It’s hard to describe how excited I was when my sister asked me to do her holiday card! Our family as been through a lot. Like….a lot. I will spare you alllll the details, but know that the woman in these photographs is my second mother. My older sister by 5.5 years, my phenotype twin (and my alpha-female twin), mother figure since I was 6 years old, and now 1 of 2 built in besties (shout out to my little sister and {almost} Irish twin). Little did Michelle know, that having me photograph her family was my chance to style, plan, shoot, and edit every pixel of her family – and give back a very small piece of the love that she has given me.

Her tween children were maybe underwhelmed by their loud, bossy Aunt in the middle of a bird watching sanctuary (sorry friends I have prompts to deliver and people to make laugh – the birds must come second today!) – and they were definitely embarrassed by all the hugging, kissing, touching, and extended pauses caused by passer-byers. It’s all part of what feels like the chaotic, over-the-top, she won’t get a single good shot photo session day experience – everyone can’t wait for it to be done! I get it. BUT I kept telling them: getting “over” dressed is worth it (ummm, we aren’t even going to talk about how my niece fits into a woman’s dress – we just aren’t), “over” planning is worth it, driving to a stunning location at sunset is worth it, making the kids do it even though they will hate you for a few hours is worth it. Then it comes…”I had no idea they would turn out this well”; “every single shot is amazing – they are all my favorites”; “thank you so much”, “I want to frame a bunch and even send them to my in-laws, can you help me with that.” Cue my tears – mission accomplished!!! And…. the last image of my niece twirling is just for the auntie sadness that comes with seeing her baby girl as a woman for the first time. I hope we have a new tradition – amongst many, many more! ❤️