All week I’ve been thinking about words. What words might describe what the new year will bring? What words will characterize my circumstances or my thoughts? And then I sat down to create this post – my absolute favorite of the year, because who doesn’t like to gather and dwell on their favorites? – and one word sticks out to me about the last year. “Humbled.” In 2016, I was humbled, and completely privileged to connect with so many different families and peek into their worlds. These people are like bonus family members to me, and I am humbled to have been able to draw near to the incredible relationships they have with one another, and turn their sweet connections into beautiful images. I hope they see what I see in these – beauty, trust, joy, and love. All these gorgeous faces are inspiring me BIG TIME for whatever’s coming down the road. :) Enjoy a few of my favorites from 2016.
We took advantage of the spotlight still being on Grayson and got some big ol’ two-year-old portraits. Isn’t he handsome?
His mama, though. HOLY STUNNING, BATMAN. You are one beautiful girl, Krista.
Bonus points for capturing goofy dad moments? I’d take it. :)
You guys are just so dapper. I love the contentment on your faces. 
Since these were taken, their baby GIRL was born, and I got to meet her a few days ago. Stay tuned for her newborn session!!! She’s perfect, obviously. :) 
Lakshmi has such a calm peace about her. So ready to meet her girl and take on the title of “mother”. She is also completely stunning. My jaw dropped when I saw this one. 
This was such a beautiful moment. They were talking about their first thoughts upon finding out the baby was a girl, and how they had been waiting for her. Ohhhh, Rashmi, I hope you adore this photo when you are older. 
Cloudy evenings in Nebraska tend to put on the prettiest shows. ;)
And then there’s this. Lakshmi’s mother flew all the way from India to be with her daughter’s family and meet her first granddaughter. I love that she arrived just in time (literally) to be in a few photos, along with Lakshmi’s brother. 
Her name is a beautiful combination of her parents’ names. She is so special, and I cannot wait to meet her – soon! Thank you, Raghu and Lakshmi, so much for letting me in on your anticipation and excitement!
Mackenzie on the run!
Megan, your hair + your smile = such beautiful perfection. You are so stunning.
My favorite.
How could you ever say no to her? Heart melt. :)
You guys are awesome – so patient and engaged with your girl, who clearly adores you both to the moon and back. I can’t wait to see you with two! Thank you for trusting me with capturing the real, everyday love in your family. It was such a treat!
He was a big fan of our choice to start at the park. :)
And here’s his family, and all three of them belong in a magazine!! 
This is Ginni. She is completely gorgeous, and extra glow-y, as she’s expecting baby #2 just around the corner. So we made sure to highlight her sweet, special bump with some maternity shots of just her.
Gosh, I’m glad this kid likes to smile. Those teeth are just the best. 
Dear Lincoln, Nebraska. The more walls you paint perfect, pretty colors, the better. K, thanks!
Jeremie and Ginni are wonderfully comfortable together. Just in having a simple conversation, they brought out such genuine smiles from one another. 
Ginni, you honestly didn’t take a bad photo the entire night. Such a pleasure to photograph you and your family in such an exciting season of enjoying Miles, and anticipating his sibling. :)
And lastly, all summer sessions ought to end with an ice cream cone. This one especially! It was well-deserved, Miles. Way to go, bud! Thanks again to this sweet family for spending some unguarded, unhurried time with me! 
I adore this one. It’s so them. :)
Not all the photos in a maternity session need to dial in on that gorgeous, growing bump. I love capturing the relationship as a whole, especially during exciting, pivotal seasons like waiting for a baby. There is no time like it – anticipating major excitement and change, and lingering in the quiet, fading season of “just the two of us.” 
Baby girl is going to be soooo stylin’. I cannot wait to meet her!!!
Mandy, you are seriously radiant. That smile is perfection. 
I’m glad it won’t be long ’til we get to meet your sweet girl, Tyler & Mandy. So thankful for you both. :)