It’s difficult for me to know where to begin in regards to my relationship with Collette. We first met in college, and were friendly, but it wasn’t until we were both married and living in different states that I actually felt a friendship developing. We’re both writers, and we quickly began to follow each other’s blogs consistently. The more she wrote, the more I realized we were actually very much alike. And when we didn’t agree on topics, I still found her opinions incredibly eye-opening, and found an even deeper appreciation for her input.

I think her resilient strength is what inspires me the most. I have followed her journey through weight loss, an incredibly difficult hyperemisis pregnancy, emotionally confronting her past rape, leaving the LDS church she was raised in, and now going back to school to be a sex therapist – to help others cope with the same horror she has lived through, among so much more. She stands for equality, kindness, hope, motherhood, feminism, and making beauty from ashes.

When we first decided to move to Utah, she was the first person I texted because it was one of the few positives I could see from the situation (at the time!) – that we might actually have an in-person friendship now!! It was so funny getting together with her after so many years of just reading each other’s blogs; I think we both were so surprised at what the other’s voice actually sounded like!

I have loved being able to have Collette’s sphere of influence around me even more here in Utah. I have met her wonderful Travis, and now know he really is a Fairy-God Husband and everything Collette deserves in that department. They are still in love, still playful and feisty. They show their sweet boy Remy what it means to be in a healthy, thriving relationship. You will see just how lucky he is, that adorable little boy.

As always, photographing families on film is terrifying but I had a good rhythm down for this session. The film shots sprinkled throughout are my favorite.

Collette,  you’re a hero in many rights and an idol of mine I’ll never forget. Thanks for the friendship and love, from blogs to girls night out, to family pictures  😉