Kropf Family // Logan, Utah Family Photographer // Father's Day Memorial Shoot
I have to start this post by saying that Carly is one of the most genuine, kind, and compassionate women I have ever met. When I had the idea a couple of weeks ago to do a family photo shoot in honor of my dad for this Father's Day, I didn't realize what it would become.
I wanted to do something in my dad's name for another family who had also lost their father. I knew that sharing my talents as a photographer was a good way to do that. After all, one of the main reasons I have a passion for photography is because the pictures and videos I have of my dad are some of my most cherished possessions. Pictures truly do capture memories, and there are honestly no words to describe what a treasure they are to remember someone who has passed on. My dad died of brain cancer over 14 years ago, but Father's Day is still a painful reminder that his physical presence is not in my life. Because my dad is buried almost 2,000 miles away, I do not get to visit his grave or leave him anything on Father's Day. We moved away before I ever had a Father's Day to visit him, so I've never felt like I could "get" him anything and simply leave it there. This experience gave me a new outlook on what I can do for him. It's not about what I can leave him, but instead what I can do to honor the amazing dad he was and IS to me.
Because I didn't have a family in mind to give this gift to, I reached out on Facebook and Instagram and the response was humbling. So many people in my community alone are mourning the loss of their father or are going through cancer battles right now. As the responses came flooding in, I didn't know how I could choose someone to do this shoot for. But then Carly's name came up a few times. I found out more about her story and just knew that she was the person I was supposed to do this for this year.
Carly and her dear husband, Mike, were thrilled to finally be expecting their miracle IVF twins after going through years of fertility struggles. While Carly was pregnant, Mike unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. Carly has raised these two adorable, sweet children, Finn and Huck, without her dear husband by her side and without a dad physically there for her babies. While she does have an amazing family support system, I can't imagine the struggle of not having her husband there with her and her children!
I initially was not sure why I was drawn to Carly and her kids for this shoot. There were other families whose situations were much closer to my own experiences. But I just felt like Carly was the person. After reaching out to her, it was overwhelming to me that this was truly the Spirit guiding this entire process. Carly made the comment to me that she had never had family pictures done because she just couldn't think about doing them without Mike. But this was a way to make it an enjoyable experience, and she embraced the opportunity.
With Carly and her kids picked for the shoot, I reached out to a few local vendors to see if they would like to contribute. I was grateful and humbled that these women were all immediately on board. Dahlia Event Planning & Floral Design donated a bouquet and floral crown for little Finn. Ashley from SheSheDesign donated a custom chalkboard with the perfect quote. And Emily Brodock professionally did Carly's hair and makeup. After telling my sisters and mom what I was up to, they wanted to contribute too and went in on a gift card for Carly to get a new outfit for the shoot. All of these women just made this experience truly just come together. I think it's beautiful when we can come together and use our talents, time, and resources to truly give to someone in need of what we can offer. It makes me realize that although we all do these things for our "job," we really have "gifts" that our Heavenly Father has given us to use for very specific purposes. So THANK YOU to all of these beautiful women involved!
Dahlia Event Planning & Floral Design
Emily Brodock (contact me for her info)
The evening could not have gone better. The shoot was perfect, and Carly and her kids were just stunning. While editing these pictures, tears were in my eyes as I could truly feel Mike's presence there with his family. As I came to one of the photos of Carly, I was humbled at what I could see in her eyes. She has known so much more pain than most may know in a lifetime already, but the strength, resilience, and love that shows through her eyes is breathtaking. She is a beautiful wife, mother, and woman, and one who I truly will look up to now that I've had a chance to meet her. I think the most humbling part of this experience was when she insisted that when I do this again next year, she will be able to have a part in helping someone else out. This was one of those experiences in my business that I'll never forget. This is why I do what I do. And why I love it.
So, to my dad. This was for you. Happy Father's Day. Thank you for all that you do for me. I feel you with me. I see you in the boys all the time. And I know that you are here when I need you most.
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