A year ago this March, I was contacted by the sweetest couple from Tennessee to photograph their pregnancy announcement photos. They were married at Utah’s Canyons Ski Resort 3 years prior, and wanted to announce their pregnancy with images from the slopes as well.

We met for Paige & Garret’s photoshoot at Snowbasin Resort with perfect weather – sunshine and a mountain full of snow! They had printed up the cutest onesie’s with “Guess What?” and ” Best Day Ever” on them. I was able to borrow a toddler snowboard from the Lifthouse in Salt Lake City, along with the cutest little snowboard boots to use for props.

I had such a great time hanging out with these two on the mountain! They were so fun, easy to talk to, game for any ideas, and really excited to be new parents.

On the ski lift, Paige told me their story… they had been trying to build their family for a while now, and had gone through 3 miscarriages. This was their 4th pregnancy, things were going well, they’d made it past 10 weeks and were so excited.

Sadly, I heard from Paige shortly after their trip that they had miscarried once more. My heart just broke for them.

But guess what? They never lost their positive attitude and faith that someday… they would be parents. That struck me from the first time she had shared their struggle, and as sad as I felt for them I was equally amazed and inspired by their strength and positive attitude.

Fast forward one year…

I just received an email from Paige, AND THEY ARE PREGNANT!!!

You couldn’t peel the smile off of my face as I read that email! They are in their second trimester and are due in August 2017!

Still living their inspiring, positive attitudes, this is what Paige wrote… “I really don’t think I would change a thing about our story because it has strengthened my faith and truly enhanced my appreciation.” This couple is truly blessed, and not just with this new baby coming.

They are excited to share their joy with family & friends, and show their fun images!

I cannot wait to someday meet this little one on a future Utah trip to introduce that darling baby to Utah’s ski resorts! hint hint Paige & Garret 😉 come back out to UT anytime, I’ve got a huge hug waiting for all 3 of you!

Ok… now that you know the full story, please take a look at their images and see if your smile doesn’t reach your ears too!

~ Kari

With a new baby on the way, this adorable family wanted to capture those last days of their daughter being an only child. It was so nice to be welcomed into their beautiful mountain home to photograph them in their own space … a family excited to grow.

The best way to end a portrait session is to take off on your sweet ride! Thank you for a fun session!!!

This sweet family invited me to their home for their family session.

It was so fun to photograph their children while comfortable in their own space… playing in their rooms, and being together as a family.

The view from their yard was the perfect backdrop at sunset!

The Utah State Capitol was a great backdrop for this sweet family’s portrait session – beautiful architecture!

This family’s love and connection with each other was so fun to photograph!

Even the dog liked to smile!

I love photographing this family each year and seeing how much their little ones are growing! It is such an honor to have repeat customers.

This family is so fun to plan a session with, and always up for fun locations. Antelope Island was the perfect setting on this Fall evening… the sunset was one of the most amazing I’d ever seen, and the Super Moon rose into the sky at the end of it! Perfect!

When this family contacts me each year for their family portraits, I am always so happy! I love to see these little ones and how they are growing up, and they are a really fun family full of laughs and love. I love their style!

The Bonneville Salt Flats had about a 1/2 inch of water on the salt that day, and it created some great reflections. It is such a unique location, and it looks different every time I go out there.

Any chance I get to be in the forest, I’ll go… I love it there!

This sweet family is so fun to photograph each year – they are so chill, full of love for each other, and always up for adventure when choosing their location. Aren’t their little ones just the cutest!

I loved this family’s idea for their portrait session… at home, riding their cruisers on their street, hanging out together and enjoying life. This may be my favorite family session ever… I kinda want them to adopt me…

Even their cat wanted in on the fun!

Their porch is so inviting and fun… you just want to have a seat & hang out.

I asked the boys what they liked to do & collect so we could show it in their portraits – I love what they brought out!

With those those smiles… the boys thanked me at the end of their session! Sweetest kids ever…Great job mama! Great job…

These siblings are just the sweetest! I’ve been photographing their portraits since Storm was born and it is a joy to see them each year.

Love this smile! He gave me the same one as a baby!

I love seeing this family year after year and seeing how their family has grown! They were celebrating their darling Kate turning 1 year old! Look at that adorable smile!!

Cutest siblings ever!

The outfits & colors they chose were perfect for the green foothills of Salt Lake City this Spring!

Be still my heart…