The Black Family - Lexington, VA

Since I was four or so years old, I've known the Black family. Their daughter Alyssa is the friend of my life, meaning we've been friends as far back as I can remember--she was the only one of my friends who called me when we moved across the nation; she came to visit me too. We've stayed up past 2 a.m. writing stories together, role-playing, fan-girling over Harry Potter or Pirates of the Caribbean, and talking about boys, and it was amazing to get married within a year of each other and be bridesmaids at the other's wedding. She even flew home from college to attend my Dad's funeral. Not to mention Jo and Russ literally sat by my Dad in hospice and gave huge support to my mom through his time there and the months of treatment before it. Derek and Nathan aren't far from my siblings in age; I remember them coming over when we were young and we got to stay up late and watch a Buzz Lightyear movie (super cool back then ;D). We've done everything from Christmas crafts to Labor Day barbecues to Fourth of July block parties together over the last 20 years. They are the core of many of my happiest childhood memories. So you can imagine how excited I was when I heard they would all be in Virginia to drop Nathan off for college at my alma mater and that they wanted to get some family photos done! It was a crazy weekend--as college drop offs usually are--and I always wish I could have more time with them, but I was so grateful to feel a bit of that nostalgic, childhood-meets-now feeling of having them in one of my favorite gardens hiking around and looking for beautiful places like we used to all over the Oregon Coast when I was a kid. I love all my clients, but there's something especially gratifying and life-giving about photographing the families who have meant the most to your life. I keep thinking of the saying, "Friends are the family you choose yourself." And I have definitely chosen these awesome people. Thank you to the Blacks! Hope we see you again soon! Choose your love, love your choice.

#boxerwoodgardens #lexingtonva #familyphotography #familyphotographer