Goodbye.

I don’t even like that word. But the past few days it’s been ringing loud and clear around our house, weaving itself in and out of conversations and buzzing around our minds like a pesky fly that you just can’t rid yourself of.

Goodbye.

It seems so permanent. It takes joy and somehow seeps the life out of it. It tightens your heart and makes you ache.

Goodbye.

A farewell. A parting.

And that’s where my lesson from a six year old began.

She’s had only one other experience with a friend moving away and really, at the age of 4, I’m not sure that it completely sunk down into the depths of her heart.

But this time, it was different. This time, she felt the sting, both inwardly and as the tears fell down her cheeks.

This time, goodbye felt less like a temporary see you later and more like an infinite departure.

So what did she teach me, as we sat there cuddled together on the couch, shedding tears that seemed limitless?

She taught me so very much.

Perhaps, though that tender moment with her was really the pinnacle. The lessons had been scattered throughout the day.

1) Treasure the time

Lost time is never found again. – Benjamin Franklin

Enjoy the blessings of sweet friendships that the Lord has given you.  Value those individuals and make the time to spend with them. The people who love you, for you- they are precious gems. When you have found a friendship like that cultivate it. Laugh together. Celebrate together. Rejoice together. Pray together. Walk through life together, in the highs and lows. Treasure the time and the person. They are such gifts from the Lord.

I watched my sweet little girl, play with one of her dearest friends, one last time before their move. I heard precious conversations, countless giggles and silly stories. I was so thankful for that time, not just for Eden and Grace, but for my mommy heart as well. It was a wonderful reminder that no matter how old we are, the beauty of a true friendship is indescribable.
We should not only make the time, but we should truly treasure the time as well.

Friends come and friends go,
but a true friend sticks by you like family.
Proverbs 18:24 (The Message)

2) Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

You must go forward on your knees. -Hudson Taylor

Despite the circumstances, keep your center fixed on what matters the most in life: The Giver of Life – who desires an intimate relationship with you. Communicate with the Lord- all the time. Tell Him when your happy and likewise, tell Him when your heart is heavy. Ask Him to give you wisdom, to show you grace, to comfort you and then rest confidently in His promises.  He won’t leave you.

While playing a board game, Eden expressed an interest in praying for Grace before she left. Sitting knee to knee in front of our fireplace, I listened as my six year old daughter asked the God of the Universe to bless Grace in her move, to give her new friends to play with, to laugh with and to grow with. Then an hour later, with tear stained eyes, curled up in my lap, I listened to Eden pray again,  that God would help her heart not to hurt and that He would allow their friendship to continue despite the distance. Sweet, simple six year old prayers. Prayers that gave new perspective and brought peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

3)It’s OK to Cry

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.
They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. -Washington Irving

Laughter is important. It’s necessary even. And so are tears. How easy it is to keep your emotions bottled inside and to forget the beauty of transparency. The Bible is replete with cases of individuals crying. Even Jesus wept.

As we gave our last hugs, I felt a few tears begin to trickle down my face. I had committed to myself and others that I simply wasn’t going to cry. After all, I’m beyond thrilled for the incredible opportunity that the Lord has provided for our friends! Lots of tears didn’t need to be a part of that process right? And then we walked away, Eden hugging my leg as we entered our home and closed the door. And then tears came. From a little girl’s eyes, they fell to the ground and she collapsed in my arms. In that moment, the grand lesson wasn’t earth shattering. It was simply to meet her where she was. It was to cry with her. To show her that it’s ok to be vulnerable, that it’s ok to yearn for something different than reality, but to also lean into the promises of God, to understand that though we may not always understand His ways- they are always higher than our own. In those tender moments, we   allowed ourselves the opportunity to be real with one another and with the emotions swirling through our hearts. And I’m so glad we did. The beauty in the tears, is that there was hope waiting just around the corner. An excitement, anticipation really, to see how the Lord will continue to grow our friendships, though many miles apart. And the knowledge that one day Eden will be able to help someone else feeling the same way because she’s been comforted by the Lord when her heart was heavy.

