the journey that led me to you

I've been a huge fan of going through family photos and wedding albums for as long as I can remember, but I didn't start carrying a camera around until I was about fifteen. I'm pretty sure it was right after my sweet fifteen. Which was epic. Not the MTV my-super-sweet-sixteen kind, but epic nonetheless. I have the best memories from this time in my life even to this day. I'll give you a quick backstory...

My parents and grandparents threw me a sweet fifteen in Brazil (that's where my family is from). A bunch of my friends and I skipped a week or so of freshman year and flew to tropical paradise in the middle of winter. It was the absolute best time.

My family hired a photographer for the party and some pre-party photos. Even though posing in the studio was an incredibly awkward experience for my super-shy fifteen year old self, my eyes were opened to a whole new world. I remember the photographer being excited and energetic and so very kind. She was passionate and it showed.

"Wait, so people actually do this?
Like, as a job?"

i was intrigued.
passion followed quickly.

you know, it's not always the same but i do love it when my days include quiet time, movement, lots of water, and watching the sunset (even just a peek)

daily rituals:

at home trying to decorate lol. our walls are still empty and we don't have a lot of furniture, but we got love, that's for sure.

YOU CAN FIND ME:

talking about what i'm not about in a generic way. i think our dislikes are better suited for personal, in-person conversations.

I'm NOT ABOUT:

pink skies. the number seven. rice. ~~school supplies~~, i mean stationery (notebooks + pens + highlighters + post-its, etc).clouds. blankets. all things cozy.

I just love:

What started as a way of saving my very best memories quickly became a way of sharing that passion with others and saving their memories, too. Besides the emotional, romantic side of photography, the business and non-traditional career path also drew me in. Being able to work with something I love while building the kind of life I love is invaluable to me. My eyes were opened to the world of photography as a career of passion fifteen or so years ago, and there was just no turning back.

years later, i would shelf my college degree (a different story for a different time) and pursue my passion for documenting life and love.

I wouldn't do this as a "job" for another eight years, but fifteen year old me was intrigued and resolved to freeze moments in time so that I could have them forever. Yeah, I realize the whole "freezing time" thing is pretty cliche to say as a photographer but I really felt like that's what I was doing.

I started carrying my camera everywhere (which for me was youth group and sleepovers and train rides to NYC), obsessed with documenting each moment - not just for myself but also for the people with me. When it was time to go to college, I was discouraged from pursuing photography as a career. I knew I loved it, but I followed the well-intentioned advice given to me.

life is to be cherished

this playlist

listening:

pizza (not the florida kind)

CRAVING:

the ruthless elimination of hurry

READING:

lots of water (well, trying)

DRINKING:

Youtube videos lol

watching:

lately these days...

a few favorites

love me a good oversized button down. you can also catch me stealing all of Emerson's sweaters

no place like home

sunsets at the beach. moving to Florida has been one of our best decisions yet. we miss our family and friends but living a short ride to the beach is a dream come true

my husband, Emerson. before he was my second photographer, he was my best friend and number one supporter. so much of the person that I am is a direct reflection of his love for me. i thank God every day for his life.

a few favorites

huge fan of Apple products. i can probably show you a keyboard shortcut or two.