Celebrating the end of an era with the Diedrick family as their father, Dennis, retires from dairying.
I’ve been lucky enough to know this sweet family for the past ten years or so, and some things about them will never change…
1. When you’re with them, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. They are a family built on a foundation of fun. Costume parties, card games, garage DJ set ups, you name it- they’re ready for it.
2. They’ll always make you feel welcomed. Each and every one of their kids could have a conversation with a cardboard box if they really wanted to, so chatting with you is an absolute breeze. P.S. I got so much feedback about this comment on social media, but the overall consensus was that it is indeed highly accurate, and intended to be the highest compliment!
3. You’ll never leave their house empty handed. Whether it’s a glass of wine or a bushel of apples, they take care of you.
This family has loved me so well over the years, and Celine has been there with me for some of life’s biggest moments- so when she reached out to capture this season of their life with a family session on the farm, I knew there was no way I’d miss it.
Her father Dennis, has decided that after a lifetime of work, he is ready to sell the cows. He wants to see more of the world, and enjoy time with his family. Though he will still be farming crops, the days of waking up early to milk and being home at night to feed will soon be ending.
Dennis is a fourth generation farmer, and the farm has been around since the 1800s. He grew up there and raised his own children in the same home as well. With each of the kids grown up to chase their own passions, the dairy chapter is closing. Knowing how important this milestone was, Celine and her brothers reached out to make sure it was documented. Together, they gifted their parents a family session on the farm to help them hold on to the memories they had made here over the years.
Before their session, I asked the family to answer a few questions to help me better understand their vision. The common theme throughout each of their answers was that they wanted to showcase their connection. They are a family spread out all over the country who made a point to return for this session, and they always make the most of every moment spent together.
Throughout the evening, I asked them to reflect on their favorite memories as a family. They showed me pictures from when the kids we’re little, including their most recent family photo which was over 10 years old! We walked around the property picking up kittens, and stopping for photos with their very last calf. We goofed around, cracked jokes, and enjoyed a truly beautiful night on the farm.
Before I left, their family was gathered around the dining room table, drinks in hand, smiles on their faces. I could feel the warmth and happiness in their kitchen. They are a tight knit group, lucky to have one another. As they head into this new season of life I am sure there will be missed memories, but above all else there will be so much room to create more.
I offer a limited amount of family portrait sessions each year, to join the list or learn more please visit my Portrait Page.
