Mills was utterly on fire with excitement and anticipation for her day at the spa. Of course, I took her to my girl, Bethany, at 209 Downtown Salon and Spa. Those pink and sparkly places are cute, but we Mefford ladies are for realz...no time to play around. Go big or GO HOME. Naturally, Mills was full of expression during her beautification and this continued right through the haircut, to the nail painting (she chose OPI's Jewel of India, in case you were wondering), and to the moment we walked out of the door. She loved the cape and was surprised how quiet Miss Bethany's blow-dryer was (well, mine would be too if was a professional one!). I'm so glad I can enjoy being a girl with her. Our bond keeps getting stronger and stronger, and I am so glad she is my little chica.
I was asked to photograph last night's prayer session, during which friends of the Richardson family celebrated Carson's life. The tone was different, as one might imagine. Of course, I sensed sadness, and there were even more tears than before. However, I sensed the smallest amount of relief floating through the group...relief that this innocent child had flown away from all things less than good. Carson is safe now. No more needles, no more tubes, no more bad. He's at peace. Now, the prayers continue for his family. I will continue to document for the Richardsons as they venture into uncharted territory over the next two days, and it is my sincere hope that the images I capture give them peace and acceptance and awareness of all of the love that surrounds them.
If anyone is interested in updates regarding visitation and services, please look here.
Oh Kate- I just now saw this. We go to Carson's Family's church- how wonderful that you are a part of this time. There could not be a better person to walk through this time with them and capture their support and faith. Thank you for the reminder to stop and pray for this family and keep me grounded. wow....
(03.05.10 @ 10:48 AM)What a moving tribute; how blessed the family is to have such a wonderful group of friends and extended family members!!
(03.03.10 @ 01:52 PM)oh kate. so moving and precious is the love they are sharing.
what a gift you are bestowing on them. bitter sweet. and priceless.
thnak you for sharing with us.
I am so thankful to be part of God's Family. I don't know any of you personally, but graduated high school with Kim. I am just so very thankful that this sweet family has you all surrounding them with your love at this time. Your photographs really captured the love you all and we all feel for them. I know Kim and Ryan and Collin will love them.
(03.02.10 @ 09:29 PM)
This year, I chose the same team leader, Greg Gibson. We're like family now, complete with the love and the bickering. Rounding out his team were the unmistakably brilliant mentors: Matt Mendelsohn, Deanne Fitzmaurice, and Jennifer Domenick, and the supportive and hilarious team members, Ed Atrero, MaFe Fernandez, Caroline Winata, Mark Seymour, and Vinicius Matos.
Our second night at the workshop, we went carnival shooting. Here are just a few of my favorite frames.
I think I need to go to a carnival now. Love all the colors - brightens my day!
(03.02.10 @ 03:04 PM)If God ever blesses Corey & me with a baby I think i need a copy of that rubber duck pic...It would be a good shout out to my carney(sp?) heritage! Love you!
(03.02.10 @ 08:54 AM)Looks awesome. I have been eyeing this workshop for a while and might try for FW9...looks amazing kate! Love your images as always!
(02.28.10 @ 12:17 PM)everything i surf through your site and blog, i leave with a huge smile. love ya- CC xo
(02.28.10 @ 11:12 AM)I, along with Joanna, was there to document the gathering for the Richardson family. What an honor it was. Feel free to leave any well wishes to the Richardson family below in the comment section.
Thank you Kate for sharing these beautiful pictures. I have known the Richardson family for some time now as one of Carson's nurses at the hospital. He is such a fighter and my prayers are with him and his family in this journey.
(02.26.10 @ 11:25 AM)The emotion of the night jumps off the photos! It is so touching. I send my best to Carson and his family. I will keep you in my prayers.
(02.17.10 @ 02:39 PM)Thanks Kate and Joanna. It is clear thru you pictures how loved and how much faith was in that room....You did an outstanding job.
(02.16.10 @ 07:22 AM)
Love. them.
(03.11.10 @ 03:31 PM)awww, this makes me want to have kids! :)
(03.11.10 @ 01:52 PM)WOW, what a cute capture! Thanks for sharing!
(03.11.10 @ 11:53 AM)