Gosh. 

Where to begin with this one.

I think part of being a lifestyle and documentary photographer is telling the story.

The majority of being a lifestyle photographer in Huntsville, Alabama is knowing how to not just take pictures-but how to really tell the story within the pictures. 

So real talk. 

This family is an integral part of my story. I'd say, one of the biggest parts. 

When I met Tyne and Kisha-I was...a little rough around the edges. 

A wild teenager with low regard for myself and some pretty serious trust issues. 

And while the true author and hero of the story is and always will be Jesus, they were some pretty strong main characters. 

Kisha.

Kisha became a friend. A best friend. The kind of friend that is always trying to make you better and gets on your last nerve-but that secretly you're grateful for. She taught me how to be relentless in my pursuit of Christ and how to be resilient as I matured and grew up. She taught me to be driven and to serve the way Christ served. I wanted to be just like her.

Tyne. 

He became a Father to me (technically age wise, more of a big brother, but we'll let that one slide:). He showed me what a man of God looked like. He showed me how to value myself for who Christ created me to be. He showed me what it truly looked like for a man to love and honor a woman in the way he treated his wife-  something I had never truly seen growing up. And though it took a little while for us to get our act together, I found that in my husband. He was the first man I truly let into my heart and shaped so much of my standard of what a  Godly man should be. 

Deep love.

Tough love. 

Much needed love. 

To see them start a family as a college student was amazing. I adored their baby and only wish I had been closer to truly love on her the way that I wanted. That sweet girl was my flower girl and is now graduating high school.

Two more children later and I still stand amazed at what they've created. They have remained fiercely loyal to God and his people. Continue to find more hours in a day than actually exist. Have a marriage that is a light to all around them. And are just two of the most amazing people I have ever been blessed to meet. 

This photo session was a small thank you for two decades of love and support. It won't be enough-but I hope it brings them just an ounce of the joy they have brought me over the years.