Jessica + Michael

These two.

I tell ya.

Stinkin' cute.

They braved the cold with me on a wintery day in January, and I am SO glad they did!

Super adorable.

Portrait 01/12

Portrait 01.

Battles.

This year has a lot of major events happening. I declared it my best year, and I'm sure that is true. However, there are the not so great moments we face as well during our best times. Sometimes these moments are caused by other people, sometimes ourselves, and sometimes, no one. They just happen.

The worst feeling is being ignored.

The emotion is indescribable. I would take a full out screaming, heated argument over pure silence.  But in today's world, this silence isn't just through a voice... this silence is also communicated through digital mediums which can bother us just as well. 

Silence.

Sometimes, silence is beautiful.
Like the moment someone takes your breath away and you have no words to explain the joy you are feeling. Like the time you are told that you will be chosen over, again and again, forever. 

Silence.
But in times of a needed answer, this silence can drive you crazy.
January has been a month of risks for me. I have made photography my full time thing, I have dropped a security blanket, and I have officially began wedding planning (for my own).
Some choices I have made were completely a leap of faith - but I know I will be successful in whatever I do - It's just who I am.

In this month I have taken a step back from my busy life and have let go of all of my worries.

Life will be, what it needs to be.

Shine Bright 02.

Meet Meagan

Meagan is one of the most kind and gentle souls in this world that I have had the honor of knowing for 20 years. She is what this project is about.

Sometimes we feel like we are not tan enough,

not thin enough, 

just ... not enough.

But even in the most simple of time - 

even without hiding behind a mask 

our strength and our beauty prevail.

What do you love about yourself?

I love how caring I can be towards people and I always try to see the good in people and the positive side of every situation. Even though I can get hurt when thinking this way, I feel that it makes me a happier person overall to view the positives in life as opposed to always expecting the negative.

What gets you discouraged?

When life sets in and I am given battles I don't believe I can handle on my own. I begin to panic thinking I am not good enough or strong enough to overcome this. It is a scary road to go down - but then I remind myself I am not alone in this world.

How do you face or overcome your demons?

When I am dealing with demons I take a step back and look at my life as a whole. While doing this I see all the blessings I have been given. A husband: who loves me for me, and finds me beautiful in my own unique way. A family: who is close and bends over backwards to help one another through whatever battle presents at the time. A God: who cares for each and every one of us - and will no matter what nonsense this world fills in our heads.

What is your Greatest Passion?

One thing in my life that will always give me the greatest sense of joy and happiness is helping others. I love the feeling that I get from it. I love feeling like I have touched someone's life or helped make a difference for them. I will always try my best to help others as much as I can because when circumstances are reversed and you are the one in need, it makes all of the difference in the world when someone is there to help you.

Beautiful Meagan.