I first met Courtney when we were Freshman in high school. We became great friends in high school and we were on the newspaper staff and the yearbook staff together 3 out of our 4 years together! We had so much fun getting off campus to sell ads for the newspaper and going to photograph events for the newspaper and yearbook!

We lost touch for a number of years after high school (ok, so I know I’m dating myself but maybe this was before everyone had cell phones and social media!), but we eventually reconnected thanks to Facebook. And now Courtney and I have become just as great of friends as we were in high school (if not better!), and we talk daily. I am so grateful that we have connected so many years later. Courtney is such a positive presence to have in my life.

She’s also a fellow photographer. When she asked me to photograph a family session for her I was so honored. We had tried to connect so many times between southern Illinois and St. Louis for a couple of years and we FINALLY made it happen! And I got to meet her three adorably sweet and handsome sons.

Courtney – you are a blessing in my life and I hope you cherish these photos for years to come!