The warm glow of the September sun was beaming through the windows. Loft 329 was illuminated. It may have been a mixture of the bright sun and the pristine white space. But it was clear that the warmth and light in the room were a reflection of the love and joy radiating from the Tomuta Family. Tiny giggles filled the air. Hugs and kisses were being given left and right. And the girls' loving and fun aunt was helping me pull out all the stops to capture their sweetest smiles. We were nearing the end of our session, so Mom brought out some snacks and placed them on the white couch. The youngest Tomuta, oblivious to the camera, made her way over to the couch with pure excitement in her eyes. She clutched onto the couch with one hand while holding her treat in the other. It was a scene straight out of childhood bliss. But what touched me most was the sweet gesture of her older sister. She stood beside her little sister and without hesitation, offered her a treat. With a tender expression, she held out the snack to feed her sister, and there was nothing but joy on both of their faces. With a little prompting, big sis leaned over and quickly kissed little sis on the head after a big hug. And they continued enjoying their snack like it was just a normal day...
It was perfect. And nothing could have prepared me for that adorable moment. We (Mom, Dad, Aunt, and myself) all spent so much time trying to get these two cuties to smile and enjoy the session. We definitely got those frame-worthy smiles which is always a happy moment. But in return for letting them be, we saw a beautiful display of the innocence of childhood. We witnessed the unconditional love and bond between two sisters. It was raw and heartwarming. In that moment I was convinced that their bond will last a lifetime. I was reminded that the sweetest memories come from simply allowing kiddos to be themselves. Because that's all that they want to be. But what I love most about this sister moment is it really shows how loving the Tomuta family is. They dote over one another. They take care of one another. And they are genuinely happy people. Mom and Dad will do whatever it takes to make their sweet girls smile and it shows. And those little ladies look at their parents with so much admiration, it just melts my heart. They are patient and they are kind. The Tomutas are truly just delightful people to be around. Maybe that's because their joy and faith are infectious. Or maybe it's because they love others in the same way that God loves them. It's probably a combination of all things, but all I know is that I am so incredibly lucky to have this beautiful family in my life!
Tomutas, thank you for letting me be a part of your precious moments. Thank you for reminding me that these tiny moments of love and connection are what make family sessions so special. Thank you for your friendship and for always making me feel so loved and appreciated! Thank you for simply being you. I just adore you more than I can put into words!
