Julie + Bryon

Old Friends, New Chapters | The Marks Family at Big Creek State Park

Some sessions aren’t just about the photos. They’re about the people. The history. The belly laughs. The blink-and-it’s-gone seasons.

This one was all of that.

Julie has been my best friend since childhood — the kind of friend who’s walked with me through celebrations and losses, birthdays and funerals, babies and heartache. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding. She showed up for the memorial we held for our miscarriages. She stood by my side at my dad’s funeral. She gives me a birthday gift every year, even though I reliably (and guiltily) forget hers.

And now here we are — decades later — photographing her beautiful family of five strapping sons.

Their oldest is headed off to college this fall. Their youngest is about to enter fourth grade. Time really does fly.

This session came together last-minute, since one son’s work schedule doesn’t release until the week-of. We had two nights to choose from, and the night Julie contacted me happened to be the perfect one: cool air, light breeze, and just enough clouds to keep the sky interesting.

We met at Big Creek State Park, and as everyone piled out of the car, the teasing started immediately. I heard what sounded suspiciously like a fart noise, followed by bursts of laughter aimed at Bryon’s shirt — a pale beige that matched his skin tone just a little too well. According to the boys, there was a real risk of their dad disappearing into the images.

Naturally, that meant Mom got teased too… and as any best friend would, I had to come to Julie’s defense. #TeamJulieForLife

Despite the goofing, the poking, the swagger walks (that may or may not have involved a few pushes), we got stunning images. Photos that capture the full energy of a house full of boys who clearly adore their mom, admire their dad, and know how to make each other laugh like nobody else.

This night was more than a photo shoot. It was a pause in a fast-moving season. It was a reminder of how far we’ve come — and how lucky we are to still be doing life alongside old friends.

Because it really does take a lifetime to grow old friends.

And Julie? You are one of mine. Thank you for sticking with me all these years as a friend and for entrusting this new season of your family’s life to my camera.

Love you,
Carrie

PS You can view the rest of our time together HERE.