My Story
As a storytelling photographer, I want to get to know each of my clients in a little more personal way. I don’t want to just do business, let’s be friends! In my opinion, the best way to cultivate a comfortable, organic environment is to initiate vulnerability. Own your quirks, be real, and have fun! So I figure it is only fair if I start with my story.
So much of my story revolves around my faith, and I believe that the storms of life and trust in God have truly shaped me into who I am today! Growing up as a volunteer pastor’s kid in the rural midwest set the stage for how I view the world and others. I am a middle child of three girls and have had my share of insecurities, life questions, and mental health challenges.
My family took a job in Sierra Vista, Arizona when I was starting high school, so what was already a super difficult transition seemed impossible at the time. I fully intended to leave Arizona and never return after graduation, but I know God had other plans! I attended a small Bible College outside of Los Angeles for two years. Let me tell you, Bible school is no joke! I seriously contemplated dropping out, but after switching majors 3 or 4 times, I ended up graduating with my AA in general studies.
After that, I decided I wanted to travel! So I packed up my bags and did a six-month missions program abroad called YWAM, which seriously changed my life and really grounded my faith. I spent three months in France, mostly Paris, and another three months traveling Cambodia. I have loads of stories from that experience and living in the village truly taught me humility and dependence on a higher power.
When I returned to Sierra Vista at age 21, I immediately hit it off with my now husband, Jeff. After six months we were engaged and after knowing each other just over a year we were married! And let me tell you, marriage is the absolute best! Forget “happy wife, happy life,” marriage takes sacrifice; It is definitely hard, but communication is key. Despite the hard times, having a sleep over every night with your best friend and doing life together is the bomb.com!
Over six years later, we have had our share of difficulties. Did you know, 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, 1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility, and 1 in 100 women battle recurrent pregnancy loss. Together we have experienced all of these statistics, and yet, our story is still being written and I believe God has a mighty plan to use it for good! I am so grateful for the community we are surrounded by and am convinced that my sole source of strength through it all is Jesus! With that said, in April of 2023 we finally gave birth to our rainbow baby, our son, Rafael, which means “God has healed.” He has shown me how to love like Jesus more than anything else I have experienced!
When I am not doing business, I love watching shows (duh) and I have probably seen about every crime documentary and DIY show made! I love puzzles, murder mystery and costume parties, hanging out with friends, having a nice IPA or gourmet cocktail, and the occasional hike. You may also find me mentoring middle schoolers and high schoolers at our Church youth group on Sunday nights. Growing up attending numerous youth groups has really driven me to invest in the lives of the next generation and help show them who Jesus is and what it means to have a relationship with Him.
Since experiencing our fertility journey, I have developed a major passion for birth education and prep! My physiological birth was incredibly empowering, and I just wish every mom could experience a positive birth through mental and physical preparation and support through a solid community that helps empower them! One way I get to support and empower women is by volunteering at a local pregnancy center that offers free services to expecting parents. I am an ultrasound technician assistant, peer support counselor for miscarriage and loss, and help to advocate for women to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and the life they carry.