Little Archie has been in front of my camera every three months since he was born, and it has been such a joy to document each new milestone! For his 12 month portraits, we celebrated with a beautiful fall Seven Islands family session. It also served as updated family photos for the Grimes family.
I love this sweet family so much. The Grimeses are genuinely some of the kindest people. During this particular session, I had the opportunity to experience their incredible grace.
We photographed their session in the middle of October, between my returning from Washington, D.C., and preparing to leave for Colorado. It was a wild week, and I would be lying if I said I had not overextended myself! On the same evening as their session, I had an associate photographer beginning another session at 6 p.m.
The Grimes family’s session was scheduled to begin at 5:30. Somehow, despite confirming the correct time with them, I planned for a 6 p.m. start in my head all day. At 5:25, as I prepared to leave, I suddenly realized my mistake.
I immediately called Allison, apologized profusely, and told her I was on my way. While the late arrival was completely my fault, God graciously allowed everything to work out beautifully. The extra time gave Archie about 30 minutes to get out of his car seat, play in the car, and jam to some music. By the time we began their Seven Islands family session shortly before six, he was in the absolute best mood!
The lighting at Seven Islands State Birding Park could not have been more perfect. That soft fall glow surrounded the Grimes family as they played, cuddled, and celebrated Archie turning one. His sweet personality came through in every photograph, and the entire evening felt relaxed and joyful.
Although I apologized approximately 33 more times throughout their session, Allison and her family remained incredibly gracious. They never made me feel as though they were frustrated or inconvenienced—even though they would have been completely justified in feeling that way. Instead, they extended patience, understanding, and kindness.
Ultimately, everything worked out, and I am so thankful for clients who offer grace so beautifully. The Grimes family’s response was such a precious representation of Jesus’ love and a reminder of the kind of grace we are called to show one another.
This fall Seven Islands family session was special for so many reasons. We celebrated Archie’s first birthday, captured a new season for this wonderful family, and created beautiful portraits beneath the dreamiest autumn light. Most importantly, I left feeling deeply grateful—not only for the opportunity to document this family’s story but also for the kindness they showed me when I needed it most.
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