This family is very precious to me. Rose, the mama, and I got to know each other from church about six years ago. In that time, her daughter Emily and Sam (my oldest) became friends and we joined the same playgroup. Well, in June of 2004, Emily drowned in their backyard pool. It was the most horrific and bone numbing experience I've ever witnessed someone go through. I can only imagine the pain that her mama and her whole family experienced. Well, a couple years and several attempts later, they were blessed with another angel in Miss Gracie. Grace Emily to be exact. She is a perfect combo of Emily and Levi - the older brother she so completely adores in these photos.
I thought the shoot would be bittersweet for me, but you know, there was nothing but love there during it. We couldn't have had a more beautiful, perfectly lit afternoon, and you could just see the joy oozing from Grace and she played with her 'bubby'. I felt so honored to have been able to capture this little girl in all her glory. I know her sissy would be so proud.