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times,
and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (The Message)

Goodbye.

It’s still not my favorite word.

It’s origin however, I’m starting to like.

Goodbye- an alteration of God be with you, used circa 1580.

Yes, God be with you.

God be with you sweet friends on this new journey and may The One who called you be faithful to meet all your needs along the way.

So yesterday, I shared about my sweet kiddos who worked hard to help raise funds to bring little Zach home.

Today, it’s my turn!

When I was growing up, some of my sweetest childhood memories happened in the Wilson home. We would bake, play, dance, put on little shows and sing (well, they sang- talented sisters that they are)! Now, we’re all grown up and spread across the globe. When I look back on those special times I had with those 4 Wilson girls, I’m so thankful that God provided their friendships- friendships that not only gave me precious memories to look back on, but also friendships that taught me what it looks like to love the Lord along side of others.

I recently got an email from Wilson Sis #3, April and her husband Luke. They revealed that they are adopting from Africa! How exciting! As I’ve shared before, adoption is an expensive endeavor! These are just some of the expenses that April and Luke will be responsible for:

• Home Study: $1300
• Plane Tickets: $4000
• Transportation and Lodging while in Uganda: $4500
• Our Baby’s Care and Documents while in Uganda: $3000
• Adoption Fees: $4250
• Attorney Fees (Domestic and International): $5500

And here is where they are:

If you read the Green’s story yesterday, you know that every little penny helps (remember Eden’s 0.94?)!

Well, this week- every dollar also counts!

April and Luke are the featured family on Give 1 Save 1.

The concept is simple, as documented on the G1S1 Website:

Give 1: 

“Every Monday I’m going to ask you for a dollar. I’m going to tell you who it’s going to and what it’s being used for. We’re mostly funding adoption for the people, by the people.  We’re just going to rain down a crazy blessing on a family, organization, orphanage, or project and we’re going to do it every week. We’re going to get huge. And the world will be changed for lots of people because of your generosity.
That sounds exciting, doesn’t it?! Let’s do it.”

Save 1: 

“And your dollar will be saving and restoring lives in all kinds of ways. Removing a child from an orphanage gives that child a family and a future, something everyone needs. It also frees up a bed in an orphanage for another orphan. Your dollar will change lives and save lives in ways you may never know.”

So, what do you think? Can you help bring Baby Graham home?? It’s easy. It’s inexpensive! But your $1, added to everyone else’s will make a HUGE difference in bringing this sweet baby home. 

Who’s in? 

Head over now, watch their video and make your donation, just like I just did. Then, respond here or on my photography fan page that you donated today and I’ll pick one lucky winner to receive a prize. Give more than 1.00, and I’ll put your name in the mix one time for each additional George Washington you give! Just be honest and let me know!

Let’s make this happen! Let’s bring Baby Graham HOME! 

Oh goodness, my heart is so full this morning! There are so many awesome things the Lord is doing to bring children into forever families and I’m humbled that in several of these cases, I’ve had the privilege of watching Him work! I can’t wait to share them all with you this week.

But, I wanted to start with one of the neatest stories I’ve had first hand experience with: watching my children work hard to bring home sweet little Zach, a boy whom our friends are adopting. Over the summer they diligently read, day in and day out and received pledges for each page, in a program we named “Read for the Red Thread.”  I was blown away by their desire to be a part of raising money and awareness for the Green Family and so humbled by the generous donations of individuals near and far, some who we may never meet this side of Heaven. We’ve been collecting the donations for months (which is why this post has been delayed), but Saturday we finally had everything we needed to complete the project.  The boys had done an amazing job reading and receiving their donations, but as we made cards and slipped in the check, Eden quietly  ran up to her room. She came back with the change from her piggy bank. Despite the fact that she wasn’t fully reading or able to collect donations over the summer, she still wanted to make a contribution to bring Zachhome to his forever family. As she piled her coins on the table, my mommy heart melted.

 In order to commemorate this exciting achievement, we headed out for a little mini session, full of lots of love and anticipation at the thought of one day soon getting to meet sweet Zach!

  Our big readers!

