Sretan Bozic & Joyeux Noël!

I'm fully aware that our favorite jolly white-bearded man in red velvet suit is a deliberate creation of capitalism, and I'm generally among those who roll their eyes when Christmas merchandise hits the stores in late summer and consumerism is at its worst.

But…

I'm also the one who teared up last night watching my kids and nieces excitedly looking through the window as they heard the sound of Santa's sleigh arriving (go YouTube and bluetooth speakers!). Once they saw him walking up to our door, they panicked and ran upstairs to hide and peek, while [my brother dressed up as] Santa came in with a big bag over his shoulder (sewn last minute by my mom to fit the image), and took out their gifts one by one and put them by the tree. I clicked away with my camera trying so hard not to sob.

As a child in an interfaith family living in a communist Yugoslavia, my Christmas experience was very different than that of most of my American and Western European friends, or even my own children today!

Our Santa Claus was called Deda Mraz (transl. Grandpa Frost) and, in true socio-communist spirit, he came for New Year's, and dropped off gifts for children of all faiths. That part I’m 100% on board with, and appreciate so much today! But, we never left cookies for him, we never anticipated his arrival or even thought he was real, and we surely never worked too hard for that one modest gift he brought us. (Or did our parents never realize that using him as behavioral leverage was an option?)

Why in the world do I feel like I missed out, then?!

I guess that’s the beauty and the trap in being a parent… you have the opportunity to right all the previous generations’ wrongs… but you may ambitiously over-right them, if you know what I mean ::wink wink::!

Tonight I raise my glass to the spirit of fine-balancing, giving, of togetherness, and of childhood innocence and magic!

Merry Christmas, friends!

Kelly Family | Dallas Family Photographer | Session at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

I woke up just a few minutes before my 5am alarm, feeling fully rested and ready to take on the day! I got my gear ready for my session, had my cup of jasmine tea and breakfast, walked my dog out to do her thing (which she did, in under two minutes - new record - woohoo!), got in my car and headed out to meet this sweet family for their sunrise session!

As I got there, the birds were chirping, the rising sun was peeking over the hill and through the tree branches, a light breeze was blowing, and everything was just right! And you're thinking, "Riiiight?! But then, what happened next?" Nope, this is not that kind of story! The birds kept on chirping all throughout our session, the sun kept shining, and sweet little Keira modeled happily clutching her sidekick, Sweetie the Penguin, and giggling until the very end! 

Okay! Okay! One bad thing did happen! The breeze died down. Because, it's summer... in Texas.

There are some days when I want to pinch myself to wake myself up from moments like this when everything is going right, and I'm fully living in the moment soaking in its awesomeness, and immeasurably grateful that I get to do, not one but, two most awesome jobs for a living! (For those of you who don't know, other than a photographer, I'm also a full time high school teacher.) I am blessed to have the most amazing clients, and the Kellys just joined my tribe!

The connection between these three is magical! Keira is a lucky lucky girl with two parents who absolutely ADORE her, and light up just talking about her. There is so much joy in this season of life of this sweet family, and it shows in every hug, in every hand squeeze, in every look.

Sooo.... I'm just going to come right out and say that I will forever be envious of this set of Keira's photos (below), because at two years old - I couldn't get Olivia to stand still long enough to capture anything but a blurry line showing the exact escape route from my camera, and I it seems like the same fate awaits me with Evan!

But, you guys, how adorable is THIS little munchkin?!

When I met Cammie and Paul, about ten years ago, the first thing that I noticed about them is how sweet and loving they were to each other, and to this day, that impression hasn't changed. They both pretty much turn into mush the moment they come near each other! 

Cammie and Paul, thank you for trusting me to preserve the memories of this special and fleeting moment in time with your baby girl and each other. My heart is overwhelmed with so much happiness for you!

Until next time :) 

Livie is ONE! | Fort Worth Family Photographer | Session at Texas Christian University

We blinked, and sweet baby Olivia Grace turned ONE! 

Livie should hold the title of the most easy going and even tempered one year old :)

She's just moments away from starting to walk, but not walking is no hindrance to this little busy bee! 

Family sessions are always fun with this wonderful bunch! They hold a very special place in my heart!

Baby Olivia is my daughter's namesake, so I will forever be biased! Emily, this gorgeous Momma, is my former coworker. She loves her tribe fiercely, and the moment she meets you, she instantly makes you feel like you've been friends forever! Emily's older daughter, Natalia, is my former student! Natalia is the kind of student that you naively think your classrooms will be filled with before you officially become a teacher, and the kind that keeps you in the trenches when you're having a tough day and doubting your life choices. I've asked Emily and Pete for their secrets/instruction manual/friendly tips, and they refuse to take any credit for raising such an awesome human. Pfff!

