Cade was just 6 years old when we met the Horton family 12 years ago. His dad, Cory, was the pastor at our church. I still laugh thinking about the time Cory was teaching CPR classes and Cade decided it would be funny to hide the baby mannequin in my office to scare me. Behind doors. In my desk chair. Propped up just enough to catch me off guard. It worked more times than I’d like to admit. We blinked and somehow Cade is already a high school senior.

About five years ago, the Hortons answered a call to a church in South Carolina. We were heartbroken to see them go because they had become such dear friends. We have stayed in touch and started talking about senior portraits at the beginning of the school year. It’s hard to believe that conversation is now a reality.

Over the years, we’ve watched Cade grow from a playful little kid into a steady, driven young man. He definitely inherited his mom’s singing voice and his dad’s spirited personality. Between baseball, school, and singing at church, he stays busy and he’s learned how to work hard for the things that matter to him.

Last weekend, we drove to South Carolina to spend time with their family and document this milestone. Cade, Wendy, and I started at his high school with a few portraits in his cap and gown. So much life has happened on this campus – four years of classes, friendships, baseball games, and growth. The wind made some of the photos a little challenging, but we were determined to make it work!

From there, we drove to a family friend’s property overlooking the mountains. We took photos by the fence Cade helped paint and the nearby trees.

We met both of our families at the top of the hill to finish with family portraits. The temperatures were below freezing and the wind felt like it was cutting straight through us, but you’d never know it from the smiles. It really gave a new meaning to “cold hands, warm heart.”

Cade, thank you for letting me document this season of your life. Cory and Wendy, thank you for trusting me with something so special. It is always an honor to photograph your family. Cade, I am so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that college holds for you. You’re going to do great things!