The most obvious lesson in Christ’s teaching is that there is no happiness in having or getting anything, but only in giving. ~ Henry Drummond

 And…. drumroll please- here’s the final count thanks to Collin and Griffin’s reading efforts, your precious donations and lots of love and prayers! That’s right… $1,525 (and 94 cents when you factor in Eden’s donation)!

How about celebrating all that love?!!

P.S. This was not staged- the heart literally fell down right in front of my lens like this! 

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

 Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift.
No language can praise it enough!
2 Corinthians 9:8-15;  The Message

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Yes, I’m a few days late…but the thought remains the same! Praying your day was filled with joy and love, as you celebrated the birth of our Savior!

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says,

“An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break.” 

Katie introduced me to this phrase several years ago, when her and hubby Josh embarked on a journey to adopt a sweet little boy from China. Adding to their family of 3 already, this was an amazing story of feeling the prompting of the Lord in their hearts and being obedient.

We watched for months as their forever family was being built- through challenges and joys, struggles and milestones. A journey that spread from February until December of 2010. Adoption is clearly not for the faint of heart!

Asher is such a perfect addition to their family! His sweet smile radiates joy and the love that his older siblings have for him, is a beautiful testimony to how the Lord has woven this boy into the fabric of their lives and mostly, their hearts.

Several months ago, as Katie and I were chatting online, she mentioned that when they left China, they knew it would not be their last time there. With an anxiousness in my heart as I waited for the rest of her message to chime in, I knew. I knew that Katie and Josh had felt the prompting of the Lord again. Moving their hearts back to China, back to an orphanage, back to a place where so many sweet little ones need forever families. Indeed, my assumption was correct. Baby # 5 is being prayed for, paperwork is being submitted and their family is sure to grow by two tiny little feet. Feet that will be born on foreign soil, but brought here to walk out the days of his/her life. Feet that will run in the grass with 4 siblings and get tickled by a mom and dad whose love knows no bounds.

I couldn’t be more excited for this family!

Enter our story- my story really.

Months and months prior to Katie’s revelation, I had been watching a live stream of a collegiate conference my husband had helped to plan. Here, a representative, Chris Wheeler, from ShowHope shared about being an active part of the world of adoption. God’s Word clearly speaks to the plight of these little ones:

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  James 1:27

He challenged college students to not be bound by their age, but to stand up and make a difference. Maybe this season in their lives isn’t meant for adopting, but that doesn’t excuse them (read me),  as believers from taking God’s heart on this matter seriously.

I sat late that evening, alone, with my four precious blessings tightly tucked in bed and wept. How many children would give anything to find themselves in a snuggly bed, with blankets and teddy bears and parents to watch over them. My heart broke.
Again.
Just as it has always done when I imagine a child without a home. In those moments, I asked the Lord to really show me how to help. To use talents, gifts and passions from Him to provide in unique ways for those who have found themselves in the season of adoption.

After some prayer, research, brainstorming and conversations, He has given me two unique ways to reach out, to be active in giving towards something that brings joy to His heart.

Today, I bring you the story of how our family is going to walk the journey of adoption along side of our sweet friends Katie and Josh, in a unique way. A way, that I believe will help our children to understand that age doesn’t matter, when God puts something on your heart. A way for our family to come together as a team to help bring a child closer to meeting their forever family.

I introduce you to:

Last year my boys read books over the course of the summer through a Focus on the Family (FOF) Initiative entitled, Raise the Roof on Reading. Individuals pledged money per page that they read, in age appropriate books, and at the end of the summer, sent in their donations, which we forwarded to FOF. The money was collected by students across the country and helped to build an orphanage in Rwanda! AMAZING experience for our children to see the impact that they can make when they put their minds to something. To this day, they still talk about sending that envelope in the mail, knowing that they were helping boys and girls they would never meet.
My mommy heart was full.

This year, the summer challenge for FOF was different, but really, I think it has been a beautiful blessing in disguise! Now, we get to take that same concept and make it personal. This summer our boys are going to read for Katie and Josh’s family. We’re “Reading for the Red Thread.”
Instead of sending off the donations from individuals like you, who can support them over the course of the summer, we’re going to send the donations to a family we know!

