My husband reminds me often that I am so lucky to have the friends I have had for such a long time. The average duration of my friendships is something like 16 years, for real, once your in with me...you're in for life. The Troutman's are the kind of friends that are like family, and watching them love on my babies and our kiddos play together is just like seeing Forrest Gump for the first time. It blows my mind and makes my heart full. Jason and Lacey are so giving and incredibly kind, and they also happen to have the most contagious laughs you've ever heard. Getting them to laugh is both a feat and a reward. I am lucky to have gotten to document some big moments for them, their wedding, Mea's 2 year photos (which also revealed to me they were pregnant again), Laney's newborn pictures, and now Mea's 4 year pictures (which also was the gender reveal of baby #3). It means the world to me to get to create memories for them and I always have a genuinely great time taking their pictures. Shooting their family photos typically means I'll make fun of Jason at least once for being awkward, Lacey and I will laugh at Jason together and FOR sure and there is some kind of candy bribe for Mea, jellybeans have been a big hit.
Now, I have shot a couple gender reveals before, but I tell you what, the smoking flares (is that what we call them?) were so much fun! Lacey of course was ultra prepared and had two of them so we were able to do the first one and surprise her sister, Tiffany, with the gender. Then we were able to do another flare (smoking cannon, is that better?) and they even let Mea hold it at the end, which provided me with probably my favorite picture of 2018. Mea is adorable and hilarious and to see the joy spread across her face as she is holding it and pink smoke is blowing in the wind is pure magic. Cats out of the bag since I just said "pink smoke", the Troutman's are having another GIRL! I couldn't be more excited for them. No family is better equipped for a life with a house full of girls. I know their hearts are already feeling so full and I personally can't wait to meet that sweet baby
GIRL!
It was hard to pick my favorites from this shoot, but here are a few I just HAD to share:
I am lucky to get to do what I do with people I love so much. If you are needing some photos to capture a special time in your life then reach out to me, I'd love to get you scheduled!
