Typically, my goal as a lifestyle photographer is to blend into the background and capture a family being themselves. The goal is not to get lost in the happenings of the family and the love they have for each other, and yet with the Burchett Family that is exactly what I found myself doing. The love they have for each other is almost palpable. They are hilarious and fun and so real that it is easy to feel like you belong. I am almost certain that under God's great dictionary of love there has to be a photo of this amazing family, because they truly define what it should look like.

My goal was simple: to capture just a glimpse of this family's love for each other. But I humbly confess, dear readers, that I failed. I did not come close to capturing the depth of the beauty of what truly lies within them. And if you have met the Burchetts, you will understand exactly what I am referring to.

Dearest Burchett family, thank you so much for allowing me into your lives for a bit. It was fantastic. Words cannot express the love and respect that I have for each of you. I hope you will enjoy your photos and your Real Life Montage for decades to come. Here are a few of my favorites:

Real Life Montage

When Kylie called me and told me how much she loved my work, I was truly moved. Her excitement was contagious, and that is saying something since I already love what I do. But when I found out she had twins and a sweet little man, I could not wait to do their session! Of course, Kylie forgot to mention that after having three children she still had the body of a model…I will try to forgive her for that. ;)

Watching her with her children was just beautiful. The love they share is priceless. And the fact that I got the privilege to hang out and capture a bit of what their love looks like—well, I just have the best job and most awesome clients in the world! And can I just confess here that I totally fell in love with those sweet babies? Those smiles, their fluffy sweetness—ah, it just makes me want to snuggle them!

Kylie, thanks for inviting me into your world for a bit. It was truly fantastic. Here are a few of my favorites from the session.

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How so much sweet baby goodness can be in one household is beyond me. Mommy and Daddy are absolutely kept on their toes by their sweet twins and precious daughter. Oh, and did I mention they are all under 5 years of age? I was tired just watching the energy of these little people, let alone having to keep track of them. ;) I had so much fun watching the sweet moments of this dear family. Getting to do a quick mini session with them was just what I needed.

Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot, and be sure to check out their Real Life Video Montage as well.

Thank you, LeDuc family, for allowing me a peek into your lives, and for keeping it real.

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Oh, for all things good and lovely, I am so behind in blogging I think I may have almost forgotten how! Apart from being super busy and the upside down craziness that comes with Summer, I have no other excuse. Okay, well, maybe a few, but I will spare you. :)

Long ago, in a far and distant land there once was a photo session with this super awesome family. Seriously, I feel a little like Leave it to Beaver's mom next to their coolness factor. I mean, they have motorcycles for goodness sakes. What kid wouldn't find them cool? Yet, what I loved the most was how much they truly are able to enjoy each other. Seriously, I don't know that I have ever seen a family laugh as much as they did while hanging out together. I loved being in the background, moving about, and just trying to capture a little of what their love looks like, and maybe if I did a truly stellar job, some of these portraits will convey the feeling of those moments as well.

Fuller family, thanks for being such a awesome family to work with and for loving each other so well. I really dig you all. Enjoy your Real Life Montage. :)

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Jill explained to me that she suspected something might be wrong toward the end of her pregnancy; she simply didn't gain any additional weight. After little Maddie was born, the McKay's found themselves going through a medical continuum of unanswered questions in the search to find the answer. Finally, after being refered to the M.I.N.D. Institute in Sacramento, they sat before a doctor that gave them their answer: Maddie had Williams Syndrome. Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that includes a variety of health problems, developmental delays and difficulties in learning and is currently estimated to effect 1 in 10,000 people worldwide. And with that news came the realization that the dreams that Jill and David had for their precious little girl would have to change. In fact, David and Jill's own dreams would have to change as well.

When I first met Maddie a couple of weeks ago I was captivated by her smile. She had no inhibitions, just a completely trusting and loving little spirit that welcomed me to come into her world of endless adventures and fun. That sweet innocent trust is actually very typical of someone who has Williams Syndrome and is filled with its own challenges both for Maddie and her parents.

I came away from my short time with the McKay family touched beyond words by their journey. And I can't help feeling that maybe Maddie and all the others who have Williams Syndrome have a few lessons to teach us. For Maddie, it seems that seeing the beauty in this world and especially in people is easy. An important point that I believe may be all too easy for some of us to FORGET in the difficulties of this life.

McKay family, thank you so much for allowing me to share a few hours with your precious family, and for sharing your story. Your strength, your faith and your love inspire me. Enjoy your photos and a new special video that I have created just for you all!

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