Indiana

I flew to Indiana for our sweet nephew’s wedding last weekend. The flight was smooth and quick, landing me in Chicago; not far from where this family that I’ve grown to know and love throughout the past twenty plus years originated. We drove right through East Chicago, the town that I visited years ago, the town that housed and raised Anthony and his brothers, employed and shaped my in-laws years ago. A million thoughts and stories running through my mind as I stare out the car window and the small talk with my sister in law and her husband continues. An hour and a half later we pull down a corn field lined road, and into the gravel driveway belonging to my darling niece, her husband and young family.

I met Taylor when she was seven-ish years old, missing teeth and colored glasses. I was twenty years old. We got on quickly and I feel in love with her and her little brother Aaron, (the soon to be groom) right away. All of the years that I’ve know Taylor and Aaron, the time we’ve spent together has predominantly been in Southern California when they would visit their grandparents and us in the summers. I had heard about their family farm and life in this small Indiana town, but now being here and seeing it for myself was something quite special. Taylor and Kaleb’s house is a beautiful reflection of themselves and the life they have built together. Taylor, with five little ones under foot and a belly filled with new life.

After settling in, I grabbed my camera and walked their property, inspired by the colors and textures that the late afternoon was offering. The garden was beautiful, the home well loved cozy and welcoming. The company, fantastic. We spent that evening with the soon to be bride and groom, friends and family. Ice cold beers and a piping hot fire. Memories shared and conversations had, an evening soaked in the anticipation of the impending days and nights to come.