What a way to end 2023! Maggie reached out back in July when the Fords had finalized their holiday travel plans. Their entire family would be gathering in Northern Virginia at the end of December, making it the perfect opportunity for some NOVA extended family photos. We made things official, I coordinated my own holiday travel plans to make sure we’d be back to pull this session off, and immediately began looking forward to it. I could tell through our emails that they were going to be a fun bunch and a great capstone for an incredible year for ETP. However, when the week of their session came, we had a problem… shingles! 🥴

Northern Virginia Extended Family Photos

Admittedly, my Christmas wishlist wasn’t very long this year, but I certainly didn’t expect to get shingles! Not exactly the holiday surprise I was hoping for. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed the day before the Ford family’s session. Knowing that their session day was the last day before they all traveled back home, I couldn’t leave them hanging. After reaching out to Maggie who was incredibly understanding, I began my search for an associate shooter. Enter: Sarah Schmidt Photography.

I could not be more grateful that my friend Sarah agreed to meet the Fords the next day. She stacked their session before another one she already had scheduled and they all clearly had a wonderful time. I mentioned that the Fords seemed like a fun bunch… I’d say that perception was spot on! Sarah sent me their photos to edit after the session and I had a huge grin on my face the entire time going through them. The Fords crushed their outfit choices. There were a plethora of genuine smiles. And then I got to the silly full family pictures! What a gift it is to be part of a family that doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

To the Fords, thank you so much for your understanding and flexibility. I’m so bummed to have missed you, but hope you enjoyed your time together and will cherish the memories that these photos bring. And to Sarah, you’re the best! I can’t thank you enough for serving my clients so well and giving me such peace of mind knowing they were in good hands.

With shingles (mostly) behind me now, I would love the opportunity to take some NOVA extended family photos for your crew too! Please reach out to me if you’re interested and we’ll get a date on the calendar!

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