For this fall family lifestyle session, I had the joy of being able to photograph not just a client, but a friend and team member! Stan is an associate on my team of wedding photographers and it’s been wonderful to see his family grow over the years. When we first met he had just one very young child, but they are now a thriving family of four!

Lifestyle sessions are a very easygoing time where we go with the flow, getting images along the way when it feels right, when moments happen. I call it creating space for the spontaneous to occur. It’s using intentionality to create authentic, candid imagery and it’s a very similar process I take with wedding photography.

Arriving at Marriott Ranch for their lifestyle session, we easily moved into having a great time doing very simple things. One of the things I loved about working with Stan and his family was how much fun they are able to have together anywhere doing anything. We explored the fields, walked around the manor house, and even chilled out on rocking chairs! It was a very easygoing time together.

Marriott Ranch and it’s surrounding hills are a perfect backdrop, but Stan and his wife Justina didn’t choose to have their photos done here simply for the natural beauty. They chose it because it was also the place where they stayed on their wedding weekend! Because of that I specifically made sure to get a few images of just the two of them in this special place together.

Take a look at their photo story below, and if you enjoyed this or if you’re curious about your own family photography, take a look at more on our family photography page!