A year ago my heart exploded. I finally knew what it meant to love something so much it hurt.  Now we chase, snuggle (when she lets us), learn, love and laugh with our ONE YEAR OLD baby girl. It was a journey that started with cautious optimism and many doctors appointments, but was filled with excitement, love and anticipation as we welcomed our girl. It's hard to believe how much can change in a year. I didn't think I could feel so much love for someone I just met or fall even more in love with Morgan, but I did. Before another year goes by, time seems to fly with a baby, I wanted to share the story of the BEST DAY EVER. Normally I am the storyteller of our family but since I was pretty much in a haze for the first month of Mila's life, Morgan is guest-blogging for me and reliving the moments that we grew our family and hearts by one. He took the time to write it all down when Mila was two weeks old so we wouldn't forget anything ...excuse me while I grab the Kleenex.

I have now had the privilege of photographing TWO Sikes weddings and it was such an honor to be asked to be a part of another celebration for this sweet family! While a wedding day is about the love between the couple actually tying the knot, it's also a celebration of families joining together. It is obvious Margaret and Cody have a strong foundation in their family and their faith and I know they have an amazing (and large!) support system for their marriage! Over 200 people came to celebrate Margaret and Cody's day so I knew going in ​there was going to be an epic party, but there were so many meaningful details and special moments I was definitely not expecting - like when Margaret's grandfather got out of his wheelchair to share dance with his wife at the end of the night. Pretty sure everyone was sobbing and I was just hiding behind my camera so my blubbering mess wasn't as obvious. These are the moments that stick with you long after the flowers wilt, the food is tossed, and the sparklers are all burned out. It was such an honor to be a part of moments like this and all of the fun of Margaret and Cody's day!

The sweet Jones family are now a family of FOUR with TWO boys under TWO! We've celebrated our friends as they got married and ooohed and ahhed when we met adorable Henry and now we get to love on precious Evan. This little nugget is so cute and he slept like a champ for his newborn session, but the way Henry called his baby brother "Evie" was ovary-exploding material. I know it isn't easy with two kiddos much less two under two, but Jordan and Sarah make such a great team and these boys are so lucky to have them as parents. Congratulations again guys!! We love y'all! 

It is incredibly humbling to grow with my couples after their wedding day. I am a part of some of the most incredible times in life and it fills my heart to a size I didn't know a "job" could. Ashley and Bryan welcomed sweet David into the world after a miscarriage last year and I think he's just about the cutest rainbow baby I have ever seen AND he slept through his entire session! What's even more special is that this family lives about 10 houses down from us so we will get to watch this cutie grow! This new mom and dad have been anxiously awaiting David's arrival and now that he's here it's hard to imagine them without him; they already make such a great team! Little one you are so blessed already with a village to support you and for parents that will always think you hung the moon. Ashley and Bryan - thank you so much for letting me in on this exciting time. I can't wait for kid date nights and neighborhood walks! 

When you get a couple as laid back and genuine as Leslie and Chuck you do a happy dance... and happily stand on a ladder on the rooftop of a 28th floor venue even though you're terrified of heights just to capture some gorgeous portraits with the skyline view. Although I don't think I was the only one willing to do just about anything for this sweet couple. Leslie and Chuck were surrounded by friends that have supported their journey and it truly felt like one big family. Their wedding day was filled with touches that showcased their personalities, including their vows, the gorgeous illustrations on their paper goods and signage by Leslie, and of course the fun sunglasses for all the guests. The day flew by but Leslie and Chuck made sure to soak in each moment and even made time for a few last portraits at night while guests gathered to send them off into married life with sparklers!