I met Janelle a few years ago and basically knew from that first moment she would be in my life for the rest of forever.  We have kids the same age, we have bearded husbands, we are loud and cuss a lot – we get each other on a deep level.  When I met her family I was done for! IN LOVE!  These are my kinda people.  They have stories and histories and they laugh hard and cry with you and are basically just wonderful in every possible way.  I was profoundly blessed to photograph Arlo’s birth a few years ago (well… sort of… read the post for all the details). Seeing as he’s three now we knew it was TIME to make some new family portraits with these loves.  I am SO glad we did.  We made some seriously Sacramento portraits too!  From downtown graffiti walls to Capital Park to Marie’s donuts – we made this family portrait session one for the ages.  I may require donuts to be a part of all family portrait sessions now – because you know what – ending a session with sugar is PERFECTION!  But even better than the donuts was the love this family showed without any hesitation.  I openly cried at one point during this family portrait session.  We created a space together that was so safe and so comfortable that crying together was totally okay.  Because sometimes you’re taking a picture with your mom, and her mom is watching and your family has been through A LOT together and the deep profoundness of that moment – a moment that just is never guaranteed – isn’t lost on you even though you’re only 15.  And when moments like that happen, this photographer cries right along with the everyone else.  I am so glad we also made some video of this session.  Arlo’s tiny voice, Georgia’s epic dance moves, snuggles and hugs and kisses and happiness that jumps right off the screen!  When Janelle and Mac came into the studio to see these pictures and watch this video we all cried – again – because this is what their family looks like right now.  It’s not perfect, but DAMN is it beautiful.  Hanchett family I love you sooo much!  Thank you for being you and for letting me capture it.