Picture this, – a session that truly tugged at my heartstrings, where I found myself on the sidelines as the storyteller instead of the protagonist, capturing the magic at Papago Park in the heart of Phoenix.

For four splendid years, my lens has danced with the enchanting trio of Colby, Kori, and Sydney. Every time, I eagerly await these annual reunions with my beloved families this time of year, the chapters of their lives unfolding before my camera. But this year, destiny had another tale for me to capture – a wedding, which meant that my this family’s session would be in the capable hands of Joceline.

Now, the very thought of passing the torch to Joceline didn’t fill me with worry or anxiety, but it did bring a bittersweet feeling, a little sinking in my heart. You see, it meant that I wouldn’t be there to witness their story this year. But oh, what a twist in our narrative – Joceline delivered a performance that left me in awe. The camera may not have been in my hands, but the essence of storytelling remained intact.

And as if by the hand of a time-traveling wizard, Sydney, the youngest of our trio, seemed to age with each passing click of the camera. Would you believe it? Sweet sixteen, and there I was, still recounting tales of her youth as I got these photos behind the computer to edit them.

In these moments, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my families. They’ve entrusted their stories to me, even when it’s someone else holding the pen. When those pictures find their way to my computer, it’s like opening a cherished book and reliving our first chapter together. These photographs, our shared story, it’s pure magic. Joceline and I make a great team indeed as I smiled with every photo I edited. I couldn’t be more happy with what we have all created together.