What’s the best part?

The day that this family brings home their baby! Our children will get to see in a very tangible way how their efforts helped to rescue a sweet baby. They are thrilled that this time around, they’ll be able to touch, hug and kiss on the little one that will benefit from their reading!

——————————————————————————————————

I know you have a million questions racing through your head… so I’m going to try to answer them all right here.

1) How do I know that this is a real family? 
Katie and my husband, Rahul, were in the same youth group back in the day in Miami. When we got married, I inherited a friendship with her and I am so very glad that I did! We are like minded, have a passion for our families and the Lord. We enjoy chatting together between our rare opportunities to actually visit in person (remember, we both currently have 4 kids) and we do best when we’ve started the day off with coffee- strong coffee, again 4 kids!

Here are a few pictures she sent me to prove their existence!

Gracie, Annie (yes, she has an amazing name!), Ben and Asher

2) How can sponsoring summer reading really make a difference in this family’s life? 

Did you know that an international adoption in China costs approximately $25,000 – $30,000!!! Did you read that? Did you gasp? $25,000 – $30,000- to bring home a baby who needs parents?!!! WOW! That’s a rather huge chunk of change for anyone, but for those called to adopt, for those trusting in the Lord to meet all their needs, they cling tightly to the promise in Luke that nothing is impossible with God! By sponsoring my boys’ reading over the summer, your pledges will, combined with others make a difference. Cover an expense. Send a file. Get them on a plane. Allow them to bring home their child, who they love deeply already, but do not yet know. We need sponsors to commit to donating at least 1 penny for every page  read over the summer- our goal is at least 1,000 pages for each of the boys (1,000 pages @ 1 penny = just $10.00 and only chapter book pages count).

3) I’m in, how do I commit to sponsoring now?

Just fill out this simple form below. It will help us keep track of who is joining us on the journey!  At the end of the summer (August 30), we’ll tally the pages read, email out our sponsors and request for the money to be sent to our address, so that we can send it all together, rather than having Katie trying to keep up with random checks in the midst of all the other adoption paperwork.

4) I can’t sponsor, but I want to help! What do I do?

Can you share this blog post with all your family and  friends? Facebook friends, friends at the office, friends at your church, your neighbors? Spreading the word helps us do 2 things- it brings an awareness to the need for and beauty of adoption and will help us, hopefully, raise more sponsors. Commit to pray for this family, who still has a rather large amount of money to raise. Pray that the Lord would provide in miraculous ways!

Thank you so much! I’m eager to see how God moves and appreciate you joining us as we Read 4 the Red Thread!

Dreams really do come true and the opening of this playground is proof of that simple truth!

Many of you, over the course of the past couple of years, have directly or indirectly helped in making this moment a reality. Here at Annie Agarwal Photography we’ve had the privilege of walking beside Clouds of Hope, raising awareness and funds to aid in the completion of this incredible project.

Through The Dream Calendar, we’ve been able to donate just over $11,000.00 to Clouds of Hope to assist in making community playgrounds accessible to children of all abilities.  Of all the projects I’ve undertaken, this has to be one of my favorites. The strength of the families that I have met, their precious children who are overcoming obstacles everyday and their sweet perseverance have inspired me in ways that words could never express! These children will forever hold a place in my heart.

Just last week, one of the largest of their projects was completed and dedicated in an early morning celebration!

What an incredible moment to look at where the dreams of a small little girl and her sister have taken this family, to see how Wally and Renee’s passion to minister to families of children with life altering illnesses has reached farther than I’m sure they ever could have imagined and to see just how faithful our big God is!

This was more than just a dream come true, it’s the beginning of something beautiful- it’s a place where more dreams, more smiles, more milestones and more joy will be experienced… for many years to come!

Without ado, I introduce you to the new playground at Riverhills Elementary!

Hands down, the image on the right is my favorite from the day! It says everything about what this playground is meant to be!

Of course, I had to have a quick snapshot with the girls who started it all! Love Allie and Abbie so very much and am so excited to see how the Lord continues to use them!

