LONGMONT FAMILY PHOTOS | The Howell Family

Rick and I were so happy to get to work with Mandy & Ben again after their gorgeous wedding in Breckenridge, CO. When we last saw them Mandy had the most breath taking gown and Ben looked super dapper in his suit. They were surrounded by friends and family ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN as they said I Do. They promised to be there for each other forever and no doubt as they sealed their union with a kiss they were looking forward to the future. We happened to see on Facebook when their twosome became a beautiful family of three. We were completely over the moon for these two, one of our favorite couples. We were even MORE over the moon however when Mandy contacted us to see if we would be interested in taking family photos.

SO once again we headed out with Ben and Mandy, plus one of course. We didn’t go back to Breckenridge, this time we met up at St Vrain State Park for fall Longmont family photos! We had long heard about this gorgeous location. Other photographers we know and trust had boasted about its lush meadows, big fish filled lakes and tall picturesque trees. We were saving it for just the perfect session and the day to photograph there had finally arrived. It was so nice to get to catch up and see what they’ve been up to but we were SUPER stoked to get to meet their new little one Owen.

What we didn’t know however was that the weather forecast was totally lying lol. When we got there to scout for their session a thin layer of frost was all over the ground. The temperature was COLD and there was a chilly wind that made it that much worse. We called this sweet family but after discussing everything weather wise we decided to push on. Boy are we glad that we did, it did start off chilly but it wasn’t too long after we began photographing that those clouds disappeared. The chilly wind stopped, all the frost melted and we were left with a wonderful fall day! I guess good things come to those who push through anyway huh?

These Longmont family photos feature GORGEOUS Fall colors but Owen totally stole the show in this session. His sweet smile, charming personality and they way he not only had his mom and dad wrapped around his finger but also grandma and grandpa just tugged at our heart strings. It is always a nice surprise when grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and cousins get to come join in on photos. The weather was pretty chilly as we took these Longmont family photos but Owen was SO PERFECT! We had a blast exploring all the lush textures and lovely color around the park. We started in the tall reeds, made our way around a gorgeous lake and played underneath tall trees full of gorgeous Fall leaves.

This family was so much fun. Super playful, funny, with tickles for days and days. It was very important to us that these go beyond ordinary family portraits. Sure everyone would want some classic photos where everyone involved was looking at the camera (especially since Grandma and Grandpa were making a cameo!) But there is just something about real family photos. The ones filled with cuddles from Momma, baby smiles and Dad’s signature laugh. We really wanted this sweet family to be able to look back at their session and remember what it felt like to BE in these moments of their lives. Before Owen get’s bigger and the day of tossing him in the air and holding him tight within your arms are long gone!

Rick and I absolutely love photographing weddings. Meeting couples and having them let us into their lives is so amazing. I have to say however that my SECOND favorite thing is getting to see our brides and grooms as parents. Something so sweet about seeing them snuggle with their new little one, baby talk to get them to smile and lift them high in the air to play airplane! Something about witnessing the transformation into parents just absolutely melts my heart and Mandy & Ben are going to be amazing parents! Owen is one lucky little fellow!

Thank you so much for asking us to document your family and how it has grown. We adored getting to meet Owen and cannot wait to see the amazing things in store for your sweet family of THREE!

What is a blog post without some gorgeous images? Here are a few of our FAVE from their session.

Don’t you just ADORE this cozy photo? Something about the bond between mother and son captured on film just gets me. PS isn’t he ADORABLE!

We love that Ben’s parents were in town, so not only did we get to photograph with Mom and Dad but also included Grandma and Grandpa as well!

This family was so playful. We really wanted that to come across in their photos. Lot’s of smiles and giggles here!

Something about when babies stare down the camera. Their eyes are always just so mesmerizing! He is pretty handsome don’t you think?

Another wonderful family photo with those gorgeous Colorado fall colors! One of my favorite seasons there!

He just has cheeks for days! Love the way his sweet Mom and Dad are just totally doting over him here!

We love to include a few more photo journalistic photos as well, such as this gem where he is looking off…

On a side note didn’t Mandy do a fantastic job picking out their outfits for their session? Such a stylish family for sure…

Their first professional FAMILY photo, what an honor to have been able to photograph this session for them!

We couldn’t miss out on Grandma and Grandpa love right?! Love the way he is holding Grandpa’s finger here…

I absolutely adore this photo of father and son. So timeless in black and white too don’t you think?