Oh friends, my heart is literally brimming with joy as I write this post! I’m not even going to apologize for the lengthiness of my words or images, because I truly just can’t help myself. Dave and Courtney are some of my most favorite people on the planet, and sweet baby Eastlyn was prayed for long before this day!! But first, let me just tell you the story of how Courtney and I met (because I think it deserves a little attention, well, because – God is awesome).

Spring of 2014 was when I realized that if I wanted to do this – to really and truly be a wedding photographer and build a business that provided for myself – I had to DO IT, and utilize every opportunity in my power. I proceeded to thoroughly stalk every photography Facebook group I was in for photographers looking for second shooters in the St. Louis area. I emailed a girl name Betty (now a dear friend – but stranger at the time!), and she let me know that she had moved to Seattle but had a friend named Courtney that was looking for a second shooter and connected us via email. Little did I know when we set up our first coffee date that it would be the first of COUNTLESS conversations between the two of us. We hit it off immediately and I left feeling so excited about the possibility of having a real life photography friend!

Fast forward almost three years, with a whole lot of good, hard, ugly, beautiful life in between – and she’s one of my nearest and dearest friends. We were just talking the other day about how many sweet experiences we’ve had the chance to share just THIS year! We spent a weekend in Springfield, Missouri, a week in South Carolina, shot weddings in Washington and Michigan… the countless random life adventures we’ve shared together would probably make a pretty entertaining book, I won’t lie. ;)

But one of the MANY topics of conversation between us was babies (and boys;)) – because let’s be real, this is what girls do. We’ve talked about the little one (hopefully ones!!! but down the road… no rush, y’all;)) her and Dave would have for years now. Months upon months of fervent prayer followed by months of no response. We had talked about “what-ifs” and all of the struggles in between. These two have walked through the Refiner’s fire and faced some really difficult days… but that’s what makes this season all the more joyful. Eastlyn Joy is the most incredible miracle and we are so grateful to our Abba for His perfect, Sovereign timing. So these images are a celebration – of the goodness of our God and His faithful loving-kindness towards His people. The Lord gives such good gifts to His children… and this is just one of them.

We can’t wait to meet you, Miss Eastlyn! If you come out with fiery red hair… I’ll prepare your Mom for the awesome fiestiness to come. ;)

xoxoxo,
Your favorite Auntie Jess <3