And Pete is the kind of Dad and Husband that daughters brag about to their friends and teachers, and wives gush over at work and on social media. He is one-liner kind of funny, he's everyone's rock, and the girls clearly have a very special bond with him. 

And, of course, what could be a more exciting way to mark the first birthday than getting your first taste of CAKE! This was not just any cake, but a gorgeous strawberry flavored, pink and gold sparkly cake, that this super talented former-baker Mommy made for her littlest love!

Happy birthday, baby girl! You're adored more than you'll ever know! 

Davis Family | Magnolia Ave Fort Worth

This sweet family is always a joy to photograph! I say always, because they've made quite a few appearances in front of my camera over the years! As it is with all families with small children, it's fascinating watching the family dynamic change over time, and as a photographer, I'm ready for anything! Baby Ava is a chatty and F-U-N two year old, made of equal parts of sweetness and mischief! She loves hugging and kissing Mommy, riding on Daddy's shoulders, and is easily bribed with ice-cream! I absolutely love her energy!

Ava was definitely the star of this session - as it should be! 😉

Whenever I photograph families with young children, I always try to take cues from the little ones to decide what types of poses will work best, or if posing is even an option. With my own kids, it's not even worth trying haha! It's important for me as the photographer to find a way to work with them, instead of trying to get them to work with me! It also puts the parents at ease to know that there are no "expectations".

And then... what I get is pure emotion, and magic!

One thing that I suggest to all the parents when photographing family sessions is to carve out a couple of minutes for just the two of you! For most couples (especially parents!), the last time they stood in front of a photographer alone was their wedding day! It's important to remember - wedding days, baby births, and graduations are not the only memories our life is made of! The every day you is worth capturing and preserving in memory as well! 

Barrett Family | Mansfield Family Photographer

I'm bringing the busy fall season to an end with this family of three and their fun Autumn sunset session in Mansfield. It was an evening of lots of giggles, tickles, running around... and graham teddies :) :) :) 

And of course, I love to end a family session by letting the kiddos go free while Mom and Dad get a few photos alone, because it is often the first time they've had professional portraits done, just the two of them, since their wedding! (Uhmm... totally guilty!!)

Warcup Family | Fort Worth Family Photographer

I can't get over how dreamy Fort Worth looks early in the mornings at this time of year! Nothing warms my heart more than clients who are up for a sunrise session on a weekend to capture the most beautiful morning light! 

Meet the Warcups! The love between these two parents is tangible, and their parenting and multitasking skills left me in awe! While I turned out around to switch my lenses, they managed to change clothes, hand out snacks and water, supervise running around, dust dirt off kids clothes, and regroup with everyone in the right spot. And... I am a really quick at switching out my lenses! Pure magic - this pair, telling ya!

After some time at the park, we ended the session in downtown Fort Worth, my favorite place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I have yet to find a place with this kind of balance of old and new, modern and historical, AND this much charm and friendliness all in one place!

Anderson is ONE! | Roanoke Family Photographer

It's been such an honor watching this baby boy grow through my lens! I can't believe how fast this year flew by and baby Anderson is already celebrating his first birthday and entering toddlerhood!!! 

He's not walking yet, but don't let that fool you - this boy is f-a-s-t! And he is everywhere, getting into everything! Just when he realizes he's gotten into trouble, he flashes the biggest smile and disarms you. Can't blame him, it clearly works!!! 

His sister, Kennedy, couldn't let him have the spotlight to himself, so she took over while he was getting ready. This little girl loooves the camera! And, clearly, the camera loves her too :) Kennedy is just the sweetest girl!

Hedbergs are a beautiful family inside and out! Sessions with them are never short on fun!! 

Suzanne and Brian | Arlington Vow Renewal

"Oh, isn't she stunning", Brian said to me as he glanced over at his gorgeous bride. Fifteen years later, their love is deeper. Their bond is stronger. Their devotion is unconditional. Proclaiming their commitment to each other again,  in front of their closest family and friends was a deeply meaningful act. 

Suzanne and Brian, thank you for the honor of documenting this beautiful day in your life! Your presence brings such joy to everyone around you! I wish you 115 more of gloriously happy years together! Cheers!

Perez Family | Dallas Bishop Arts District

They say, "If you don't like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes!" So I waited.

