The Vaughn Family

Jan 27

This family…I have so much admiration and affection for this family.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had the pleasure of working with them. Last year I was fortunate enough to meet and hang with their oldest son, Malachi, and take his senior photos. This time I had the honor of working with them again to do an extended family session. So grab a drink and please bear with me while I gush about my clients!

I first met Carrie about a year ago in a women’s group I had been invited into after moving here. She and her family had just moved here within the last year as well, by way of China, and were getting adjusted to life in America…in the midst of a pandemic no less. I learned quickly that Carrie is passionate and speaks her mind but does so with grace, love and a sense of humor. She’s an easy person to be with, knows how to listen well (rare these days), and has wisdom up the wazoo! I may have a crush on her (but shhh don’t tell).

Brad is a deeply thoughtful and intelligent man. I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with them a few times now and Brad can almost talk as fast as he thinks…almost. He’s a published author, creator of a podcast that discusses the intersection of theology and mission, works for a non-profit and knows how to have fun!

Carrie reached out to me when she found out her parents were coming into town for the holidays. She wanted family photos for she and Brad but also some for the grandparents. We agreed on meeting at Papago Park in Tempe since it had a variety of scenery to work with. It had been an overcast day which made for some seriously moody clouds but Mother Nature showed out and capped off our evening together with a brilliant sunset.

Let me tell you something…this family knows how to have fun together. We laughed and we played and we created, they were up for trying anything. I love it when clients are willing to try new things and just trust that I have a vision for it. Sometimes it turns out incredible! Sometimes it doesn’t turn out at all but nothing has been lost. Brad channeled all of his Dad awkwardness to get laughs from his kids and honestly I think to get this pose on camera.

Sir Peter and Lady Susan (Carrie’s parents and my affectionate names for them) were charming and quickly melted my heart. There’s something about seeing grandparents with their children and grandchildren. To see the legacy, living and thriving right in front of you…it’s a gift of sorts. And a blessing to be able to capture it and hold it in place even for a fleeting moment.

But what I love most about this family is the way they love each other, the way they love others around them and the way they love the least of these. Brad and Carrie raised their family overseas for 15 years and I think that has everything to do with who these kids are becoming. They modeled for their children a life of sacrifice and service, of love and intentionality, of inclusion and kindness. And their children get it! They get it y’all! As parents we all want to raise humans who give back and love others and serve with selflessness. The Vaughn kids however, they’re young, but they’re already living this out.

Selah, the oldest, spent last summer in Uganda serving with a non profit called Joni & Friends. This summer she’ll be leading a team in Thailand. She graduates from college this year and will pursue her graduate degree in special education with the intent to serve that population overseas.

Malachai, he’s at ASU presently studying applied math for biology. He wants to get his post grad overseas and work in a research lab in a 2nd or 3rd world country. Kesed is a young man of kindness and inclusivity.

Charis, she’s the fireball of the bunch, but I think it’s exactly that fire that’s going to send her places. She’s gifted with kids, I mean she played with my 6 year old daughter and I think she liked it!

Makaria, she’s quiet but thoughtful. Her presence is felt rather than heard, and there’s a gentle strength in that.

Yes, I’ll say it, I have a crush on this entire family. But it’s only because Brad and Carrie parent and live with such transparent-ness and honesty, it’s difficult not to feel drawn to them. So Vaughn family, I want to thank you because this session was such an incredible blessing to me. I hope and pray that the life of light and love and truth and justice that you live will continue to have great impact on those whom you meet. Thank you for impacting mine!