Best Friends, Happy Kids, and a Little Bit of Chaos!


Every year, there is one photoshoot I look forward to more than almost anything else, and that's our annual Bestie Photoshoot! OMG, this year's pictures turned out AMAZING! There is just something so special about getting together with my best friends, Dee and Kristen, letting all our kids hang out and play, and capturing some beautiful memories along the way. It's one of my favorite traditions, and every year I find myself loving these photos even more.


This year, we decided to have our Bestie Photoshoot at Knob Noster State Park, and it couldn't have been a better choice. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the park gave us such a beautiful natural backdrop. With its gorgeous trees, peaceful woodland setting, and plenty of room for the kids to explore, it was the perfect place to let everyone relax and have fun while sneaking in some pictures along the way.


Of course, I was behind the camera for most of the session, with a little help from my wonderful husband, Michael. It's always nice having an extra set of hands, especially when you're trying to photograph a bunch of excited kids who would much rather be playing than standing still!


I also brought along my comfy vintage chair, which added the cutest touch to our photos. I love incorporating little props like this into outdoor photography because they create a cozy, timeless look while still letting the natural beauty of the location shine through. The chair gave the kids a fun place to sit together and helped us capture some adorable moments.


And honestly, the kids did AMAZING this year!


Now, it wouldn't be a true kids' photoshoot without at least a little chaos, right? Poor Bellamy had a little ouchie after tripping and falling, and we had a few tears. But let's be real, is it even a kids' photoshoot if someone doesn't cry at least once? Haha! Thankfully, it was just one of those little moments that comes with photographing kids, and it certainly didn't take away from all the fun we had.


One of the things I love most about children's and family photography is capturing kids exactly as they are. The giggles, silly faces, big personalities, and even those unpredictable little moments are what make the memories so meaningful. Years from now, I know we'll look back at these pictures and remember not just how adorable our kids were, but how much fun we had watching them grow up together.



I'm so thankful for Dee, Kristen, and this little tradition we've created with our kids. These are the moments I never want to forget, and I already can't wait for next year's Bestie Photoshoot!

Young girl in floral skirt sits in vintage armchair outdoors with golden sunlight streaming through forest trees.
Young girl smiling in a vintage armchair surrounded by golden sunlight filtering through autumn trees outdoors.
Three children sitting on a vintage chair outdoors with golden sunlight filtering through trees behind them.
Young girl with blonde hair sits in a vintage wingback chair outdoors at golden hour in jeans and red tee.
Blonde child sitting in an armchair outdoors in golden sunlight with trees in the background.
Young boy relaxes in a vintage wingback chair outdoors at sunset wearing a green sweatshirt and jeans.
A young boy lounges on a tufted pink armchair outdoors, smiling, with sunlight filtering through trees behind him.
Three young children sitting together outdoors in a forest at golden hour, smiling for a family portrait photo.
A smiling young boy lounges in a tufted velvet armchair outdoors in a sunlit autumn forest setting.
A young boy lounges happily in a vintage pink tufted armchair outdoors in a sunlit forest setting.
A smiling blonde girl sits in a tufted armchair outdoors at golden hour, wearing a striped sweater.
A happy blonde child relaxing in a vintage armchair outdoors in a forest setting at golden hour.
A smiling child with long blonde hair relaxes on a tufted beige armchair wearing a plaid shirt and jeans.
A young child lounges playfully on a tufted beige armchair outdoors, wearing shorts and Converse sneakers, surrounded by autumn trees.
A smiling blonde woman sits on a vintage chair outdoors with two young blonde girls in coordinating burgundy outfits.
A woman sits in a vintage chair on a tree-lined road, smiling with two young girls in warm autumn outfits.
A mother sits in a vintage armchair on a tree-lined road with her two young sons in a warm family portrait.
Six young children pose together on a tree-lined road during an outdoor family portrait session.
Family portrait of three women and six children posing on a tree-lined path in autumn.
Group of young children hugging and laughing outdoors in a park during autumn, with one girl standing nearby holding a cup.
Five children share a warm group hug outdoors, smiling and laughing together in a candid fall family photo.
Three young women smiling and posing together on a tree-lined road in casual outfits including denim shorts.