Today’s post is very special to me for a couple of reasons–the first is that one of my favorite little photography clients, Miss Charlotte Rae (or “Charlie” as they call her), just turned one!! Which means this session was the last of four sessions we have had together documenting Charlotte’s first year of life + such a sweet season for the Grenfell family. As I have said before with some of the other families I have photographed who also happen to be friends, it is just such a beautiful thing to watch not only the child but the family grow over the course of the year. Derek, Gina, + Charlotte are three peas in a pod–and simply, I can’t imagine what life was like before there was the three of them. Together. Watching Derek + Gina love Charlotte SO deeply, with everything in them, is absolutely breath-taking. They adore her + that love is downright inspiring!! 

The second reason today’s session is special is because I got to photograph two families in one session! Gina is sisters with one of my closest friends (+ soon-to-be bridesmaid!! + bride herself!!!), Brandi, + for mother’s day, Gina, Brandi, their two siblings (Danita + Brody) + their families gifted their mom with a mini family session! Being we were already in Sturgeon Bay to photograph Charlotte, the rest of the family came up for the afternoon to have the session, spend time together, + bum around the city where Derek, Gina, + Charlotte actually just moved!! It worked out perfectly : ) I have known the Altfillisch family for several years now–ever since Brandi + I started rooming together in college–and it has been a joy to get to know them!! I’m so thankful for this opportunity to photograph them ALL together + provide momma Rhonda with some photos she’s been just dying to have!! : ) 

So without further adieu, enjoy these two families!! Have a great Wednesday + give someone special an extra big hug today : ) -M

Charlotte trying to figure out how she feels about the whole beach experience … ; )

LOVE this one!! I’m going to be saying this a lot : P

Gina!! You are BEAUTIFUL! 

What does Charlotte see … ?

Another favorite : )

Aaaaand, Charlotte hated the sand, so we tried the boardwalk instead : )

MUCH better : )!!!

YAY for beach morning lighting + beautiful families : )

Another favorite!! I just adore this one : )

We all decided that Charlotte loves Caleb–she’s always flirting with him! She did at her 3-month session + this session was no exception : ) You can see she’s checking over mom’s shoulder below to make sure Caleb was still close by ; )

To the park! In our adorable headband + necklace!!

Those teeth! That SMILE!!!

Ahhh yes : )

Here they are! The whole group!

Mom + dad, + the kids! Grown up kids! : P

That guy in the red?? He’s going to officially be a part of this family as of July of next summer!! We are SO excited for Brandi + Alex on their recent engagement!! : )

“Okay guys, enough … !!!”

And we ended with some shots on the beach : ) So much love to you, Altfillisch family!!