serving our country made me proud to be their photographer. So many families sacrificing so much for my family's freedom! So many mommas (and daddies!) working around the clock caring for their children alone while the other parent is across the world protecting our country. Momma bought some flags, pretty red white and blue themed dresses and accessories which made for lovely pictures to send to dad!

I hoped he loved him as much as I did!