Two beautiful people with two beautiful children in one beautiful home? Let’s do this!

Katie Conrad and I became friends in the grad school bullpen at Ball State University. So I’ve known her infectious smile and keen attention to detail for a few years now. I was more than thrilled when she reached out asking if I would capture her beautiful family last summer. It felt a little bit like shopping with an old girlfriend as we sent links back and forth via text of potential outfits and color schemes for their session. What I think I was most excited about is that Katie was totally down to break their session into two segments, one of which would feature her family at home doing their thing, prior to them getting dressed up and heading out the door for part two.

After these sweet family snuggles, it was time for everyone to get dolled up and to head out! We chose a nature reserve just around the corner to catch a sweet summer sunset. This gorgeous family did not disappoint with finding grasshoppers, dancing, and sweet little secrets for their mama.

Honestly, does it get cuter? I know Katie was a little nervous about making sure the kids were “on their best behavior,” but I told her what I told every mom who feels that way. The more relaxed and in the moment you can be, the more enjoyable it will be for everyone! Kids can definitely pick up on any tension so I want to be able to joke with them and ask them to dance and talk about macaroni and cheese and look at bugs, all while catching those sweet smiles in-between! If I ever need a mom to jump in I promise I will let them know!

Thank you, Conrad family, for letting me spend a beautiful summer evening with you all! I can’t wait to do it again!