There’s something extra special about the holidays and family reunions—it’s a time when traditions are revived, memories are made, and love is shared. For this family, Christmas time has deep roots and thus their holiday family reunion had even more significance. Their foundation started many years ago when Mimi and Pop pop met at a Christmas party. Little did they know then how much this time of year would mean to them and how much they would watch their family grow over the following several decades.
This year, I had the incredible honor of photographing their family holiday reunion that had last taken place six years prior. Let me tell you, the emotions and connections were palpable in every shot. Their children and significant others traveled from all over the country to make this Christmas one to remember. The reunion felt even more special because it was baby B’s first Christmas in Montana with Mimi and Pop pop!
It’s hard to put into words the power of these moments—when parents, uncles, grandchildren and grandparents gather and the years of separation melt away in an instant. These family members, who hadn’t been under one roof for six years, had a reunion filled with so much love that you could feel it in every smile and laugh. The best part? Watching baby B, the first grandchild for the Wessel family, interact with and fill his grandparents, uncle, and Mom and Dad with so much joy.
One of my favorite parts of this shoot was capturing the older generation with the younger generation. You could see the sparkle in the grandparents’ eyes as they walked along and held their first grandbaby. It is clear to see how much he is loved by his family. These are the types of moments that truly stand the test of time. Years from now, when these kids look back at these photos, they’ll be able to remember what it was like to spend a holiday surrounded by the people who love them most.
This holiday family reunion wasn’t just about joy and laughter—it was also a time to reflect on the years that had passed and the new growth their family has experienced.
While the group shots and posed photos are always fun, it’s often the quiet, candid moments that tell the true story of a family. Whether it was a shared glance between siblings or a spontaneous hug from a grandchild, I tried to capture those little, fleeting moments that really showcase the bond they share. There’s something so authentic about those in-between moments, the ones that aren’t planned but speak volumes about the depth of connection.
Christmas in Montana, with its mountains and snow, is the perfect backdrop for capturing moments like these. There’s something inherently nostalgic about the holiday season in the northwest—whether it’s the glistening snow on the trees, the clear starlight nights, or the warmth of a fire crackling greeting you as you walk through the door. As I clicked away, I couldn’t help but feel privileged to document such a meaningful reunion. The photos from this holiday family reunion session are more than just images; they’re memories—timeless reminders of a family coming together for the holidays after six long years.
As I packed up my gear at the end of the session, I couldn’t help but feel excited for what this Christmas family reunion meant for this family’s future. As a family with military backgrounds, who knows when they’ll be able to gather again, but I’m sure they’ll cherish these photographs for many years to come. The bonds that strengthened over this Christmas will live on in the frames hanging on walls, the albums passed down through generations, and the stories told for years to come.
For me, this session was a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: it’s not about the presents or the perfect decorations, but about coming together, creating memories, and cherishing the time spent with the ones we love.
If you’re considering booking a photography session for your family gathering, big or small, remember that the best moments are often the unposed, candid ones—the laughter, the hugs, the tears, and the in-between moments that make family so special. These photos are not just about capturing how you looked but about preserving the essence of your family and the love you share.
Happy holidays, and here’s to more reunions, more laughter, and more beautiful memories.
February 1, 2025
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