I had the privilege of meeting the Owens family a year ago. I was a part of an extraordinary organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. I was watching Extreme Home Makeover and the women on the show was a photographer for NILMDTS and I was touched by the gift she was giving parents who had lost a child or were about to. I’m a strong believer that God has given me the gift of photography and in any case it gives the heart a picture to hold on to. There is life after “I Do’s” and I may love taking photos of a couple becoming one, but I also like to capture those moments that are after the “I Do’s”. When I got the phone call that morning that there was a family that had lost their little boy and they wanted some photos, I was immediately broken for them. I had never met Salwa and Peter before but before I met them I knew I was getting ready to meet a couple that was grieving beyond my imagination. God gave me strength I didn’t know I had while photographing their little boy Gemeriah and I’m so thankful I was able to give them that gift. A year later they are expecting a baby and I’m so excited for them. I know Salwa is nervous, as any mother would be, and I’m so excited they’re expecting again. Later on I would find out there is a group called Mothers of Angels that my friend Megan Hamm is a part of. Megan and Adam lost their little boy last April and I was there to capture those last moments of little Elijah’s life. I cannot begin to tell you how strong Megan and Adam were during those final moments. I’ve never seen such a strong couple, and I’m so thankful God gave them that strength to get through their loss. I’m also thankful Megan and Salwa and many other women have found comfort in knowing eachother. Can talk to eachother about their fears, pain, joy and every other emotion they feel. God has a perfect plan for each of you and knowing and having eachother is a part of that plan.

When I saw that Salwa was pregnant I jumped on the chance to be able to photograph her and her family before the baby. Salwa is one gorgeous pregnant woman. I only hope I look as good as her when I’m pregnant! Salwa, Peter and Izzi… thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. I cannot wait to meet this little one! Even if that means I’ll be flying out to California to take some pictures… you know I will! It’ll give me an excuse to visit family. I can just see the gorgeous pictures we’d get on the beaches of San Diego! 🙂 Thank you again!

Here are some photos from our session!