I have loved this little lady before she was even a year old. I’ve spent hours rocking her sleep,reading books, feeding her meals, and playing with her & her siblings as well as simply loving her entire family. Her dad, Mike, was the special man Nate & I asked the honor of joining us as one 8 years ago.  Mike & his amazing wife Michelle & their little girl moved to my hometown to start a local branch of a sister GCM church when I was just starting college & I just happened to know that this church was starting so I came! It was the best choice I made in my ENTIRE life. Mike was an amazing spiritual advisor, pastor, & real leader in my life for over 11 years. I respect him & Michelle more than almost anyone I know.  He was instrumental in my faith journey-endlessly wading through my dark matter, facing my past, & falling passionately in love with a personal God for the first time. He was there for ALL of it.  So even given this brief description -you now know him & his family have been crucial to who I am today.

So years have gone by since I moved away & said my sad goodbyes to my Illinois community & little do you know this little round cheeked, hide & seek, cuddly baby has grown into an amazing teenager- full of life, direction, confidence & shocking intellect. I am so impressed with her character & personality.  I am in awe of the parenting & reliance on Jesus that Mike & Michelle must have had to raise such an astounding young woman. I can only hope & pray for grace & mercy that I can raise my son the same way.

So-Michelle & I had gotten together over the summer while I was home shooting weddings & she mentioned that Gillian had a bucket list & low and behold I was on it!! Yes, that’s right- portraits by Tracy! I was THRILLED. Seriously I don’t know if I could be any more honored. So of course we arranged them right away. We had such a great time shooting this session. Gillian was an amazing combination of silly & serious.

Then last week I needed an assistant for a wedding & she volunteered, so of course she would be perfect, ladylike, kind & efficient and she was! I don’t think I’ve made a better hiring decision! Gillian is truly radiant & beautiful inside & out. I simply cannot wait to see what changes she will bring to this world.

WATCH OUT WORLD!

Gillian is also a Jamberry nails consultant so of course she had adorable nails! If you are interested in learning more about those super neat, long lasting, non toxic, nail applications or you simply want to buy some new ones today go here: Gillian’s Jamberry Page.

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