On the day of their session, I was welcomed into Kathryn and Craig’s home, and the familiarity and the friendship I felt reminded me of my past sessions with them – I’ve been photographing this family since their oldest child was only 9 months old! I’ve seen their family grow in the past 3  years –  grow and stretch and become bigger in the ways that only life can give you. They’ve moved, they had another baby – and yet, each time I see them, their love feels the same. They show kindness to each other, they know each other – they get each other. I love seeing Kathryn and Craig interact with each other. They’re real, they’re honest, they’re parents – but I know, above it all, they’re each other’s best friend.

It was so fun to snag a few photos of just the two of them in between their family portraits (another of my “mini” anniversary sessions!), and to coax them into romantic embraces, and get them giggling at each other. My favorite part about this session was starting in their own backyard, exploring their farm and property with Craig pulling the two kids behind him in a wagon. It felt so safe and comforting, and I was so happy that their children get to grow up in an environment like that – wrapped up in the security of two parents who love each other most.

We ended our session at a small, nearby grove of sunflowers and as the sun set behind us, I used the last of the light to photograph their rings. Perhaps a little worn down from the years of use, but still symbolic, still an ongoing circle of commitment – an eternal loop of devotion.