I'm struggling to find the words to express the bazillion thoughts that are running through my mind right now. I'm so thankful for all of the lives that I get to document. I meet so many people, under so many circumstances and don't always take in to account how important my job can be in the end. In 2007, I photographed Jay and Lauren Balek for the first time. It was freezing out and we were doing engagement photos. I'd just moved to my new location and actually locked them out accidentally before we could even get started! In July, Steph and I traveled up to Mason City to photograph their wedding. We created some stunning images and had a blast doing it. There was construction work going on and I actually have a photo of Steph yanking a big orange fence out of the ground so we could shoot where we wanted! The day was gorgeous and the wedding was incredible...best music ever! So, I was quite thrilled when Lauren called this winter and wanted to have family pictures taken with their new baby (puppy), Ruby. Once again, it was freezing..but we were excited. Jay and Lauren were all smiles and Miss Ruby was quite the active puppy! I was so thrilled that we were able to get all three of them smiling and still in one photo! We got the call on Monday that Jay passed away on Sunday morning. I didn't even realize it, but I'd photographed their last family session. So...I have all these thoughts running through my mind. I'm not really sure what to say. I'm just thankful to have had the oppertunity to know Jay. My hear goes out to Lauren and the rest of Jay's family and friends. I'm reflecting on my relationships and how I need to cherish them. I'm also stunned at how important my job really is.

Aloha!

Once a year my favorite Hawaiian family flies in for family pictures. Okay, they may be visiting family while they're here! It has been so fun to watch the Oldenburger clan grow and change. Little Emmery is a sun-kissed diva and totally loves to be photographed. Owen, on the other hand, is way more concerned with his duties as a super hero. We love catching those fun candid moments of them being themselves! Kesley and Brett are such wonderful parents and fabulous people. Brett just returned from a 16 month deployment to the Middle East. You can see that Kes and the kids are so excited to have him home! We photographed the family shortly before he left and then again after he returned. These images are from that session. I love it when they come to the studio, but can hardly wait until I photograph them on the beaches of Hawaii!