A LATTE + SEE YOU LATER: A GREENHOUSE CAFE LIFESTYLE SESSION

we met in the college choir - a little one-unit elective we both took because we loved singing (and when you're a freshman, you just sign up for EVERYTHING in the hopes of making new friends). on those 20 minute walks to the music building, we quickly became friends, and emily has been a constant in my life for the past five years. after a long season of prayer, patience, and perseverance, my sweet friend is officially off to grad school. while i could not be more excited to see her achieve this goal and pursue her dream, i am also selfishly not ready to see her go. BUT, i know this strong, smart, and talented lady is going to rock the pants off grad school - i can't wait to see where life will take her! 

while we were sipping lattes and chatting about life on an early morning last week, i realized how much she means to me and how deeply i'm going to miss having her so close. in true em + deb fashion, it wouldn't be a proper good bye without one last coffee date and a quick mini shoot - my favorite kind of session! 

pose for me: emily // newport beach lifestyle portraits

this winter break, i've been focusing a lot on my business and my art - creating systems, getting organized, completing tasks, and then shooting for fun, educating myself, and trying new things. i've been trying to slow down during a shoot to notice the details, think creatively, and step outside of my safe zone. it's been a treat to have the time and space to invest in photography in so many different ways, and i hope to always learn and grow more! 

in other news,  this girl should get an award for always modeling so beautifully in front of my camera. 

aren't these colors just so dreamy?! 

and then em asked me to step in front of her lens...i am not half the model she is, but hey, i can drink coffee and laugh like no one's business! 

thanks for these shots, Em! 

wishing you all a week full of purpose and productivity! xo. 

long beach lifestyle session // emily at makai coffee

getting together with a friend for a morning cup of coffee in a cute coffee shop and spending time in refreshing conversation has to be one of my favorite things. somehow, the last few months have just slipped away from us, and emily and i hadn't seen each other since my wedding day (CRAY!), so this coffee date at Makai in Long Beach was long overdue. plus, what's a coffee date with Em without a few photos - girl, i am lucky to have you in my life! 

wishing you all a happy wednesday! xo.