RECONNECT: STEVE & KATIE

Over the last month, I've taken quite a lot of time to pray for wisdom. Wisdom to know where to go, how to get there, and what to do when I arrive. This applies for my life in general, but especially for photography.  In my time of reflection, my eyes have been opened to a few occurring themes in my personal life and work, even as a second shooter.

Some of my closest friends and clients over the years have confided in me with their struggles to conceive. Every story of a missed cycle, negative test, and miscarriage has been gut-wrenching. It really helps me to keep my own blessings in perspective, but it has also helped me to have an open heart for these couples; to relate to them, to see and understand them in a way that maybe others don't.

One of these couples is Steve & Katie, whom I've known since high school. I've photographed them a few times before, and they've always helped me create beautiful images that I personally love. They were the first to share with me their journey through two and a half years of tumultuous fertility treatments, and a devastating miscarriage. From there, the couple decided to concentrate on adopting, which led to it's own complications, frustrations, and setbacks, such as countless fees, interviews, and several failed adoptions.

The path to a family hasn't been easy, but last November, Steve & Katie finally received a call that would change their life.

This week, Steve and Katie will finally get their family.

Before all was final, I met with these two to have their last portrait session as a family of two! I found it so fitting that in this cold, bleak time of the year, new life is truly being established. I recognized a dramatic change in both Steve and Katie; how much more at peace they were, how happy they seemed to be. I personally couldn't be happier for them both, who will no doubt be the most loving and accepting parents to their new daughter! (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

It seemed as though this day was just a dream. Time and time again doors were shut, and chances were seized. A story such as Steve and Katie's is a true testament to all the mystery life has in store for us-- how it's possible to have a second, third, (fourth, fifth, etc.) chance, and how perfectly it sums my personal life mantra: Everything happens that's supposed to. There's much learning and growing in the process, and it's not always fun. (In fact, it rarely is). Taking this knowledge and keeping it close is where the fun begins.

To Steve & Katie!

A trillion congratulations to you both. May your lives, and the life of your daughter be forever blessed.  I can't wait to meet up with you three in the spring! 

Katie's eyes are simply magical!