The Durbrow Family – Capturing the Heart of What Matters Most

There are families that stay with you—who become more than just clients. The Durbrows are that kind of family for me.

It feels like just yesterday we were walking along the mountainside, capturing the quiet anticipation of expecting their first child, sweet Isabelle. Since that beautiful beginning, I’ve been invited along for every chapter of their story. From maternity sessions to family portraits—one of which turned into a surprise proposal carefully planned by Matt (and yes, I cried)—to their perfectly intimate weekday wedding, they’ve let me witness the raw, real, and joyful parts of their journey.

It’s been a privilege to be part of their milestones, and each session leaves me feeling grateful and humbled. But the truth is, while proposals and weddings are unforgettable, family photos hold a unique kind of magic.

Why Family Photos Matter So Much

Weddings, graduations, and major life events are obvious reasons to document a moment in time—but family photos? They are the in-between moments. The everyday love. The growing up before your eyes. The little hands that won’t always be little. These sessions capture what life really looks like: sometimes chaotic, sometimes silly, sometimes exhausting—and always beautiful.

They document your real life, your real love, and your real people.

And in many ways, family photos are more important than any other kind. Because these are the photos your children will look back on and remember how it felt to be loved. To be held. To be part of something safe and whole.

These are the photos that will be printed, framed, and pulled out years from now to say, “Remember when…”

Conquering the Chaos—and Loving Every Second

Our most recent session with Matt and Tera and their three beautiful children was nothing short of joyful chaos—in the very best way.

If you've ever done professional family photos, you know how it goes. Someone’s crying. Someone’s cold. One kid won’t stand still. Dad’s ready to be done. Mom’s trying to hold it together. It’s the classic scene, right?

That’s normal. That’s real. That’s what makes these sessions so beautiful.

I always tell families not to stress about perfection. The goal isn’t perfect smiles or stiff poses—it’s connection. It’s giggles and bear hugs and twirling dresses and letting kids just be. I love when kids run, play, and burst into laughter. That’s when the real magic happens.

Matt and Tera embrace that wholeheartedly. Watching them parent with patience, humor, and so much love was such a joy. They’re not just raising kids—they’re creating a home full of warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

And that? That’s worth capturing every single year.

To the Durbrow family—thank you for letting me in, again and again. Thank you for trusting me with your biggest milestones and your everyday moments. You remind me why I do what I do.

Here’s to more chaos. More laughter. More love. And more photos that tell the story of it all