The Keller's | lifestyle

On New Year's Eve, two of our best friends welcomed the sweetest little human into the world and I am feeling all sorts of overjoyed after spending the afternoon with them. Life is so neat - over four years ago, I was sitting across from Meagan at a Barnes and Noble asking her to capture our wedding day. She's taken all of the professional photos that Brent and I have together, and I love looking back at how our friendship has weathered different seasons of life and continued to grow through the years. And just one more fun fact about Meagan before I get too sappy over here... right after Brent and I were married, I struggled through depression and felt loneliness like I never had before. It was a difficult time for me and then Meagan asked me to start shooting weddings with her. She invited me along to sessions and she even let me borrow her extra camera for almost a year so that I could practice and have the opportunity to stretch my creative muscle. She saw my heart, took a chance on me and trusted me to shoot with her, and she stirred up a passion that was sitting dormant within me. And honestly, I'm certain I wouldn't be here today writing this caption if it weren't for her. So many of my loved ones have encouraged me and challenged me to pursue my heart's desire - but Meagan started it all. And here I am getting all weepy thinking about how incredible life is and how God must chuckle sometimes at how much we want to control everything in our lives and yet he works all things together in his perfect timing and through his faithful servants. So anyway... here's one of my favorites from today and can we just take a moment to admire how beautiful this new mother is?! LIKE AN ANGEL. Thanks for being a gem, Meagan. I am so proud of you. And Caleb? Thanks for loving my dear friend so, so well. 

Christian + Kelsey | married

When Kelsey and I first connected over the phone to talk about her vision for her and Christian's wedding day, I instantly knew that we would be a good match! I could hardly wait to spend some time with the two of them together, during one of my absolute favorite seasons. Go ahead, ask me why fall is my favorite ...but if you scroll through all of the images below, you won't need to. Fall weddings for the win! 

Their day was classic, fabulous, fun, and absolutely beautiful - the weather, the foliage, the people, and the moment they said, "I do." Not to mention, Kelsey's grandfather (who is in his 90's and more insightful and funny than a lot of people I know!) shared heartfelt, genuine, and hilariously practical wisdom about marriage throughout their ceremony. It was perfect! 

Christian + Kelsey, thanks so much for allowing us to be a part of your day. It was a JOY. 

Matt, Brittne, + Payton | family

Family is beautiful and the more time I spend behind the camera capturing families (especially with little ones), the more I realize how crazy important it is to be focused and present in every moment I spend with people. Matt and I went to the same high school and his brother, Josh (who also went to the same high school!), just happens to be married to one of my best friends, Amy. The one thing that Amy warned me about before this session? "Don't fall in love with Payton!" And, well, it's just impossible not to fall in love with all of them. 

Ben & Summer | maternity

First, I'd like to say that I'm going to try my hardest not to get overly mushy in this post. Please bear with me OR kindly scroll through the paragraphs below to some pretty cute photos of two people who clearly missed their calling as models... 

You may or may not know this already depending on how much you follow me on social media, but Summer and I have been friends our entire lives. Our parents attended the same church together and 27 years ago, we were born about one month apart and we have been friends ever since. I've said it probably a thousand times (or more) in my life, but having a friend to walk through so many seasons of life with is amazing. She is, as they say, my person. Though we've gone through times of not talking much, we've also really never known a life without each other. She gets me, I don't need to explain why I am the way that I am or share the reasons behind some of my quirkiest qualities... because she already knows. It is an incredible treasure to be known by someone and still be loved by them. 

Summer is warm, funny, beautiful, loving, real, strong, intelligent, and simple in the way that she knows what's important to her and she doesn't let life's junk complicate it. I love that about her and she challenges me to do the same just by being her. She is that trustworthy friend who everyone longs for. I know that whatever I share with her, my deepest hurts and most embarrassing moments - they're safe. She has always been fiercely independent and she's always been confident in who she is. I'm going to sound like a cheeseball here, but whatever - her laugh is the best and one of the reasons I love being in her company is because it means laughing to the point of my stomach aching. It refreshes my soul and helps me work on my abs (LOL). When we're together, we can just BE. I can't tell you how many times she has put up with a simultaneously sobbing and giggling Andrea. Yes, sobbing and giggling, because I'm INSANE and she has always been around to keep my emotions grounded and giggle along with me when I'm being crazy. And her husband, Ben... Oh, Ben. I spent most of my life thinking that there was absolutely no way anyone could be good enough for my best friend. Really. I seriously thought it was impossible and if you know Summer, you will understand why. Then came Ben, this guy who has treasured her heart from the moment he began his pursuit; who always shows up and gives his everything to all that he does; who complements her strength with his quiet sensitivity; who visibly seeks to bring out the best in her; who takes care of her with his life in a way that honestly never stops amazing me. And can I share something sort of embarrassing but also very honest with you? He is really so great that I still have these moments when I wonder if he might actually be a robot because he is just so LEGIT. If you know Ben, you probably understand this... HOW IS HE SO LEGIT?!

All of this is to say, I love these people wholeheartedly. I am overjoyed to see them grow together and now, take on new titles as "father" and "mother." I know they will love Baby M and raise him to be a confident, strong, loving, and faithful man of Christ. And I can't wait for the years to come to be there watching and cheering them on. 

So... let's pretend that I didn't sob my way through all of that and move on to some cute photos of these two expecting friends of mine.  

Kurt & Katelyn | married

Kurt and Katelyn share a love that weathers all things, believes the best, and lifts you up within only moments of meeting them. Why? Because they love Christ first and it fuels their love for one another AND for everyone around them. When I first met Katelyn, I immediately felt at home with her as though we'd been friends for years. I think this is one of the most beautiful things about her. And when Brent and I met both Kurt and Katelyn for their engagement session, we were cracking jokes and laughing and talking about life right away. If Katelyn is laughing, Kurt is definitely nearby. And if Kurt is grinning, he's probably beside his beautiful bride. 

October 1st, 2016, is a day that I won't soon forget. Easygoing, fun-loving, and just plain wonderful.