Photography and Video for families, weddings, seniors, non profits and commercial in Tulsa, OK and worldwide.

MAGGIE | my dear

January 13, 2017

There’s something sacred about a mother and daughter relationship. It is super intimate and intense, sometimes volatile, always sanctifying. I see myself in her spirit and character and flaws. I’m overwhelmed by her beauty. We can argue like cats and laugh like crazy folks and she hugs me so tight when I’m sad.

I wish for her a life of freedom, untethered by others’ expectations. When she talks about spots she wants to explore, I hope with all my heart that she goes on these life-changing adventures and sees God in the people and the places. When she talks about her dreams, I listen and I hope she chases hard after them. I want her to know that she’s got what it takes, not matter what it is. I want her to live with a solid self respect. I want her to understand that she doesn’t have to settle when it comes to a husband, but that she can be choosey, yoking herself to someone who will lead her and that she will respect. I don’t want her to underestimate her talent and creative spirit, but to cultivate it so it’s always fertile ground, a joy-filled and passionate alternative to the everyday mundane. I hope she will read so many books her mind is overflowing with heroes, characters who encourage better, more thoughtful living. I want her to receive criticism with grace. I hope she doesn’t make excuses, but owns her mistakes. I hope she will treat herself with as much compassion as she treats her best friends. I want her Savior to be the hope she clings to, who she turns to and lives for. I want her to know she is deeply, deeply loved and treasured ALWAYS.

So many things I want for this daughter of mine. Mine. And that word catches in my throat because I know she’s mine, but more importantly, she’s God Almighty’s. I have her for a time, to do my best and walk out the hard stuff, to be a soft nest, but mostly to point her to the Lord and help her know true satisfaction comes when bringing Him glory.

oh Maggie, oh my.

MATERNITY | jessie

January 12, 2017

My darling friend, Jessie, will be having a baby any day now. I remember the day she sat at my table and told me she was pregnant like it was yesterday and here we are, 8 months down the road. I couldn’t be more excited for Jessie and Lee. This baby has been prayed for for years and years. Something I love about Jessie is that she’s always wanted to be a mom, knowing even as a little girl that she was going to be great at mothering. I think that’s really special. I always said the exact opposite about myself and even questioned if having kids was the right path for me. So watching this young woman mother and parent and fulfill her heart’s wish is life-giving and inspiring. She doesn’t do anything half way, she’s all in, full of grace, open to adventure, giving it all she’s got. She’s the first to admit when she got something wrong, has a hard time asking for help, and is the kind of friend some people are never lucky enough to find.

My prayers are with her through each day as we count down to the due date. I don’t have many friends in the baby stage now so I’m already excited to snuggle a wee one, smell it’s perfect heaven scent, and watch Jessie blossom with her new chick in the nest.

Little DewDrop, come quickly. We are anxious to meet you!

FAMILY | Andersons

August 28, 2016

In all the world there is no heart for me like yours.

In all the world there is no love for you like mine.

-Maya Angelou

Back in 2005 when we moved to Tulsa from Seattle, we landed in a darling little neighborhood just blocks from Utica Square. Around the corner from us was this family- the Andersons. Tonya and I were pregnant at the same time and we started walking early mornings and occasionally having afternoon playdates. She struck me as one of the most beautiful women I’d ever met. She still does.

After moving a few miles away, babies were born, and busy months passed. But in December 2007 a terrible ice storm hit the city and tens of thousands of people were without power for weeks. Who called to check us? Who invited us to live in their home for as long as we needed? Who cooked meals for hours to stock the freezer to be ready to host a second family? Who stayed up each night, watching movies, visiting, making us feel at home? These people. For nine days.

There are so many things I love about the Andersons. First, they are just plain fun. They host parties and dress up and laugh a lot. They are warm and inviting, generous with what they have, sincere with compliments and even though our paths rarely cross now days, they always feel like family. When I happen to drive through the old neighborhood, their house glows from the inside out.

Second, I admire their marriage and commitment to family. Tonya has never said an unkind word about Kevin. She honors him and adores him. And, whoa. I love how Kevin praises Tonya publicly and how he looks at her after all their years together. He recently posted this:

“They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This one is worth ten thousand. I didn’t pick a woman who would love me at my best. I picked one who would love me at my worst. Look at me. Aged and mottled. Those wrinkles are not the evidence of a fight with the world, but a fight with myself. Yet no matter how good or bad it has been, this woman has never blinked, never doubted. Eyes and a smile that told me she had no question that the best in me would prevail. Somehow I find myself even now full of fight. Ready to do whatever it takes and pay whatever it costs to see my family thrive. That angel in the corner of my eye deserves most of the credit. Many thousands of words more could be written but this will suffice for now.”

I love this. Marriage, parenting, work, family, life…. all stressful. All worth it when you have someone who loves you, who is cheering for you, believing in you. How lucky are these gorgeous daughters to see their daddy love their mama with so much humility and power. I’m incredibly blessed and thankful for folks like this and their love story- a testimony that love wins and it’s worth the fight.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you people.

TEAGUE | Florida Roadtrip

August 21, 2016

In May, after Calvin returned from a 3 week trip to southern Chile, we took off for Florida. Family vacations have been rare for us, so piling in the car and driving 11 hours is a huge treat. We arrived at Navarre Beach, on the Emerald Coast, just as the sun was setting.
Our condo, compliments of the Jackson Family, is a gorgeous 4 story pink grapefruit. Our bedroom on the top floor looks out over the ocean and every morning we enjoyed coffee on our patio.

We found a treasure trove of sea shells and starfish. With every scoop, we would sift through and find only the most beautiful to keep.

The Blue Angels practice not far away in Pensacola. We made the trip and it was totally worth it.

FAMILY | Prouty’s

June 9, 2016

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FAMILY | alexanders

January 16, 2016

“As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness — just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder

I loved every second spent with the Alexander family. They are warm and welcoming and their children delightful. The morning was sunny and surprisingly warm, full of giggles and book reading and couch bouncing, rocking, snuggling, and cooking. Like all parents of small children, Ashley and Micah spend most of their days chasing crazy kids, but it’s impossible to overlook the love and patience they pour out on their family. They seem to savor the everyday little moments- holding little ones close, kissing boo-boo’s, shooting baskets, whipping fresh cream. It made me long for the days when my babies were babies- just once more to feel their little heads, sweaty and hot under my chin, their breath heavy and rhythmic.

Happy New Year, Alexanders. You were the perfect way to start my 2016!
xoxo

FAMILY | baby Van’s first year

January 10, 2016

The story of little Van is mighty.

Van’s film project spanned a year; every few months I would enter the Luu home, warmly welcomed, hugs all around, and marvel at how he’d grown. I confess, I got a little teary-eyed, editing the film, watching his transformation from newborn to toddler. Josephine has the quiet, gentle spirit I’ve always admired in women. But under the stillness is a passion and fierce love for God, Huy, and her children. Every time we met she would tell me something new she’d discovered in God’s word, how He was leading the family, what treasure had been unearthed.

Van couldn’t ask for more. His doting sisters, his adoring mother and father, his heavenly Father who has every day written in his book. There’s been a mighty promise claimed for this family, and bold and inspiring faith is being walked out day by day.

I will miss seeing them on a regular, intimate basis; it’s been a pleasure and warmth I’ve eagerly anticipated. And I watch and wait to see what the Lord will do though this precious boy, Van.