Today’s tidbit: “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.”— George Santayana 

Do you remember my shoots with Crystal and Sam (maternity, family shoot part 1 & family shoot part 2)? I was honored to be able to spend the afternoon with them and capture such exciting times. After those posts a few people contacted me interested in scheduling their own family shoot, one of which was Stephanie. She wanted to do a fall shoot with her husband, Mark and their twin girls, Charlotte & Reagan.

Being a twin myself, I was very excited to work with them! I showed Stephanie and Mark a sneak peak image last week, but they haven’t seen anything else yet. I wanted it to be a surprise and I know they are waiting anxiously to see the pictures… so, here you go!!

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

{shoot location} We were able to do this shoot at Ben Brenman Park, the same place where I did the shoots for Crystal and Sam. With both of our schedules being so busy the shoot was pushed back until November. Although it was a cool & windy fall day, there was still some color on the trees and the sun came out. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, especially the Saturday before Thanksgiving!

{a little background} Stephanie & Mark met in October 2006. She joked telling me their first date was Monday Night Football + chinese take out. They never expected to fall in love with each other and get married, it just happened! In 2008, Mark proposed New Years Day at the top of the Hyatt in San Diego. In May of that same year they got married and in June moved to North Carolina. After a long wait to conceive, Charlotte & Reagan were born in June 2011.

And for some exciting news – Stephanie & Mark are expecting another little one! Charlotte & Reagan are very excited to become big sisters. Although they have told me the gender, it will remain a secret 🙂 They are waiting to reveal it to everyone until after the holidays. Stephanie mentioned this little one will be their last and is due the same day she was, May 8th, when her mom was pregnant with her. Consider it fate… how special!

Onto the pictures of this beautiful family, and of course some detail shots. Enjoy!

(below) I love the shoots of Reagan looking back at me!

{watching the geese}

{keeping warm running around}

{ampersand} The only prop used was the ampersand, which I brought. Remember Allie & Brian’s wedding post (and everything leading up to it?) As I had mentioned in my toast to them at the wedding, there was a reason I chose to focus on the ampersand; from the bridal shower invitations and decorations to the wedding invitation suite I designed. It represents the relationship not only Allie & I share as sisters but also the relationship Allie & Brian have built together. With one single stroke, the ampersand is the symbol that connects two formerly separate elements.

Allie & I have a special twin bond and I know Charlotte & Reagan will as well!

Stephanie didn’t want to have many staged pictures or props, which I liked. Instead she wanted to get some family pictures and just let it be natural. I am all about the candid shots. It’s these, unplanned and unexpected, when you are able to get true expressions, feelings and natural beauty. Taken at the right second, it creates those wonderful surprise shots that freeze a little moment in time. I love the smiling pictures along with all the goofy ones because it captures their personality and mood!

Aren’t they adorable?! For a cool & windy fall day the girls were troopers and opened up to me (and the camera)! Such a beautiful family with so much love and happiness!

Next posts? I will be continuing to share my adventures in South Africa again! 🙂 Check back next week.