Let me give you a little background on this beauty here. I met Sara through Matt after we started dating because, at the time, she was dating Matt’s close friend Grant (who is now her husband, don’t worry it’s a happy story). From the very beginning Sara was incredibly kind and considerate. Matt would always talk so highly about both Grant and Sara. In fact, the day after Matt and I met, he went to a basketball game with these two mysterious people.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there’s one spot in Columbia that is pretty much packed every weekend with lots of people from Columbia and the surrounding areas. There are people anchored out, swimming and hanging out with friends all around. For Matt & I, on a typical weekend on the lake, we will meet or introduce ourselves to at least 3 people while there honestly because it’s such an inviting and friendly atmosphere. This is exactly the environment where Jennifer and Blake met. They met a little over 3 years ago at Lake Murray. Whenever it was time to talk about locations for their engagement session, they couldn’t help but feel drawn to Lake Murray.  

So do you remember the maternity session I posted a while back at the Statehouse (if not, you can view if here)? Well Karli and Andrew had their little baby Heath in January. He arrived a little later than anticipated, which I’m sure had all parties involved anxious for his arrival but fortunately, they moved into their new house with enough time to get his nursery ready (which is perfect, btw). His nursery is bear themed (WHAT!) with tons of little outdoor and animal accents. It looks like it’s straight out of my Pinterest dreams. 

Matt and I live in a smaller neighborhood so whenever he works outside in the wood shop, he usually meets a neighbor or two. In fact, I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 5 years and he has met more people in the year he has lived here that I did all of those 5 years combined. It’s true. Some of those neighbors include Jane and Peyton Hray. Jane, Peyton and their son, Grady, ended up meeting Matt one day out in front of our house.

I get asked quite frequently about the best clothing to wear to a photography session by clients. It’s the question that everyone usually asks after the session is scheduled and I’m always happy to offer best practices and colors that photograph well, but YOU GUYS – Julie McDowell is the pro of all pros. This family showed up in a fuchsia, navy and yellow color combo – coordinated perfectly.