A few months back I was delighted to get a message from a childhood friend, asking if I was willing to travel for a family session. When you live out in the middle of nowhere, the answer most definitely is "Yes!"
Especially if its a friend that I haven't seen in far too many years, we had a lot to catch up on!
I asked if she had a location in mind for our session together, she did. Her little slice of Heaven in her own back yard.
Meet Jennifer, and her family of five.
When Jennifer graduated high school, she left small-town America for college. Near the end of her college career, she ended up meeting the man of her dreams in a delightful whirlwind romance.
I had been told the story of how she and her husband had met before by close mutual friends, but hadn't yet heard it from Jennifer. It was catching up with an old friend at its finest!
Now, here we were, standing, in her Little Slice of Heaven; watching her kids chase the cats through the trees, while the dog protectively tagged along. And no joke, their flock of chickens literally crossed the road, right were we were standing. (well, across our little trail) And "Why?" I hear you asking... to head into the chicken coup for the night.
It was like a picture out of a children's storybook! I don't know how else to explain it, people!
I felt like I had been handed a gift, by the illustrator. I was sketched into bright colored pages of their story for a moment. And it was beautiful.
I'm realizing more and more, this is becoming what I love most about my job. Connecting with people, over what is most important to them. Family.
Speaking of Family...
The cuteness odometer was off the charts on this particular evening. And I was loving every minute of it.
Jennifer, your family was a delight. I loved spending the evening with all of you.
Here's to childhood friendships. And to your little slice of heaven. In fact, if you happen to see a tent pop up in your back yard, don't worry. Its just the McArthur's, needing to get away for a bit.
