Spring is fully alive at the International Peace Gardens. Sunshine, soft breezes, birds singing, and squirrels darting between flower beds. During our session It felt like the whole park was celebrating something, and in a way, it was. Jaylee is finishing her senior year and headed to MIT in the fall. Her colorful garden senior session was a chance to pause, celebrate, and soak in the beauty of what she’s built before everything shifts.
Jaylee is one of those people who is effortlessly bright—not just in intelligence (though there’s plenty of that—hello, MIT!), but in presence. She carries a cheerfulness that makes you want to lean in and know more. She studies, sings, acts, and somehow still finds time to be involved in extracurricular activities. But what I loved most was when she opened up about books. She reads just about every genre under the sun. There is a light in her eyes as she talks about stories, characters, and favorites across every kind of genre. Her love for sunflowers is evident, and honestly, I can’t imagine a more fitting favorite. Bright, bold, and reaching for the light—just like her.
Her family came along for the session, and I’m so glad they did. We were able to sneak in a few updated family photos, and I honestly wish I could bottle up their warmth. They’re the kind of people you want in your corner—kind, hilarious, and a joy to be around.
This session felt especially meaningful knowing what comes next. Jaylee is headed off on a big new adventure, and her family will be cheering her on from home. But for a few hours that evening, we got to slow time just a bit and capture this in-between season: the girl who is ready to take on the world and still very much loved right where she is.
Jaylee, you’re going to do amazing things. I’m so grateful I got to be a small part of this chapter. Your colorful garden senior session will stand out as one of my favorites for years to come.
