A Fall Mini Session with the Moe Family
There’s something extra special about capturing moments for families who are not only wonderful clients but also dear friends. That’s exactly how I felt during my recent fall mini session with the Moe family—Jason, Melissa, Grayson, Elijah, Rowan, and the ever-adorable Joah (affectionately known as “Joah Moah”). This sweet, fun-loving crew has been part of our church family for a couple of years, and getting to photograph them is always a treat.
The day of their session was a bit of a surprise—October can bring crisp, cool weather in Minnesota, but on this particular afternoon, the temperatures soared to a very unusual 80+ degrees! As you can imagine, the Moe family had dressed in cozy fall attire, expecting a chill in the air. Yet, despite the unseasonably warm weather, they were such champs. No complaints, no grumbling—just a willingness to power through their session so they could get back into the car’s air conditioning. Talk about a family with a great attitude!
I met them at East Lake Community Park in Lakeville, a spot I absolutely love for photos. It was actually the perfect location for their session because I was also meeting two other families for mini sessions there, and the park’s sprawling green area and calm, reflective lake offered the ideal backdrop for capturing the beauty of fall.
One of the things I adore most about this time of year is the light. Late afternoon in fall has a magical quality, where the sun seems to hover just above the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow over everything. It’s the kind of light that makes even ordinary moments feel like something special. And for this session, the light was absolutely perfect. You know that feeling when it’s 4 in the afternoon, and the daylight is so warm and inviting that it almost looks like the sun is getting ready to set, even though it’s not? That was the kind of glow we had, and it made every photo look like something out of a dream.
As you can probably tell from their family dynamic, Melissa and Jason are pros when it comes to wrangling their four boys—Grayson, Elijah, Rowan, and Joah. As a fellow boy mom, I had a blast hanging out and goofing off with these little guys. They were all so full of energy and life, making it impossible not to smile the entire time. But it’s Joah who always steals the show—he’s seriously the most loved little guy at our church. His infectious smile and sparkling personality make him a joy to photograph, and it’s no surprise that everyone adores him.
Throughout the session, I was struck by how much love and fun radiates from this family. Whether it was Jason and Melissa sharing a quiet moment together or the boys wrestling and laughing in the golden light, it was clear how close they are. They make being a family look so easy, even when the weather throws a curveball or two.
It’s always such an honor to photograph families that are dear to your heart, and this session with the Moe family was no exception. Even with the unexpected warmth, we managed to get some beautiful photos that will remind them of this special time in their lives.
I can’t wait to continue capturing more moments with them in the future—and hopefully, next time, we’ll have cooler fall weather to work with! Until then, these golden moments from their session will be a cherished reminder of the warmth and light this family brings into the world.
Thanks again, Moe family, for trusting me to capture these memories. I can’t wait for the next adventure together!
