Happy Birthday, Bro!
I am obsessed with my brothers. They know it…everyone in my life knows it They’re two of my favorite people on the planet. We live in different states, so time together is rare—eighteen months had passed since I last saw my youngest brother, Aron. When I realized I had a tiny 48-hour window open on my fall calendar—and that it also happened to fall on his birthday—I knew I had to make something special happen.
Even though there’s about a 25-year age difference between us (shocking, right? I’m sure you thought we were pretty close in age!), they are two of the most special people in my life. Sure, they don’t always text me back (insert eye roll here 🙃) and may have forgotten my birthday this past year (#losers), I absolutely, positively adore them. I’m so blessed to have them both in my life!
This trip to Memphis, TN turned into the perfect chance for an elevated portrait session with Aron—and a surprise one at that! His girlfriend, Kallen (who is just as beautiful inside as she is out), helped me pull everything off. She coordinated his haircut, made sure he had his suit ready, and played along perfectly to make the surprise flawless. You can actually watch the surprise unfold here! I especially love when she covers her face when I first start to walk in to try to hide her excitement!
We started with a fresh haircut (shoutout to Micah, his stylist, who worked his magic on my bro, and was simply a delight!) and then we pulled his looks together. Once Kallen walked out in her dress…WOW. I just about passed out! Together, we explored the gorgeous campus architecture, capturing portraits that felt both sophisticated and timeless. Even though the Memphis sun didn’t join us that day, we found beautiful light and created some of my favorite images ever.
Kallen never stopped smiling, and her laughter is simply contagious. Aron, of course, knows exactly how to make her laugh. These two made the entire session so joyful—and so them.
And let’s talk about my brother for a second: HOW FREAKING HANDSOME IS HE?! Okay yes, I’m biased (and his sister), but still. He’s grown into such a kind, thoughtful, and faith-filled young man. And I absolutely LOVE his stupid face! (Said with total affection—reserved for the people I love most!)
We wrapped up at the arch and then did a quick outfit change as I wanted to highlight some of the aspects of Aron’s personality and showcase the man that he has grown into, and just a few of the aspects that make up exactly who he is and who I love.
I didn’t want to miss the chance to highlight Kallen, too, since she was such a big part of making this whole surprise happen. Truly, she’s strikingly beautiful, and the way she lights up around Aron is just the sweetest thing to capture.
Aron has so many interests and is a boy genius. He skipped a grade in school, he soaks up information of every possible thing he can, and he is so sweet and considerate and I am so blessed to have him in my life. His greatest attribute though? His unwavering faith in God, and his constant desire to learn everything he can about his Creator…and he shares all of that with everyone in his life as well. To know someone so young with such strong convictions in his faith, it’s impressive to say the least. Oh, and he also plays the guitar!
And because I so strongly believe moments deserve to be captured even when everything doesn’t look perfect, I even stepped in front of the camera for a few shots (thanks, Kallen!). Was I exhausted from two flights (and two delays), a surprise, a two hour photoshoot, all while coupled with Memphis’ swamp like humidity? Yes! Do I love that I have these memories frozen forever? Absolutely.
Because if we wait until the “perfect time,” the photos will never happen. And these moments? They’re worth remembering.
