The De Craen Family

It all started with my college yearbook staff. Long hours, endless editing, and sleepless nights were always accompanied by Courtney's bright smile. Her hugs kept me warmed, and her laugh kept me encouraged. It grew with our English novel course - arguably the toughest class of my college career. Our blurry eyes from reading 400 pages every night met at the back of class to laugh through Jane Eyre and cry through Mrs. Dalloway. It deepened when we photographed her wedding day. When Joe saw her in a golden field for the first time and he wiped away tears of exhilaration and joy. And now, this little friendship has become lifelong.

There's few people in my life that have crossed the boundaries of my different and growing worlds, but Courtney has always been a presence in wonderful outskirts of my life. It wasn't until we photographed her and Joe's wedding that the connection solidified, and Joe and Courtney have become dear and cherished friends in our lives. We love these two and were so excited to snap a few pictures for their Christmas cards. The best part was they brought along their Welsh Corgie, Dutch, who just may be nominated for the cutest-thing-on-earth prize!

I think Dutch has one of the happiest doggy smiles ever. Its helps to have big ears and tiny feet too!

I think Jeff wants a dog - what do you think? Unfortunately, Gracie freaks out at the sight of anyone or anything besides Jeff or me, so we're going to borrow Dutch until then!