Baby Vail

I thought this would be a nice way to cap off the work week. This beautiful little girl was one of the first newborns I've taken pictures of...and now she's getting all grown up. I just love her furry booties.....and bare bootie. :)






Flashback to May & our first session! Beautiful baby...

Valerie & Josh

If this couple doesn't make you smile, I don't know who will. Valerie has the most infectious laugh...and it's non-stop when she's around Josh. You can easily see that they're best friends...and that they LOVE their puppy Bridger. They're so positive too. It was raining at the beginning of our shoot but they did NOT want to cancel. They kept thinking it might stop. I have to tell you, I had my doubts. But sure enough, after 30 minutes...the clouds parted, the sun came out and the rain completely stopped.

Thanksgiving means...

overflowing apple pie


my fave: pumpkin pie


waking up with messy hair & not caring


pretending your Santa, Mrs. Claus & an elf

one-on-one family time


snow angels


couple time



letting your husband take a picture of you


Hope you had a fun Thanksgiving...and that you're over your turkey hangover!

I'm thankful for Mia & Matt

I have a hundred reasons to be thankful this year.
One reason is that Mia & Matt are getting married.

If you read my blog regularly, you know that I visited my girl Mia last month & met her fiance Matt for the first time. For those of you who've been waiting so patiently: I didn't post any pictures of him or them together because I was still processing my thoughts and emotions after that trip. As cliche as it sounds, it's tough to describe in words just how happy I was to see these two in love.

Matt is a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve - something I noticed as soon as I walked into their home. There was a chalkboard in the kitchen with a message from Matt: "Mia is the best part of my life." They are constantly showcasing their love for each other, but it's never too much or too sappy. In my humble opinion, it's something people don't do enough.

I'll let the rest of Mia & Matt's pictures speak for themselves. Just one more thing: please go up to someone you love today & tell them just how thankful you are to have them in your life.























Thank you M & M for being such wonderful friends...and for the plane ride!


Happy Turkey Day!

Made in Montana

To me - the most beautiful body shape belongs to a pregnant woman. Everything about a growing belly is completely fascinating. So I've been really excited about doing my first maternity session.

Nicole is one of the cutest pregnant women I've ever seen....and I think you'll agree. I can't wait to see this baby!

F-16 Ride

Jealousy is a terrible feeling, but I had it big time on Friday!!! My good friend Jason (who designed my phatty photography logo) got to go up in an F-16 with my husband! Matt flies for the Montana Air National Guard & every once in a while they give "incentive rides." Well, Jason pretty much rules at his job and so he got to go up for a spin (actually 2 or 3 spins!) Don't worry Jason - I won't tell anybody if you got sick or not. Here's a few shots from the guard that morning. Jason looked like a total natural when he suited up.

I figured since I wasn't going in the jet...I could be in at least one picture. :)


The sexiest uniforms ever.






My hottie husband at work. I love watching him in action - sexy!



Jason is ready to roll!



They took off so fast - I wasn't even sure if I got a picture! Can you see them in this last shot?