Anderson family - martin nature park, okc
Sometimes the stars simply align with getting a session together, and it very much felt that way with this session! Between the absolutely gorgeous weather (can we talk about late November without a jacket?! AMEN), and our work/holiday schedules slotting together perfectly to squeeze this in the day before Thanksgiving, I was just feeling super thankful that everything worked out so perfectly!
Now, I will be honest, I was actually a bit nervous for this session! Briana had filled me in that sweet Azula was not always the biggest fan of photo sessions, and we had been texting back and forth about how she often got a ferocious-lion-roar kind of look from her when taking pictures. Haha. However, this fall, the name of the game for me has been connecting with little kids (particularly the ones who have no interest in taking pictures... which is most children. Including my own.) during sessions and helping them have as much fun as humanly possible.
So the game plan was set: I would make sure to inquire about her interests in Spider-Man and Paw Patrol, perhaps play some Lion King music on my phone, and for sure keeping us moving, exploring, and playing. And friends, can we talk about how she has the best little smile ever??? I was over the moon when she quickly approved of the fun being had and offered up those big, genuine smiles for the camera.
And I told Briana this, but it made me pretty emotional as I went back through the pictures afterwards and looked at their beautiful family! The three of us went to college together - which feels like a lifetime ago - and I got to see their whole relationship unfold from first dates all the way to capturing them say "I do." And then when Zach and I moved from OKC, we had to watch from afar as their family grew. So to finally be able to spend a little time with Briana and Anthony again, as well as this sweet daughter they've brought into the world... well, it was just more special than words can describe.
