Cafecito 25-26
Yesterday we had some rain, which in most places isn't something to write about. Living in an actual desert in Arizona is what makes it unique! It is the season for rain, and crazily, we had a pretty bad storm last week that flooded quite a bit of town. All of this to say that I woke this morning, prepped and ready for our annual high school dance team's photos at a local coffeehouse, it was a pretty humid day!
We've always taken these photos toward closing, hoping that the buzz would be dying down, leaving us room to get the photos inside the gorgeous sitting area. This year, we switched it up and decided to head over right at opening.
Eager to get set up, and just because I like feeling prepared, we arrived a half-hour before. The back gate was open, so after unloading, we strolled in to find a workout class still grinding in the outdoor area. Not having a clue that this was a thing, I stopped at a nearby picnic bench and listened to the instructor guide and push, encourage, and finally close with some sound meditation. As the ladies were laying there focusing on their inner peace, she walked around with a sound bowl while another woman grabbed something that looked like a bean bag and placed them over their eyes. (I never found out what this was, but was definitely wanting one.)
Anyway, meanwhile, the girls on the team started to arrive dressed in their usual: LBD! Every year they make a stunning team, and it has been my joy to be a part of these moments.
When the workout crew finished, I got to meet Jackie, one of the women who was leading the group, who said, "You should have joined us!"
The girls were placed on stage and we grabbed all the team photos (freshman through seniors, plus officers) and then headed inside to get the individual photos. It was a relief to head inside after being out there for almost an hour. (I know, I know...I am from the midwest, where humidity is just a part of life, but I have been in Arizona for YEARS now, and me + humidity are not friends.)
When I take on a photo session, it is very personal to me. My whole professional journey started because I wanted to document my own son's journey through high school sports! Every photo is one that I would want hanging in my home and each edit is approached as if it was my own. The prep starts the moment I am hired, where I create an inspo board, build a timeline, and map out the vision. This year, I wanted something different for the seniors, so we went with a silhouette photo on the gorgeous green couch that we'd been trying to get for years! Mission accomplished! These girls are so fun, kind, and easy-going. They love to try whatever pose and are creative partners in helping each photo come to life.
When you think of coffee, do you think of dance, or vise-versa? I didn't used to until I started working with this team, but now I do! Something I love even more is the Hallmark-movie feel from start to finish that we get from Cafecito. I mean, COME ON! A local workout session taking place as the local high school dancers arrive to take their team photos? They sip their lattes between photos and snack on the amazing breakfast selection, laughing and creating memories that they will carry with them forever. These are the absolute BEST moments, and I will never stop saying that I am the lucky one who gets to be there as a witness to it all. THANK YOU~~~~!
