From a long blue tether attached to the front porch, Chelsea bounces forward to greet me. Not yet 9 o’clock, the day has already announced it will be Uncomfortably Sticky Without a Chance of Breeze. And so it seems Chelsea’s adorable, full body shimmy leaves her champagne-hued fur just hanging in the air long after the shake.
Shannon smiles from the doorway and as I cross the threshold, I feel an honest-to-goodness wave of calm and love and kindness. Dustin and Bryce are just as sweet and authentic, and there in that instant we all feel like old friends. Genuinely. I can’t explain it. The ooze kindness.
Bryce leads the way through their cozy home into the cool backyard garden. The sun sends kisses through old ash trees, while she plucks ripe tomatoes, spindly green beans, and rosemary sprigs for breakfast.
Simple, real ingredients line their counters. Measuring, cracking, pouring, sprinkling happen over soft conversation. And soon words compete with a symphony of bubbling pancakes & sizzling bacon. Chelsea is torn between getting comfy in sunny spot in the dining room and visiting the kitchen on bacon’s beckon.
Bryce masters several puzzles while her parents work the stove. Both Dustin and Shannon pause in the kitchen to chat with Bryce.
Fluffy pancakes. Sweet Potato Hash. Toast. Fruit. Coffee. Milk. Weekend breakfast is served. Yum.That’s it. The humidity has declared victory over long curly locks–adorable top knot it is. Everyone heads back to the garden to plant fall herbs. Bryce preps by filling her watering can from the rain barrel.
dWe end our visit all curled up, coffee in hand, and Shannon reading with such enchanting expression. Chelsea watches the passers-by from her sofa throne. All is right with the world.
Shannon’s beautiful, tear-inducing testimonial to our time together:
Jen Lucas Photography is the best local company I could ever give my money to. Her professional yet extremely personal attitude is superb. Her dedication to get the best session possible for her clients is beyond expectation. Jen was flexible when I wanted to make location changes, understanding and willing to go the extra mile to make us so happy. THE PICTURES! Oh my goodness. The quality is the top notch. capturing every moment of our day together in the best possible way. The face of our little daughter never looked better. Our aging dog was captured in a way that will be well remembered even after she is gone someday. Our life in a house that we love will be with us forever. Jen Lucas will be my lifelong photographer. It would be a mistake if you don’t make her yours.
Goodness, excuse me while I wipe away this little tear in my eye. Thank you, Shannon, from the bottom of my heart.
If you’re ready to schedule your own Beautifully Ordinary documentary session with me, contact me to set up a time to chat!
xo, Jen
Beautifully Ordinary is a trademark of Jen Lucas Photography, LLC.