I've been taking pictures of my family for years, but when my sister reached out for an actual family session, I could hardly contain my excitement!!


I met Erin and Luke (and their tiny baby who is now almost a foot taller than me) 11 years ago at a family birthday dinner for my husband's bonus mom. I will never forget it. As an only child who rarely visited with extended family, that dinner - my introduction to the family, was loud, crazy, overwhelming, and everything I always wanted. I recall sitting back in my chair, quietly looking around, and taking it all in. To set the scene: the grandkids running around the chairs, five conversations going on all at once, the laughter and joy around the table, and my now husband gently holding my hand to help soothe my nervousness. Just as one of the kids threw a coaster across the table nearly missing my head, Erin turned to me and says, "so, tell me about yourself."


It's incredible to think about how much life has happened since our first meeting: the high highs, tragic lows, and everything in between. As a mom, I'm finding it more and more important to document these passing seasons before we look back and wonder where the time has gone. It was an absolute honor for me to capture these images for Erin, Luke, the boys, and their darling baby girl. 


Grab a blanket and a hot cup of coffee and cozy up as you scroll through these images.

Family group portrait on walking trail with autumn trees and colorful foliage in background.
Romantic couple sharing intimate moment on wooden boardwalk surrounded by autumn scenery.
A tender moment between parent and baby wearing a red headband against a backdrop of autumn foliage.
Three siblings share a warm embrace while wearing casual clothing against autumn trees.
Large maple tree showing autumn color transition from green to red leaves along park pathway.
Family walking together on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by fall colors and tall prairie grasses.
Family group poses for a portrait on a wooden boardwalk with autumn trees in the background.
Sweet embrace between parent and child wearing casual clothing against autumn nature backdrop.
Children running joyfully down a wooden boardwalk surrounded by fall foliage and tall grasses.
Two people running joyfully on paved path surrounded by colorful autumn foliage.
Red autumn leaves with bokeh effect creating a dreamy fall nature scene.
People standing together on a path with fall foliage in the background.
Purple wildflowers blooming among tall golden grass in a natural meadow setting.
People running together on a paved path surrounded by colorful autumn trees.
Bike path marker post along a curved trail surrounded by fall colors.

Thanks for reading!

XOXO,

Cassie