The Royce Family

Some photo sessions are special because of the location, the light, or the moment in life, and some are special because of who they’re with. This session was all of that and more.

The Royce Family holds a very special place in my heart. Craig and Michelle are my dad’s cousins, which makes this crew my beautifully extended family, from first cousins once removed all the way to second and third cousins. It’s always an honor when anyone books me, but when your own family trusts you to capture something this meaningful, it’s truly humbling.

This photoshoot came at a bittersweet, beautiful time. Craig and Michelle are preparing for a brand-new adventure as they get ready to move to Alabama, and they wanted one last session here in Colorado with their children and grandchildren who live here, while their Alabama family was visiting for Christmas. It was the perfect moment to pause, gather everyone together, and preserve this season of life.

We met at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, where generations filled the space with laughter. From the littles, Connor, Andrew, Zander, Carter, and Makenzie, to the teens stepping into adulthood like Noah and Kaylynn, every personality brought something special to the day. There was no shortage of energy, sweetness, and genuine connection.

One of the greatest blessings was getting to spend time with Great Uncle Mickey and capturing him with his great-grandchildren. Those moments are priceless, the kind of images that grow more meaningful with time. We made sure to capture all the must-have combinations: grandparents with grandchildren, big-family shots with and without Mickey, all-male photos, all-female photos, and plenty of candid in-between moments that show just how joyful this family is.

True to form, we leaned fully into fun. Silly prompts, spontaneous moments, big laughs, and the kind of chaos that only comes from a large, happy family, exactly how it should be. Even the shy ones warmed up as the session went on, and by the end, everyone was fully themselves.

Looking back on this session, what stands out most is the legacy. This family is big, happy, and deeply connected, and that’s exactly what these photos will represent twenty years from now. A reminder of where they were, who they were with, and how much love surrounded them.

Craig and Michelle, thank you for trusting me with something so meaningful. I’m wishing you nothing but the best as you step into this next chapter. Your Colorado family will always be here, cheering you on, and I’m so grateful I got to help freeze this moment in time.