I met Shannon in MOPS a few years ago and have always admired her. She’s welcoming, loving, and full of laughter every time I have seen her. When she messaged me last fall and we started doing her family pictures I realized her whole family is as warm and loving as she is. The love between her and her husband radiates when you’re around them. It’s such a joy. So when her kiddos were absolutely precious – I can’t say I was too surprised.

Recently she called me for a family session and was hoping to get in with super short notice. I made room and only later did I learn why. Her husband, Jameson, accepted a job out of state and was going to be leaving for a period of time and she wanted to make sure to have some beautiful photos before he left.

After sending me a photo of her tree in the backyard – there was no question. We HAD to do the photos there. At the time, I didn’t know just how special it was. Turns out, he proposed under that gorgeous tree when it was in bloom just like it was for the session. The plan for a weekend away to propose had gone array and nothing had gone according to plan. They adopted an adorable puppy (see photos below!) and later that weekend, he purposed under this blooming tree in their backyard. And one year later, when they married, it was also in bloom. What a perfect place to celebrate their love again as a new chapter unfolded in their lives.

If there was fear or sadness, I couldn’t sense it. They were full of hope and love. Just as families sometimes have to be apart for deployments and traveling jobs, they knew that they were strong enough for this.

And while it may have taken some well timed chocolate chip bribes, we came away with an adorable session that can cover their walls!