Meet the Connelly’s!  This family is one of the two families that inspired the launch of Quiet Graces photography.  They’re pretty dear to my heart for that reason.  They scheduled two sessions with me to celebrate the birth of they’re new little girl Ivey.  These are the images from the first of the two sessions: a lifestyle family session at their home.  I would be in photographer heaven if I had this kind of light in my backyard at sunset every day.  So beautiful!

Here’s a little sneak peak of Ivey’s sweet face!

I really adore lifestyle sessions with toddlers around Lydia’s age.  I promise you, the only image she sat still for was the family image above.  However, I was not stressed about getting her to sit still and pose.  I literally ran around chasing and playing with her for a good 20 minutes to get the her images.   She played tag with me and showed me her painted toes.  We danced.  We laughed and had a blast.  And I love that I captured Lydia being who she is:  an energetic two year old full of joy.

One of my favorite parts of visiting the Connelly’s is seeing Jacob (15) and Lydia (2) interact.    I always wanted a big brother so it’s like glimpsing my dream come true.  The way Jacob dotes on Lydia is heartwarming.  And the way Lydia always invites Jacob into her world is precious.

Lydia has daddy Steve wrapped around her fingers (and I’m sure Ivey will too in her own time!).  She adores him and just wanted to be near him.  They played on the Ipad for a little while.  Those snuggles are so precious.

But my favorite image from this lifestyle family session is of Tamara changing Lydia’s diaper.  It’s so raw, so real, and so precisely those first days of motherhood.

Steve and Tamara, I’m so blessed to watch God grow your family!  I can’t wait to see you all again next year for another session (and lots of play dates in between!) 🙂