A Legacy of Love: The Gonzales Family Session

PortraitsFamily

Mar 4

Some family sessions are extra special, and this one was definitely one for the books. When my friends Kianna reached out about capturing their family photos, I knew it would be a session full of love, laughter, and deep-rooted history.

I grew up with Kianna and Steven in our small hometown of Charlotte, Texas. Steven and I were in the same class, and Kianna was just a few years younger. Now, they both have beautiful families of their own, and it was so special to see them come together with four generations of the Gonzales family at their grandparents’ ranch just outside of town.

Generations United

Joann and Eddie, Kianna and Steven’s parents, are some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Their love has grown into a legacy, now carried on by their three grandkids—Kora, Luke, and Evelyn—who are the light of their world. Joann’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales, were also part of the session, representing the strong foundation this family was built on. Joann’s sister, Mary, joined as well, along with Marissa, the daughter of their late sister Martha.

One of the most touching parts of the session was the way they honored the memory of Debra and Martha. The family brought framed portraits of them, ensuring that their presence was felt in this new chapter of their story.

A Home Full of Memories

When I arrived at the ranch, I was instantly welcomed with the smell of fresh-baked cookies—Mrs. Gonzales had a batch in the oven, baking them to take to church. The house was filled with warmth, not just from the cookies but from the love of a family who has built a lifetime of memories together. A wall of framed photos caught my eye, showing graduations, first communions, and moments that told the story of their family’s journey. As I stood there taking it all in, I couldn’t help but feel honored to be adding to that collection.

A Perfect Evening in South Texas

Steven took me on a quick tour of the ranch before the shoot, showing me around the land filled with rich red dirt—something so familiar to anyone who’s spent time in South Texas. The family’s outfit choices of warm maroons and burnt oranges blended seamlessly with the landscape, making everything come together beautifully.

The kids had a blast, running around and being their playful, energetic selves. Meanwhile, I got to steal a few quiet moments with Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales, capturing their love that has stood the test of time. After more than half a century together, they still had that spark—the kind that turns a simple moment into something magical.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in the kind of golden hues that only a South Texas sunset can, we wrapped up the session with the entire family gathered under the big entrance sign to their home, proudly displaying their last name: "Gonzales." It was the perfect way to capture not just their family, but their history—their legacy—in one powerful image.