dk photographic: Kate and Ryan, a memorable weekend.

A few years ago, I met this amazing woman named Kate. She's tall, blonde and can run a wedding and reception like nobody's business. And... I'm so grateful that I get to call her one of my best friends.

After we lost Delaney, I spent a month in my bedroom licking my wounds. I wasn't functioning very well. Depression and grief will do that to a person. So many of my clients and friends were supportive and understanding. One brave friend, stepped in and pulled me out of my bedroom. Kate and her hubby, Ryan, took Andy and I out to dinner. I was nervous. I hadn't been out much and I didn't believe I could have a good time. I was too sad to have fun. It started out with me faking it. And eventually, it was real. We had one of those great nights where we laughed a lot, drank a little bit and ate way too much. I surprised myself but having a really good time. When I got home, it occurred to me. Kate is only about a week and a half away from having her baby and we haven't done maternity photos. Heck. We hadn't even talked about them. You see, my very selfless friend didn't want to ask because of everything that happened and I was so wrapped up in my own grief that the idea of offering to take the photos hadn't even occurred to me. Wow... If that isn't proof that my mind has been elsewhere, I don't know what is.

So... I called her first thing Sunday morning and convinced her to come see me later that day. I knew it would be hard for me but I couldn't let this time pass and not give my friend a priceless memory or two. It was a beautiful day and I took some images that I am SO proud of. I'm proud of them for a couple reasons. First, as images go, it's good work and I'm proud of how they turned out. But personally, they mean so much more to me. These photos were the first glimpse that I wasn't lost. These photos proved that I wouldn't spend the rest of my life in my bedroom. I would eventually see the light of day again.

: Kate, Ryan and the bump

: My fave!!

And.... seriously.... this is THE photo. I LOVE it so much! Do you think it will be weird for my friend to come over and see a huge picture of herself on my wall?

: GORGEOUS!

: splendor in the grass :)

: Check out the yummy light.

The heart on the belly photo is pretty much a standard but I always feel like it's way too many fingers in one photo. And there's dad's hands but where's dad's body? And after doing the heart photo this way, I vow to never go back to the old way again. :)

We finished our session and went in the house to eat dinner. I tried a new soup recipe and it was a big hit! We spent another evening with our wonderful friends. Little did we know....