2017: A Year in Review

I am sitting here realizing that it's 2018 and besides one blog post, I have not added ANYTHING to my blog in over a year. Man, sorry folks. That's what happens when you have a baby and then decide to move across the country. Sheesh. This has been a packed year indeed, and I thank God for our community of support and for the myriad of opportunities to keep doing what I love by sharing life with so many people through photography. So, I decided for my 100th post on Amy Coles Photography to do a quick "2017 in Review" blogpost from some of my favorite sessions. I hope you enjoy a taste of some of the glimmers of joy, love and peace I got to experience in this past year behind the lens. Happy New Years families and friends! I look forward to spending time with you all and many more in 2018!

baby esteban lukas: newborn shoot

I can't believe it has already been two and a half weeks since this beautiful baby boy came into the world, May 17th, 2014! What a joy it is to have this amazing child of God that we have longed and prayed for for so long now before us and that he is so adorably scrumptious (I almost ate his baby-burrito-self up on the spot in the delivery room)! It hasn't been without much stress that this child has come into the world. Liz and Epi had some fairly scary moments during the delivery process and are still dealing with sleepless nights and acid re-flux, but praise God for His continued faithfulness, the prayers of His people, and the body of Christ at work! It is such a blessing to live in community with such God-fearing people who are gifted beyond belief and are committed to one another. I am so excited for Esteban to grow up surrounded by so much love, encouragement and faith. As his tia, I pray often that this boy grows to be a strong man of character, a man after God's own heart, and that he would have eyes to see and ears to hear the kingdom of God at work around Him. Praise God for His beautiful parents and my dear friends who are raising him in the ways of the Lord. Esteban, your parents love you unconditionally and I will be sure to remind you of that when I am way cooler than mom and dad :). Epi and Liz, I am also praying for you two to have wisdom, patience and discernment through the parenting process. Raising a young man in our neighborhood is no easy task and it is already so clear that it is God's strength alone that is made perfect in our weakness. He is the ultimate provider of peace, joy, safety, purpose and life. May you give each day to Him and live lives of thanksgiving and joy as you celebrate the new life that He has made from inside of you both literally and figuratively. Thank you so much for sharing each season of your lives with me and for being such amazing friends. Many blessings and much love. Welcome baby E. We love you.

liz and epi: third trimester mini-session

It seems like just yesterday that I was grilling Epi at our kitchen island about what he likes about Liz and why he thinks he should be able to take my roommate out on a date, let alone was standing in their wedding. Now in their third trimester, the Diaz family is expecting their first child, and I am amazed at what God is doing with Little D inside of my dear friend. It was been such an honor to walk alongside them in this amazing season of life and am beyond excited to meet this child face to face. Little D, my prayer for you is that you would follow the gaze of your parents and look to the cross. May you learn what it means to be a sheep in our amazing Shephard's pasture and rest in the peace of knowing His nearness to you. He is for you  little one and will never forsake you in your weakness. Love ya. :)

crystal and bri: family portrait shoot

This past Monday I had the pleasure of baking cupcakes, reading stories and playing peek-a-boo with Crystal and Brianna at my home in celebration of Crystal's birthday! I was first introduced to Crystal through my dear friend Liz who had gotten to know her through the Urban Life Skills mentoring program. After years of journeying together through highs and lows, Liz and Crystal have developed a deep relationship of nurture and respect. It has been such a blessing for me to pray for these two women and to see how God is using them in each-other's lives to bring them joy and to bring Him glory. It has also been such an encouragement for me to see Crystal press through to finish school, obtain a job, and by the grace of God still have the peace and strength necessary to raise her absolutely precious little girl. Crystal, you are such a strong, brave, and beautiful mother. Please know that you always have a community who loves and supports you through thick and thin. We're praying for you as you courageously raise, serve, and love on Brianna! Many blessings and happy birthday!