{R Cousins}

When I took these photos this summer these cute cousins were 3 months old and 5 months old.
They were so sweet and fun to photograph. And it was a blast catching up with a friend I haven't seen since high school.
Thanks again Lesley!

You Matter

I enjoy everything about advertising & marketing which is why I chose it as my major at BYU. Along those lines, I love graphic design. I haven't posted any of my graphic design work here before, and while this blog is primarily about photography I've decided that graphic design lends itself to this creative space, so occasionally I might post some of the things I create.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This weekend the leaders of our church joined together to give us council in what we call General Conference.  We had four sessions packed full of  inspirational thoughts and uplifting stories of faith. It was a wonderful pick me up.

During the Saturday morning session one of my favorite apostles, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, shared some wonderful words about how individually important we each are to our Father in Heaven. I loved this quote:

"It may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe.  At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten.  But always remember - you matter to Him!"  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I decided to make it into a print.  

If you like it feel free to save it, print it and share it.

And if you have a minute, listen to his talk.

Update: It was so fun to see this spread on Pinterest and pop up on blogs. I'm glad people love the quote as much as I do!

{Lamas Family}

I love this cute family!

{Baby E's Sealing}

Adoption is such a beautiful thing!

And how adorable is Baby E?!

This family was sealed to their sweet little boy in the Salt Lake Temple.

(Click here to learn more about sealings and temples and what Mormons believe.)

{A Hero's Homecoming}

I was honored when my friend Jessamyn asked me to come take pictures of

her husband's homecoming from an 11 month deployment.

What an incredible way to spend a Saturday morning.

We waited in the hanger for what seemed like forever-

There were kids dressed in red, white and blue, balloons, banners,

a big brass band playing in the corner, news crews, wives dressed gorgeous

and sweet children excited to see their daddies. 

We waited and waited, and then finally the plane landed.

I think it's safe to say everyone had chills and lumps in their throats as
the plane pulled full circle in front of the hanger where we were all watching.

The crowd of family members and friends pushed forward to get as close to the plane as they would allow.
Then, the first man stepped onto the stairs coming down from the plane
and the crowd burst into an uproar of excitement- screams and sobs
and the brothers next to me started to cheer "USA! USA!" raising their fists in the air.

Finally, after 11 months apart, the Barnette family was back together again.

It was a very touching experience, one I'll never forget. 

They hugged and laughed and just stared at each other, smiling. It was wonderful.

Thank you Brian and Jessamyn for the sacrifices you've made for our country!

I'm so grateful for you and it was such an honor and privilege to be there to photograph such a special day. Thanks for letting me be a part of it.
I love you with all my heart Jessamyn and I'm so grateful to call you my best friend.

xoxo, Em

{Sweet Hands}

{Hurry up Spring!}

I had a baby a few weeks ago, and in my opinion he is the most scrumptious baby ever. That means photography is on the back burner for a bit since I'll be busy cuddling with him and playing with his sweet big sister, but I'll be back soon! Thanks! .

{Baby Beckett}

Our close friends had their baby last week! Little Beckett is completely adorable. Holding him in the hospital just about melted me. It's going to be so much fun for Ashley and I to have boys the same age; they'll be rolling around on the floor together before we know it. Just one more month and I get to hold my own little one. Can't wait!