07/21/2026
Some sessions stay with you forever, and I knew before even photographing this one that it would be one of them
I met Jess and Darryl a couple of years ago when Jess won one of my giveaway sessions and I truly clicked with them instantly. Fast forward to this past April when I found out that Jess was diagnosed with cancer and would soon be starting chemotherapy, I knew I wanted to gift her and Darryl a session. Not because cancer defines this chapter of their lives, but because I wanted her to have these photographs to remember herself, and to always be able to look back at the woman she was before beginning one of the hardest battles of her life.
Cancer has deeply affected so many of us, and Iโm not quiet about how it has affected me personally with the loss of both of my parents in 2015 and 2019. Iโll never forget watching my mom go through chemotherapy, the slow loss of her hair, the day she shaved her head, and seeing how something that seemed so small to others affected so strongly the way she saw herself. I think thatโs one of the reasons this session meant so much to me. I still cherish so deeply all of the photos I have with my parents during those extremely vulnerable, heartbreaking moments.
Watching the way these two love each other has always been something Iโve admired so deeply. This day brought me so much joy and was a beautiful reminder that even in lifeโs hardest seasons, love can be a place of peace. We laughed the entire time (as always, how can you not when youโre around Jess & Darryl), and Jess kept saying how nice it felt to just feel normal amidst such a challenging season. The fact that this session and these photographs were able to give her that is something I will never take lightly.
Jess, your strength over these last few months has been one of the most inspiring things Iโve ever witnessed. The grace, courage, and unbelievably positive attitude youโve carried through all of this have made me start each day with even more gratitude. You really have a way of making everyone around you want to be a better person and I canโt wait to watch you come out on the other side of this stronger than ever. Youโre both my idols ๐ค๐ซถ๐ป