It’s hard to know where to start with a friend you’ve known since you both were 12 years old. Especially when this is a friend with whom you’ve been through so much. I have so many hilarious, genuine, heartfelt, real-life memories with Sam that make me smile every time I think of them. We may not talk everyday, but we seem to keep up to date with each other’s lives, and I can always count on her to offer insightful advice or just an encouraging nudge (okay, with Sam it’s not a nudge, more like, “Buck up and do it.”

When she read my blog post a year ago about how nervous I was to move to Utah, I’ll never forget her response: “The only way you could be folded into the pack and forgotten is if you cease to do the things that you have always done.” Those words punched me in the gut, as Sam’s words tend to do, and I knew she was right. I will always be grateful for that, and for the many other times she has extended her hand of friendship to me.

Not only is Sam wise beyond her years, but she’s also the best hairdresser around – and she’s been doing my hair since middle school, too. I was a cheerleader in high school and there were countless times I would have her do my hair before cheering for a game, or teaching me how to apply makeup. I love that she knows me, my style & vibe, and my hair….and has for over 10 years!

Now Sam and her husband are about to welcome a new love into their lives: a sweet baby boy. Sam had a vision for her shoot, and everything she said to me evoked a feeling of comfort, honesty, and relaxed. So we stayed close to home. We shot in her backyard, in her house, and then drove just a few minutes down the road to where they took their engagement photos. My favorites from this session are the ones in their home. It was such a lovely thing for me to explore what Sam’s House looks and feels like. How the girl I knew in middle school has evolved into a bosslady at work, and also a wife and soon-to-be mother and homemaker. I just know these two are going to be the most wonderful parents, and their baby is a lucky one!!