Phoenix | Year One

While most of you know, I mainly photograph weddings and engagements. That is where my story with Mikayla and Mike started. I was introduced to them through a mutual friend back in 2011, when they were looking for a wedding photographer. We clicked immediately through our sense of creativity - Mikayla is an art teacher. As a couple they were so fun, laid back and really up for anything. We had a blast during their e-sesh (I still remember it to this day!) and their wedding soon followed with tons of laughs, heartfelt moments and fun memories.

Fast forward a few years later, I received a message from Mikayla and was over the moon to hear that they were expecting their first child! Being the creative person that she is, Mikayla had a very fun idea to document the first year of Phoenix's life. Aside from a newborn session, she wanted to have pictures taken every month to track Phoenix's growth. 

Phoenix was born, and the fun began! He was such a doll from the second I saw him, I knew the next year with him was going to be exciting and a blast. 

In between our monthly sessions, we got a chance to document some firsts, like Phoenix's first Halloween.

Each month getting to know Phoenix was so special. Mike and Mikayla are not only my clients, but we've become friends. And to watch your friends do an incredible job at raising a child is such a beautiful thing. Phoenix is such a smart, fun and happy baby. Every time I see him, I'm greeted with a smile and those bright blue eyes! I knew that his smash cake, one year session was going to be a lot of fun! Mike has a love for comic books, so we ran with that theme and added pops of color and brightness to the set. 

Phoenix had fun playing with the props :P

Then it was time for the cake! He sat there oh so quietly and dove into the yellow buttercream. The quietness was interrupted by random giggles, hand claps and cute little smirks.