It was a week or so before Christmas when I got a call from my dear friend Emily. We were chatting it up, updating each other the the latest happenings, telling tales of the days of old when she asked me what I was doing that coming weekend. I could sense the schemes she was plotting. And I liked it. She asked if she could pop of for a wintry visit and for some Shipley time. Of course, my family and I happy obliged, and we welcomed her fireside just a few days later. She timed it just right. The christmas goodies were aplenty, my mom’s tree was trimmed and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care. And better yet, a storm was abrewin’.

I’d been dreaming of doing a photoshoot in the snow for years and my visits home never availed themselves to a such wintery wonderlands sadly. So as you can imagine, it was delighted to wake up to a blanket of white one morning Emily was in town…and this is what we made of it. Oh the joys of having talented and beautiful friends. Emily is both/and, so I got to photograph her AND be on the other side of the camera for a frame or two. It was glorious.

This woman brings so much joy, laughter and positive energy to all that she does. It’s magnetic and you can’t help but feel all sorts of merry and bright when you’re with her.

This is us. Yup.

Emily snapped this photo of my mom and me that I just love. It warms my heart every time I look at it, and I will cherish it forever.