The Bregger Family | Bella Via

Family Session

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Starbucks is usually where most of the magic in this world happens. Countless conversations that have taken place inside their walls have blossomed into business ventures and lasting friendships.

And in the case of Kim and I? Both.

As she was nearing the end of her time working for corporate America, she was searching for what she could do from home. Knowing that I am a photographer and content creator for big blogs, she reached out asking how to get started. As I talked, she wrote down everything she could

I remember feeling absolutely humbled when I walked away from that Starbucks. There I was, just doing what I was doing to help provide for my family (and have fun doing it) not realizing the impact I was having on someone else. Kim (and Jordan) have jumped in with both feet into the world of content creating and watching their passions collide into one crazy, blessed adventure has been inspiring.

Kim,
I know there are going to be days when you’re pushing the boulder so hard up the hill and it’s might feel like you’re not going anywhere. Keep pushing! You never know when the top of the hill is going to appear…and then you won’t be able to keep up!

xoxo

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Dancing in the Desert | Scottsdale, Arizona

dancing in the desert

Bella Via Family Session

What’s better than the dreamy, glowy desert? A ballerina in the dreamy, glowy desert.

A few months ago, I had this vision of a dancer moving and flowing against the desert landscape. I just couldn’t get the idea out of my mind so I reached out to Kimber to see if Delia would be interested in modeling for me and I was a little giddy when they agreed!

When you meet Delia, you know there is something so special about her. I think her smile could light up an entire city. Even though she’s been dancing since she was 6 years old, I think it’s more than just dancing to Delia. It’s about creating last friendships and encouraging her peers to be the best they can possibly be.

Delia, don’t ever stop being you! I love your evident heart for others. I know that God is going to use that to do mighty works. I pray that he will continue to establish the works of your hands…and feet.

Bella Via Family Session
Bella Via Family Session
Bella Via Family Session
Bella Via Family Session
Bella Via Family Session

Justice for Michelle | Mini Session Fundraiser

justice for michelle mini sessions

One evening in late September, I received a message from a friend on Facebook inquiring about a mutual friend.  “Has Demi posted anything about her mom?”

Immediately my heart sank.

I’d later find out that night that Demi, a former volleyball player of mine when I coached at Gilbert Early College, had lost her mom.

And not just unexpectedly.  Tragically, to domestic violence.

She and her sister’s are not only having to  come to grips with the murder of their mom, but they are having to deal with the emotional trauma of having witnessed it.

Last year when I held mini sessions for a dear friend with breast cancer, we raised $900 for her and her son. (See that one here —> Red Lips Campaign)

Now, I’m asking you all to do it again for Demi and her sisters.  On top of funeral expenses, they’ve had the cost of moving to a new home, grief counseling and everything in between.  If you haven’t already contributed, now is your chance (and get some fancy pictures in return).

Here’s what you need to know:

  • There are 8 spots available
  • Mini sessions are for up to 6 people
  • Each session is 15 minutes
  • Every participant will receive a style guide via email
  • You’ll receive 10 images in an online gallery with rights to print

DATE: December 9, 2017
TIME: 2:15-5:00
LOCATIONS: East Mesa (location will be given to participants)
COST: $150 (bring cash or check to your session)

Ready to sign up? Pick your time here —> Justice for Michelle Mini Sessions

Once you’ve selected your time, I’ll send you everything you need to know!

justice for michelle mini sessions

 

Hintz Family Session | Scottsdale, Arizona

desert family session

Desert Family Session

Meet the Hintz Family. Actually, if you’re reading this, you probably already know them!

While hiking in the the desert doesn’t often, or ever, make the list of top things they do on a Saturday night, these 4 met me out at the base of a mountain for their family session, Tieks and all. We were lucky to have dodged the bikers and hikers, but unfortunately nature attacked and I was stung by a bee for the very first time in my life. *cue the dramatic effects* Thankfully Delia’s first aid kit came to the rescue.

We all have our own stories of this beautiful family about how they have impacted our lives. They’ve walked each of us through different seasons, some sad, some joyful. They’ve brought our names before our heavenly Father and given us encouragement when we needed it the most. They’ve opened their hearts and their home to each and everyone one of us and I doubt you and I will ever forget them for it. They serve well, they love well and reflect the hope of Christ every chance they get.

I love them most for how real they are. There’s no guessing what they are thinking. There’s no discrepancies in who they are.  And I think we can all agree that Donavon and Kimber just might be the world’s best parents because Kyra and Delia are two of the sweetest girls I know.  I’ve watched them grow into beautiful young women and I hope and pray that they wait 20 years for Dax and Rowen to grow up.  Just kidding.  😉  But I do hope that my boys are lucky enough to know them when they are older.

Thank you Donavon and Kimber for giving me another glimpse into your beautiful family!  It means the world.

Desert Family Session
Desert Family Session
Desert Family Session
Desert Family Session
Desert Family Session
Desert Family Session
Desert Family Session
Desert Family Session

Dear Husband, Whoever You Are

A few weeks ago, I shared a little bit about my story and this week, I’m taking you back to the very beginning.  Please know, this is a story of hope, not of pain. I’m not writing this series as a means to bash anyone.  You won’t hear details of what happened.  That’s in the past.  What you will hear about is my story.

Back when everything was happening, God began to give me a new hope, a new desire.  He began to give me a glimpse of what my future husband would be like.  So, I began to write him letters.  I’ve kept every single one of them as a reminder of his goodness and that is faithful to fulfill his promises. 

I hope that whoever reads this series walks away knowing that there is in fact hope.  Healing may not come in the way we expect it or the way people tell us it should.  But it’ll come.  I promise.  He is faithful.

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The room was dark, the stage illuminated.  The band was playing a Hillsong United favorite.

Some were standing on their chairs, others were jumping up at the front.  Others, stood, hands in pockets.  This was youth group.

But I wasn’t doing any of those things that night.  I was sitting, writing because that’s what I had been prompted to do.  “Sit down and start writing”.

So I did.

I wrote the lyrics to the song playing,

Your mercy found me, upon the broken road and lifted me beyond my failing….

I’ll throw my life upon all you are.  Cause I know you gave it all for me. 

When all else fades my soul will dance with you,

Where the love lasts forever. 

And then it was as if everything else had been blocked out, the music faded, the people who stood around me became blurs…and God began to speak.

I will bring restoration. 

I am the God of all. 

Melodee, know what that means.  I am God of all.

I am the God of restoration, peace, reconciliation, healing. 

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That night, God spoke to me in a way I’ll never forget.  I’ve grown up in church, grown up knowing who he is.  He’s God.  Of course I knew that.

But that night, it was different.  He wanted me to walk away knowing full well that he is I AM.  He is all things to all people.

After those few brief moments, that felt like time stood still, I was sure that God had spoken those words to me to give to someone else.  I said, “okay God, show me who it’s for and I will humbly deliver this message.”

A few weeks went by and I saved the paper, but he never revealed to me who it was for.  Maybe I made it all up. I started to doubt.

And then after being married only six months,

the first tiny lie came to light.

And then I knew,

those words were meant for me.

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