the falconbridge family • grassy field • san diego photographer

this session couldnt be more perfect for this family. everything about it is just exactly them. i told them to pack up a picnic (whatever they might normally bring to spend an afternoon outside together) and bring a few changes of clothes. they brought homemade muffins in baskets wrapped in tea towels, a guitar, a baby pram, dollies, grapes, and beautiful linens to lay on.

we drove around looking for just the perfect spot. thankfully, we found it, without too much of a wild goose chase. from the street it didnt look like much. i pointed to it as we drove by and said “that might work…”, but kept going…not trusting my gut. after about ten more minutes of looking, we came back. i dont know why, but its always stressful for me to be the one to choose the location. i always worry my gut feeling wont be right.

i adore this little family, if you are a regular reader here, you very well know. since meeting emily just three short years ago she has become a sister to me. her husband a brother to me. her children like one of my own. this june, they will most likely be heading back to their homeland of australia to get some things in order and have baby number three. we are unsure if or when they will be coming back.

my heart hurts and i try not to think about what life will be like without them so close. it is hard enough being 55 miles away from each other.

it is very bittersweet to have done this session, knowing it may very well be the last one here in the states.

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i have tears in my eyes as i type and delete…type and delete…there are no words. i will just let these speak for themselves.

from emily’s home movie session

edited: i have been hand-slapped through the computer by emily who informed me i was being SO DRAMATIC and she is MOST CERTAINLY COMING BACK!

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80 Comments

  1. Awww. :(

    Aren’t Aussies THE BEST!? We have two houses on our cul de sac full of Aussie transplants and we would be SO SAD if they moved away. :(

    Enjoy your remaining time and hopefully you’ll be reuninted much sooner rather than later.

    AND… what a great excuse to travel to AUSTRALIA!!! :)

  2. I read the post, enjoyed the pictures and then it hit me. If I ever had my friends taken so far away from me – I think I would melt. My girl friends are my lifeline. It is because of them that I sometimes do good raising my daughter, it is because of them that I have a strong marriage, it is because of them that I have survived some rough spots that no one should endure. These women, your Emily, they are part of us. I am sorry Tara… it WILL suck.. but the cool thing is that while physically she may not be here to breathe in – your hearts are forever attached. Danged it – now I am weeping.

  3. I can’t even put into words how beautiful this session is…the love and passion you have for this family was definitely pouring through in each photo. They seem like the most perfect (and flippin cool) little family. I am sure it must be hard for you to see them go.

  4. Well, I don’t want to make you cry, but I’m so sad that she is moving away from you. I hadn’t been keeping up with her blog so I didn’t know she was moving or expecting baby #3. Your photos are gorgeous, but even more so knowing they are something you’ll treasure along with your memories of your sweet friendshiip. Don’t be too sad-I have a feeling you’re linked for life and will see each other as often as time and travel allows. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. Best wishes to Emily and family.

  5. O.M.G. That picture from the waist down and the red and black boots is TO DIE FOR. You’re so talented and so fortunate to know this family. I feel like I know Emily just through her blog and her 52Q … she seems so delightful! Thank you for sharing!

  6. Tara – think of all the fantastic photo shoot locations that you might find here in AUS. I’m sure you could book enough shoots to finance the trip for all of you to come out here for a week or 2. In fact – I’m certain of it! love ya

  7. oh tara! i am teary eyed. i love the relationship you have with emily. i long for that kind of friendship. someone who “gets” me.
    it is breaking my heart to think of you two not being close together. i wish i were as comfortable with myself as emily seems to be. she is a beautiful person. as are you. i’m sure you will remain close no matter how far apart you are. kindred spirits can’t be truly seperated.
    smiles and hugs to you both
    ria

  8. i so envy what you and em have.
    distance won’t change it.
    of course it’ll suck…her not being so close…but you two are connected. forever! lame words don’t make it better. i know. i’m just sayin’…

  9. Love these so much. It’s so strange to me to feel like I know this family through you and your photos (and my sister in law who Emily is friends with). But I’ve never met them. Gorgeous gorgeous photos-and stunning location. Please tell Ivy that she looks just like a fairy princess with her daisy chain.

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