Once upon a time Gareth and I were on our last couple of weeks on our 17 month trip. We were hanging out in the UK at his parent’s house, and one day I noticed an Edmonton photographer had a Kelly Moore camera bag for sale. Gareth and I had decided that I was going to work full time for our company when we got back, so I think I kind of convinced myself that buying this bag would make me legit. Trust me when I say I was beyond scared to become a full time photographer. So this bag was my way of fakin’ it till I made it I think.

Nicole was selling the bag. I didn’t even meet her when we got home and I picked it up. I met her husband Shawn in the parking lot of their condo with their two dogs. But somehow Nicole and I got to talking and became Facebook buds. We finally met in person and clicked instantly. Nicole photographed Gareth and I when I was freshly pregnant, she was one of the first people I told because I felt weird and strange and outside my body – not in a state to be photographed. She made me feel beautiful in her “When Life Gives you Lemons” photos and I’m so grateful to her for that.

Fast forward 2 years and Nicole and I talk constantly. I don’t get to see her often but she lends me constant support as a photographer and as a mother. I greatly admire her work and look up to her professionally, and I am thankful for her friendship as a fellow mamma and just as another girl.

It was an absolute honour to photograph you my friend. Your family is beautiful – fun and happy and glowing. Callum and Mason are already friends and I can’t wait to watch them grow together. Now hurry up and move here!

xoxox