Our very dear friend, Aiden, is a therapist who works with young people struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. With three young girls of her own, helping young women feel good about themselves and comfortable in their bodies is very important to Aiden. So, when she asked us if we’d be willing to photograph the annual MEDA (Multiservice Eating Disorders Association) dinner auction she had organized, we were more than happy to oblige. But, we wanted to do more, so we also donated a family portrait session.

A couple of weeks ago, we met the generous family who bid on and won our session. I have to admit, it was a little nerve-wracking wondering if anyone would bid on our session.

Teri, the matriarch of the family, had attended the auction to support her friend, Beth, MEDA’s director. Beth is also Aiden’s coworker and mentor, and she was being honored that night for her years of selfless service and dedication to MEDA’s mission.

As a point of reference, here’s one of my favorite photos from the MEDA event…it’s a shot of Beth heading to the podium after several colleagues and former clients spoke about all Beth had done for them. The love in the room that night was a beautiful thing. Beth looked a little embarrassed at all of the attention…so sweet.

What a wonderful thing to work hard at something you believe in, and equally wonderful is the acknowledgement that your work changes people’s lives. Yay for Beth Mayer!

It took a while to finally get to meet Teri & her family, and when the date had finally been set, Mother Nature wasn’t in a particularly springy mood. Although we had some warm days in April, the day of the session was unseasonably chilly. But, the family rallied and together we had a fun, albeit windy, evening at the beach. Here are a few of our favorite moments from our time together…

The gang….Nikki, Alyssa, Bruce, Teri & Shira.

Shira pulls a funny face and Alyssa reacts…

Coming from a family of 3 girls myself, I just love photographing sisters together. I wish I had more pictures of me & my sisters.

Strike a pose…there’s nothing to it…vogue…

Loooove this next shot. Just a candid moment as the family walks to another area of the beach. So moody!

Daddy’s girls…

Love is…Sisters. Although they can at times be your harshest critics and a source of great angst, they are also built in best friends!

I’m not exactly sure what this funny walk was all about, but it made for some great expressions!

Beautiful girls…

We couldn’t end the session without a group hug and a moment alone for Teri & Bruce…

Thank you all for taking time out of your very busy schedules to come “chill” (quite literally) with us at the beach! Thank you too for your generous donation to MEDA and bidding on us! You have a wonderful family and we hope these photos serve as happy reminders of precious times together for many years to come! With hugs & warmest wishes, Christine & Andy