Summer : Our Portrait Giveaway Winner!

Seeing as today is the last day of summer, it seems like the perfect time to share our session photos from our session with beautiful Summer! <3

Last summer, Nate and I had a portrait session giveaway. Summer had not one but TWO entries by her mom and aunt for her to win a shoot with us. They were both incredibly touching, but it was her Aunt Juliana’s that won us over.

Two year old Summer already battled pediatric liver cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. Summer had major surgery, a stem cell transplant and high intensity chemo, and is still always looking to play and find a way to be happy. Summer is still fighting away, and if you want to know more about her, you can read more on her Alex’s Lemonade Stand page here.

We returned to the Grand Floridian for Summer’s family session, which happens to be where we photographed her parents’ wedding, too. <3

My favorite part of the session was when Gina and Bob pulled out Summer’s Beads of Courage. I’d never heard of this organization, but they help children coping with serious illness record, tell, and own their story of courage. It’s impossible to look at this portrait of Summer and not feel overcome with emotion when you learn that each bead this two-year-old is wearing represents a type of hospital occurrence (like a needle stick, infusion, surgery, medication challenge, clinic visit, etc.)

#SummerStrong, indeed. <3

Summer’s session also included some friends, like her very best friend who happens to be the daughter of her mom’s very best friend. <3

Beautiful Root bride Juliana!!

I also have to point out that Summer’s adorable ensemble was handmade entirely by her grandmother!! Jo-Ann has seriously inspired me to step up my sewing game!!