The Family I Married Into • The Peterson's

The first time I came over to Jacob's house to meet his family, they had Family Home Evening with us. Connie read The Christmas Orange as we all got part of a chocolate orange. My mom read this story for Christmas as well and we had Christmas Oranges in our stockings almost every year. After reading the Christmas Orange, Jesse lead us in scriptures and asked us these thought provoking questions about what we were reading. It made me that much more interested in what we were reading.

That's when I felt at home. Connie and Jesse both reminded me so much of my own parents and who wouldn't want In-Laws that remind you of your own family? Even though the move to Idaho was a difficult transition for me, I'm so thankful I have this wonderful family only 15 minutes away.  Here are a few of our family photos from Sunday night. We had about 20 minutes to get these and I think we did a decent job, even if none of the nieces and nephews wanted to look at me. :) 

Jodi + Jayden • New Mexico Anniversary Session

Jodi and Jayden run Firework stands down in New Mexico and for the past two years Jacob and I have gone down to join them! Jacob is obsessed with fireworks, so he has the time of his life selling them. This summer my parents were able to come down too which made it an amazing family gathering.

While we were visiting, Jodi and Jayden announced to the family they were expecting! I was so excited and I knew we had to take some time to get photos of Jodi and Jayden for their awesome news. Jodi had such a gorgeous vision for this session. She had bought huge gold balloons that spelled out "Baby". We ended up having a busy day so my mom and I decided to get some things done while Jodi got ready for the session. We headed to Dollar Tree to get these huge balloons filled up and the entire time all I was thinking was, "I really hope I don't pop these, I really hope I don't pop these." While they filled them up, I could see the B's having issues being filled. They ended up putting more air in each B and they finally looked normal. 

I had my mom bring up the car to the front so the balloons wouldn't blow away, and the moment I brought one out to the sun, it popped!! I of course freaked out and didn't want to bring anymore out. I felt horrible as well. So my mom brought the others into the car and the other B popped! Needless to say, I cried feeling like the worst person in the world. (If you've read my 23 facts, you know I'm pretty emotional and sensitive.)

Jodi seemed completely unbothered when I came home and told her which made me feel so much better! We ended up improvising with a frame off the wall and it turned out so cute! Congrats Jodi and Jayden! I can't wait to be Auntie Jay. :)

Madi + Ethan • Ririe Engagements

I met with Madi and Ethan at the Cocoa Bean to discuss wedding plans. I knew these two would be sweethearts, but I didn't realize how much of sweethearts they'd be! They were so giddy and smiley during their session. In fact, we tried doing a couple serious faces and they could barely hold it together. 

This session was pretty special for a couple reasons. First for the love these two have. It was one of the easiest, and carefree sessions I've done because they just adore each other and weren't afraid to show it! Ethan would do whatever it took to get Madi to laugh which got me smiling behind the camera. 

 Secondly, they were so kind to have us try out new video equipment on their session. This meant my husband, Jacob, got to join us! Even though he ended up carry bags more than anything, it was so much fun chatting all four of us. You can see Madi and Ethan's Engagement video here.

I cannot wait for Madi and Ethan's October Wedding in Payson, Utah! For now, enjoy their engagements from Friday night!