kim + angelo + lilly

The number one piece of advice that people gave me when I was a brand new mom was, “enjoy it; it goes by so fast.” On some level, I knew it was true, but I didn’t fully understand it. Then I lived it, and she grew and changed right before my eyes, faster than my human brain could even process. Just when I think I have her little face memorized, it changes again. It all happens so fast, that you can only remember little snippets of things, and before you know it, you’re planning their second birthday party and wondering where in the world all the time went. It’s the most heartbreakingly beautiful journey I’ve ever been on, and it has forced me to learn how to be more present; just one of the many gifts motherhood has given me. I bet you can guess what my go-to advice is for all new moms now. :)

These newborn family sessions are even more special to me now than they were before I became a mother, because I’m fully aware of the fact that these moments are fleeting and the details of them will be forgotten. I’m so grateful that Kim and Angelo invited me in to document this incredibly special time in their lives. Lilly is one lucky little girl to have these two as parents.

michele + daryl + desmond // unity island family session

There something that I love so much about photographing a family in front of their home. Whenever we have our own family photographed, I always request one in front of our house because it’s such a special part of our lives. We’ve been through so much as a family in our house; so many “firsts,” so much laughter, so many tears. I don’t know if we’ll stay in this house forever, but I always want to remember the time we spent here. Anytime I have the opportunity to take a few quick photos of a family in front of their house, I always do. It’s one of those things that you probably don’t think you want, but years from now, you will be SO grateful to have.

I have been photographing Michele and Daryl for five years now, and I can’t even put into words exactly how much that means to me. It started with their engagement session at the Buffalo Central Terminal, then their wedding at The Roycroft, then when Desmond came along we did a maternity session in the Elmwood Village, and the photos in this post were from our second family session together. It has been so special to watch them grow into this beautiful, perfect little family, and to know that photos I’ve taken will be on their walls and in their photo albums for the rest of their lives. (Michele + Daryl + Desi: I love you guys!!)

Check out some of my favorites from their most recent family session at Unity Island and in front of their adorable Buffalo home. :)