Congrats to Clouds of Hope! Make sure you take some time to enjoy this playground and their other renovation at Lightfoot this summer! Your kids will love you for it!

 For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37

“Perhaps after all our worries and questions, we’ll discover that all along God had the right thing at the right time for us. Perhaps His plan is more wonderful than anything that we could create by ourselves- whether it comes with ‘pomp and blare,’ or quietly, ‘like an old friend.’ Perhaps…. perhaps…we should entrust our questions of ‘How?’ and ‘Who?’ and ‘When?’ into His tender care. ~ Joshua Harris

That quote was printed in our wedding program one decade ago; and even today it speaks immensely to my heart.
You see 10 years ago, I had really just begun to understand and take hold of His timetable.
And now, I’ve been married to the man of my dreams for 3,650 days!

It’s hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly.

It seems like just days ago my best friend Heather Ann was slipping on my Gran’s garter and praying with me. Just hours since my dad drove me to the church for my very own first look with my soon to be spouse. Minutes since Larry pronounced us husband and wife and we walked down the aisle as our bridal party and guests sang You are Holy. You see, that day, full of all the excitement and joy, in and of itself flew by, now just a precious collection of memories that are forever etched on my heart. But, they are memories that continually serve as a reminder of a covenant that was made before so many friends and family that day. Those memories take me back to a season of my life that was simply so sweet. A time when I can clearly see how God orchestrated details, brought me through heart ache and blessed me with a man who loves Jesus first and foremost. A man who has always desired to lead our family closer to Christ and who 10 years later only gets better at doing so.

On so many of our anniversaries, I stop and reflect on the beauty of that day and the sweetness of those hours celebrating what God had done in bringing us together. I look back at our wedding album and see dear family and friends who walked a journey with us, who stood by our sides, encouraged us and challenged us to live out the life God had called us to fulfill. I’m thankful for them. Even today, 10 years later, though distance separates most of us, my heart rejoices for their precious friendships and the impact they each made in our lives.

But mostly, on our anniversary, I thank God that he’s brought us through so much -good and bad- and that He’s given me a best friend with whom to travel life . In ten years we’ve experienced great joy and great loss, but we’ve seen the provision and protection of God in so many ways. I’m reminded of this passage:

For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
Psalm 96:4

Today, I praise the Lord greatly for His gift of salvation and for the amazing blessing of my husband. A man who I love deeply, admire greatly and respect immensely. A man who challenges me to be better, to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ, a man who patiently puts up with this crazy woman and who does so with extreme love and understanding. A man who has seen me at my worst and my best and who daily chooses to love me. I’m so very thankful to share this life with my best friend, someone who unexpectedly stole my heart all those years ago in Tallahassee. I so look forward to many more years of dreaming-serving-loving-trusting- growing….together!

Happy Anniversary Rahul. I love you the most!

Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one’s life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down. Perhaps it crept to one’s side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed the rhythm and the music; perhaps then…perhaps…love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath. ~ Anne of Avonlea, L.M. Montgomery

I usually don’t post portions of weddings on the blog as “stand alone sets,” because I feel like a story should be told from beginning to end.  However, I just keep coming back to Rebecca and Ryan’s first look.  It was powerful. Moving.  Humbling even,  to know this couple trusted me enough to be there with them- raw emotion and all. And, since I came up with that rule, I’m choosing today to modify it for the sake of giving you not only a precious Friday pick me up, but a glimpse into why these first look moments truly are so priceless. Besides, these images really do tell a story, from the stunning bride waiting patiently for her groom, to his pleasant surprise at seeing the love of his life; from smiles to tears, tender hugs to big laughs. This is a story of anticipation and great love. It’s the story of their very first look.

You see, I always encourage brides to really consider this as a viable and wise option for their day. It helps the schedule to run smoothly, provides ample time to capture lovely couple images without cutting into the reception and honestly aids in the calming of nerves for both the bride and groom. What I also share is that a first look is so intimate, personal and touching- oh and it doesn’t have parameters on it. A first look gives you more than a glimpse to soak in the beauty of the moment. In fact, 10 years ago, my husband and I experienced a first look and it’s the single moment I treasure the most from our entire day- besides when our pastor pronounced us husband and wife!

