When one of my dearest friends asked if I would be able to take photos of her whole family, the only answer was “YES!!!” Vanessa came into my life a few years ago. One outing to coffee and we immediately became fast friends. I love this woman dearly and I’m so thankful for her friendship. I’m also thankful for that infectious laugh of hers.
We had originally planned for the session at the Pismo Beach pier, but it had been raining the days prior and was raining the morning of the session. Not to mention there were high surf advisories. Vanessa’s sisters were only in town for a short time so with a quick break in the rain we decided to skip the pier (and high waves) and headed over to Monarch Butterfly Grove Park.
This place is usually overrun with tourists this time of year coming to see the monarch butterflies, but the weather kept the crowds away. It was a bit chilly and there were light sprinkles off and on so we moved fast. Thank goodness for clear umbrellas! Some of my favorite shots are with the umbrellas.
This session was really special for me to be a part of. Last May, she and her sisters lost their brother and her parents their son. While it was difficult knowing that a part of their family is missing, it was also a blessing to see this family together. These moments of mom and dad surrounded by their three beautiful daughters, their families, and the joy in knowing a new little life is getting ready to join their family any day now, is a gift and reminder to cherish the moments we have together. I'm so thankful she has entrusted me to capture these moments of them. It's something I will always treasure.
This session was actually done in two parts. The first time we got together, Vanessa's husband, Rich, wasn't able to be there, but we wanted to make sure to get the rest of the family together. So here's part two. This time the rain stayed away and it was a little warmer. But the laughs and giggles are always there. ALWAYS! This was officially my last session of 2019 and it couldn't have been with a better family.