In the days leading up to this session, I slowly morphed into a meteorologist, checking weather forecasts, and excitedly watching the rain chances drop as the day of our session approached... aaand what a gorgeous sunny morning this turned out to be!!

You see, Leila is one of my dearest friends, and I'm always looking forward to the opportunity of having her beautiful family in front of my lens. Our times together are always filled with good conversations, lots of laughter, and toddler squeals. We wouldn't have it any other way! 

Leila and Adrian, I am so honored to have documented a few fleeting moments of this special time in your life! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Baby Virginia | Denton Newborn Photographer

I believe babies make the best art. I find myself drawn to simple, timeless, naked baby photos, with neutral colors and minimal props. Every now and then, an entire black and white newborn session is just what my soul needs.

Baby Virginia, you're mommy's and daddy's dream come true! It was wonderful meeting you!! 

Hedberg Family | Southlake Town Square

Julie and I connected through a Facebook group for local businesses months ago, and have been talking about doing this session for a while. I was so happy the weather served us perfectly, and it didn't hurt that this adorable group of four is super photogenic as well! 

A family session doesn't need a special occasion. It's a session celebrating family, fleeting moments, and togetherness. And, the Southlake Town Square was just the perfect spot for it, with all its fancy urban looks and small town feels!

Meet the Hedbergs.

Sieminski Family | Grapevine | Holiday Mini Sessions

Leila Reem! This sweet toddler's only child status is about to expire, so let's soak in this cuteness before her baby brother tries to steal her spotlight! I mean... he can surely try! But, judging by the oohs and aahs she gets everywhere she goes, her spotlight is safe.

Colón Family | Trinity Park - Fort Worth

Every now and then, you need to have a family session just because! Because it's time to replace the family photos on the walls in your home, because your kiddos still think you're cool, and don't mind grinning big and taking pictures while you smother them in hugs and kisses, or simply because you want to always remember that time you had matching NY Giants shirts. 

Davis Family | Downtown Fort Worth | Holiday Mini Session

I am incredibly grateful for leaving behind a very busy holiday season! Being busy is also a great excuse for not having posted a lot of my recent sessions' favorites any earlier! 

One of the perks of holiday minis, is getting to see many of my old clients again. Having this trio in front of my camera again was a real treat! Ava Jean and I go waaay back, as in 13 months and a few days :) She's made of spunk, personality, and yummy baby rolls! She's also lucky beyond words to have Rachel and Matt as her parents. They're smart, they're fun, they're easy going, loving, goofy... the list goes on and on! 

Merry Everything and Happy Always!

Paul Family | Grapevine | Holiday Mini Sessions

I love this time of year! It's so fun getting to know all my lovely clients and their little ones!

Although we spent a very short time together, it was hard to miss there is a whole lot of love in this little family. 

Here's a sneak peek into the Paul family session in Grapevine.

Dangelmaier Family | Trinity Park - Fort Worth

I am a mom and a teacher, and I should know better than to choose favorites! But, this... this may be one of my all time favorite sessions! Everything came together so perfectly: the weather just chilly enough to force my clients to layer up; clear skies, this beautiful pond reflecting the morning light in dreamy pastel hues... And in front of me these four adorable girls, a gorgeous perfectly-keeping-it-all-together-mom that just fell out of a magazine, and an amazingly patient and funny dad. Pinch me!

Cisneros-Gonzales Family | Veterans Park | Holiday Mini Session

When Monica contacted me about doing her family's Christmas photos again, my first thought was that on the day of their session I hope it's cold enough outside for multi-layer outfits, because she's the queen of styling!  And... again, she did not disappoint!

We had a wonderful time! We got to catch up a bit while walking around the park... laughed a lot... ran around a lot... peek-a-boo-ed a lot... and captured some precious family memories!

Kaplan Family | Colleyville Nature Center | Holiday Mini Sessions

I'm delivering this session's images today, and taking another peek at them.

Lots of smiles and giggles with this sweet family! I absolutely can't get over these colors... Props to Mom for coordinating everyone so perfectly! ❤❤❤

Doris | Southlake | Holiday Mini Sessions

Most mini-session inquiries come from families wanting to have that one perfect photo for the Christmas card they'll be mailing out to their friends and family across the country. This one was different! This sweet girl wanted to take photos with her pups! Seeing her loving on her dogs, the animal lover inside of me bawled like a pregnant woman watching Johnson&Johnson's commercial. (Sorry! Memories all too fresh.)  

What a gorgeous golden sunset in Southlake this was last weekend! Riiiight?!

This fashionable tween loves the camera, and the camera clearly LOVES her. Can't wait to do this again!!