Delainee - Cake Smash {Idaho Falls Children Baby Portrait Photographer}

It is SO hard for me to believe that this little beauty is turning one! She came to see me when she was just 6 weeks old. Her newborn session was delayed to accommodate a heart surgery that was necessary immediately after she was born. This beautiful little girl is so strong and smart, she doesn't let anything set her back! It has been a true pleasure to hang out with her and her mama and daddy this past year, and I'm so sad she won't have a reason to come back for awhile! Happy birthday, little Lainee!

Kaiya {Idaho Falls Children Portrait Photographer}

This sweet girl celebrated her fifth birthday this month! She was super excited for her session...she has watched her big brother and little sister both have birthday sessions this year. It was finally her turn! She got even more excited when I pulled out a box of hair accessories from my vendor, La Bella Rose Boutique. She immediately started picking out clips and headbands and pairing them up with outfits she'd brought along. ;) Happy, happy birthday, Kaiya!

The Gift of Christ - Photo Recipe {Love That Shot Creative Team}

As I have experimented more this month with the photo textures and veils from Love That Shot, I wondered which of the images I should share with you as my monthly photo recipe. I've used the textures on numerous portraits for clients, but I decided to do something a little different this month.

We recently woke up to find a heavy frost covering everything outside. It's breathtaking! I know I was not alone when I decided to brave the cold and take the camera outside to have a little fun. While I was out there, I couldn't help but marvel over the beauty and wonder of this world we live in. The frost was so intricate and unique that I wanted to photograph every tiny little flake of ice. 

This time of year is spent in a mad rush to obtain the perfect gift for everyone on our list. Friends, family, children, parents, grandparents, neighbors, teachers, mentors...the list goes on and on. Somehow Christmas has become all about the gifts we give and receive. But how many of us remember the origin of this tradition? The first gift of Christmas? No...it wasn't a bell off Santa's sleigh. ;) The first gift of Christmas came from our Father in Heaven, the gift of his only begotten Son, even Jesus Christ! He gave his son to atone for our sins. That is the true gift of Christmas, and the reason we celebrate this time of year. 

I am so grateful for all I have been blessed with this year. My family is happy and healthy, we are warm and safe and lack nothing we need. And my little hobby has turned into a full-fledged business  that continues to grow and improve. I could not be where I am without all the awesome clients who have now become my friends. I am so grateful that I have been forced to overcome my natural shyness to meet so many amazing people and to get to know their children. My thanks goes out to each of you for your support and friendship. May your Christmas be merry and bright!

To share my thanks, I have created a fun little printable that can be used however you wish. Wouldn't this make an awesome Christmas card? This is my first time sharing a downloadable image, so let me know if something doesn't work. Merry Christmas!  

Textures used are: Wailele (Kalani Collection; Color Burn 43%, and Divide 48%)

Textures used are: Nalu (Kalani Collection; Overlay 29%), Snow Lily (Botanical Veils; Overlay 32%), & Wailele (Kalani Collection; Color Burn 43%)

Jaren & Kyra - First Look {Idaho Falls Blackfoot Aberdeen Pocatello Photographer}

I was so excited when Jaren and Kyra decided to do a First Look session. I've been in love with the idea of these sessions since the first time I saw one. What an awesome opportunity to see your bride (or groom) for the first time and be able to spend those moments alone, without the rush of a ceremony and hundreds of guests watching? We met on a VERY cold November morning. Jaren and I spent a few minutes preparing, and taking some photos of him by himself. Then I left him with strict no-peeking orders and went to meet his bride.

Kyra was so lovely in her gown! She was FREEZING, but she was a trooper. I kept my distance while she snuck up on her groom and they were able to spend those first few minutes looking one another over and just enjoying the anticipation of their wedding day.

These two will tie the knot shortly after Christmas, and I can't wait to be there with them!