You know that couple you see at weddings–the sublimely adorable one that owns the dance floor, and shares cake, and just genuinely has a great time with one another? This is Bethany and Blaine. Endearing, genuine hearts, enjoying the moments of this charming little life in the presence of one another.

I’ve known Bethany and Blaine since high school and photographed several weddings in which they won the award, in my mind, for the most adorable guests. So, when Bethany emailed me to document moments between the two of them as they await their baby girl Isla, I was overjoyed. Bethany has a quirky, joyous, and gentle persona and wears pregnancy so exquisitely. I cannot wait to see her own motherhood with that same charm.

Blaine is so attentive and gentle with Bethany–undoubtedly, he is going to be the best dad and husband for his soon-to-be family of three.

Bethany and Blaine, your life and love has captured my heart. I cannot wait to watch with admiration as your family grows.

As I was sitting here this morning, looking over sweet Adeline’s photos and trying to find the appropriate words to depict the sentiments her precious, pure new life made me feel, John Mayer’s song “Daughters” just kept playing through my mind. I do this often when it comes to my newborn clients, I suppose it’s because I have so much passion for photographing women at all stages of life–seniors, love, pregnancy…

As I was staring at Adeline, I thought of her first steps all the way to her first date, and how much love and affection she’ll receive from her sweet parents, Lauren and DJ along the way. Sweet girl, you have so many beautiful life moments ahead of you, and in all of your seven days old of splendor, you have no clue about this crazy, beautiful life ahead of you. But for now, sleep in your momma’s arms, give her all of the unconditional love your toddler years will bring, and just be the sweet little slice of newborn life you are.

Lauren’s persona is  so gentle, such a natural mother. I could have photographed her and Adeline all day long.

Lauren and DJ, thank you, sincerely, for allowing me to document such a beautiful new beginning in your life.

Seniors, oh my beautiful seniors. You’re more than just a high schooler with a pretty face or a fabulous style or that awesome sense of humor. Yes, to me, you are at a peak right now, on the verge of limitless potential to achieve any dream you put your pretty little mind to. YES. That’s right. A-N-Y DREAM, at all. Ever.

This is what I see, what I feel, what I love in photographing each and every senior that smiles pretty in front of my lens. More so, this is why I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Class of 2016! Now’s the time, booking has been well underway, and I’d love to get to know and photograph even more of you this year! I want to know your stories, I want to see that style, that wit, that beautiful heart you possess–whatever it is that makes you who you are.

And because every post is better with photos, here are a few of my favorite shots from some of my fab seniors last year…

Hollie has a personality that radiates so profoundly that I left her session full of smiles. Shelbie brought her dad’s vintage car and the most perfect tulle skirt for us to play with in the most whimsical field.

Gaby’s sweet and gentle personality matched the soft hues of her cream dress and the field we chose showered by the warm lingering of the sunset.

Brook knew how to work a camera like it was her J-O-B. No tips needed from this photographer.

Kaylei so effortlessly strutted down the streets of downtown like she owned the place.

Oh, my sweet girls, seeing your joy and your beauty through my lens fulfills me like you don’t even know.

Seriously, what girl doesn’t want to twirl in the middle of a field in a tutu? Oh, is that just me? Well…

Sarah Jane has practiced ballet all her life and all of my reminiscent dancer dreams came true the day she did ballet in the middle of the most dreamy mossy trees for me.

If you haven’t noticed a trend, soft colors and dreamy fields are kind of my thing. My jam, if you will.

 If you’re a senior in the Class of 2016, I absolutely cannot wait to hear from you!

I’m always looking for fairly simple and healthy recipes and this one absolutely took the cake. Lasagna is one of my favorites, but something I generally avoid, as it is such a hearty dish. After trying these out, I’m sold. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and comforting recipe to whip up with only about 30 minutes of prep time, I highly recommend giving this a whirl.

1.5 lbs. ground turkey
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1/2 large onion
2 cloves of garlic

8 oz Fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
6 Zucchini
Tomato Marinara Sauce

8 oz Ricotta

Fresh grated Parmesan

Seasonings: Italian Seasoning (generous amount), salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder

1. Slice zucchini with mandolin peeler; set strips aside.
2.  In a medium oiled pan (I use coconut oil), combine:  ground turkey, chopped fresh spinach,  1/2 large onion, mushrooms, 2 cloves of garlic, and seasoning; sauté until turkey is cooked all the way through
3.  Assemble the ravioli using 4 zucchini strips and 2 Tbsp. of turkey mixture and 1 Tbsp. ricotta.
4.  Wrap them up and put face down in baking dish.
5.  Top with marinara sauce and parmesan and bake at 350* for approx. 30 minutes

Happy Hump Day, friends!