the thompsons [contest winner!]

to know these two, is to love them.

you may remember my incredibly sappy, happy, and heartfelt announcement that mark and shawnetta had won this year's Valentine's contest (here). i stand by everything i said.

mark and netta redeemed their winning session during a beautiful may night, and it will go down in history as one of my favorite shoots to date. we shot a bit, decided we had a deep desire for a burger (and a beer to keep mark smiling), and then finished the shoot at saint mary's college, netta's alma mater.

as you may know, candid shots are my favorite. there's something about the honesty of a face in that unexpected moment that the shutter snaps shut, that captures a person perfectly. these shots of the thompsons are by far my favorites; mark has a grin that goes on for days when he looks at his wife.

speaking candidly, and honestly, while i was thrilled at the time that they won the contest in february, i was even more ecstatic to photograph them in may. they are both strong, loving, and selfless people of God. together, i know they can, and will , overcome any battle that comes their way. they are very dear to my heart, and i love that our friendship has grown throughout the years. 

netta and mark, it was my pleasure photographing you. i hope you both look back at these images many years from now with a smile. and mark, your girl? she's a stunner!