Yet, as with many things in life, words aren’t always enough to convince. Sometimes we need to see with our eyes and experience with our hearts the beauty of these first moments, without a large crowd… just 2 people, completely in love, setting eyes on one another for the first time on their wedding day.

Ah, the New Year is upon us; yet it’s almost mind boggling that 2011 is coming to a close. In the past few months, our family has been on a roller coaster ride, with so many twists and turns my head has barely stopped spinning. Oh how we’re longing for a peaceful and calm 2012 with the beauty of new beginnings, fresh starts and unique opportunities. I would be remiss though not to mention how very blessed and thankful we are for the beautiful gift of Christmas, sent to us in the form of Baby Jesus, so many years ago.  The celebration of His birth has calmed the storms, helped bring joy in trials and has been refreshing in the midst of sickness amongst our family that just wouldn’t stop.

This season, we’re thankful for Him, just as we are each and every day; and we’re also thankful for our sweet clients who have continuously extended grace and understanding in the midst of our crazy chaos!

There will be many changes this year, especially for Annie Agarwal Photography, but our desire to serve and bring glory to Him will remain the same.

I look forward to sharing priceless memories with you and yours, capturing abundant moments and celebrating the journey of 2012!

Blessings today and always,

Annie

And since no post is complete without a picture or two, here are some warm wishes from our family for a Merry [belated] Christmas and of course, a wonderful New Year! 

Matthan: 2; Griffin: 6; Eden Grace: 4; Collin: 7

I love capturing families, but I’m a total softy when there are four sweet ones. I’m constantly reminded of my own precious blessings while I spend time with theirs. This awesome family was so much fun to work with- the kids were downright adorable and phenomenally well behaved, despite the monster sized mosquitoes that attempted to carry us away! Flexibility and patience played a huge key in making this a success and Katie, Luke, Sarah and Emma were up for the challenge. They went with the flow and charmed me with their toothless smiles and spunky personalities. Their mom had it right when she said in her email, “Let’s just have fun!” Fun, that’s exactly what a family session should be!

So, here’s a little sneak at our delightful time together!

I adore this first image because it speaks so directly to the relationship that these children have with their father. You can literally sense the love, adoration and respect they have for him by the way they circled around and snuggled up.

  How do you get this:

and this?

You let them do this first!

Be prepared for complete cuteness!

And, I always adore a picture or two of mom and dad! What a beautiful reminder to your children of the importance of commitment and unconditional love! Besides, how often do we as parents find ourselves in front of the camera?

My favorite! This is one of those I would have to blow up and hang so I’d see it every day! What a beautiful family.

Speaking of hanging up images, it’s that time of year when Christmas is knocking at the door and everyone is looking for the perfect gift. I frequently receive emails from families who would like to print images for their home or for relatives during this season. The tendency is to get quite a few 4×6 prints and to place them in a collage style frame. This year, I propose that we change our perspective and look at the images from your session as art. From experience, a large quantity of 4×6 images simply does not have the same impact as a few carefully selected prints in larger sizes. I thought this adorable family would be a great way to explore the possibility of thinking outside of the 4×6 box!

Take for example, a master bedroom. Rather than one frame with a collection of small images, imagine waking up to something that not only adds visual impact to your room, but tugs at your heart strings as well!

What about your dining room, the place your family gathers and your guests join you for scrumptious meals and lots of laughter? Nervous about one day changing the style of the room, stick with classic black and white images from your session.

How about some of your favorite images that show the character and personality of your family in an unexpected place, like the laundry room? Now that’s one way to get inspired in an unassuming room in your home!

You see big isn’t scary! Big makes an impact. Big makes your memories larger than life and leaves you reliving them each time you catch a glimpse. Take the plunge this year, go big. You’ll be so glad that you did!

Thanks Linsey and Brent for being such good sports and for sharing your family with me! It was an honor!