I've worked with a lot of amazing families over the last couple of years! And one thing I love is getting to know what makes them each unique. There is so much diversity and beauty within each family unit that makes photographing them a dream. 

Recently Gay Lynn reached out to me for a family session. As we talked on the phone, she shared with me how they were a blended family. We got to talk about her and her husband, her children, and her bonus children. I loved the way she wanted to capture her family just as it is. It was no shock to me that they were just as beautiful in person as she had described them over the phone. Rather than trying to explain and narrate her family's story from my eyes, I decided to do a little interview and hear from her directly. I hope it encourages you as much as it did me!

Me: So tell me how you met!

G: We’ve been together since June 21, 2014. We actually met in Alaska when we were both stationed there but were married to other people. It was a one-time meeting since we were there to celebrate Thanksgiving since many of us didn’t have family there. The Army family is always your family away from home.

Me: What's one challenge that you face in being a blended family?

G: One problem we face is that we sometimes have different parenting styles. It’s hard for me to let him step in sometimes because he’s at work a lot, especially lately because he’s a Drill Sergeant and his schedule is crazy. We always talk things out and I know that even though he isn’t there, he’s still my partner in crime and we’re a team. Communication is the key for everything. 

Me: What's been one of the best things about being a blended family?

G: The best part of being a part of a step family is that I have bonus kids to love and finally have a little girl I get to shop for. She’s definitely my girly-girl and loves getting new dresses and clothes in general. She has me show her all of her dresses when we FaceTime.

Me: Is there something you wished someone had told you beforehand about this new stage in life?

G:  Something I wished someone had prepared me for would have to be all of the energy they have. Jacob, our eldest who lives with us on a daily basis, is very quiet and calm. He always has been since he was little. Our smallest ones, are balls of energy.

Me: What are you really proud of in your family?

G: Something about our family that makes me proud is knowing that with us, there is no, “your kids” “my kids”. They’re all OUR kids and they are loved all the same.

Me: What advice would you give to other blended families?

G: Advice I have for other families that feel like a peaceful dynamic is out of reach is that it isn’t out of reach. Nothing is ever out of reach. When you married your significant other, you knew there were children involved and they deserve to be loved no matter what. You don’t know what’s going on in their little minds or even how they’re feeling. If you treat them as if they belong, they’ll belong, and everything will fall into place. It’s not easy but it’s always easy to love a child. It stands true that actions speak louder than words.

Me: What made this a great session for you?

G: I loved that you were a mom and didn’t expect for them to be perfect or even us for that matter.