EVERGREEN MOMENTS | THE BROWN FAMILY
There are some photo sessions that quietly stay with you long after the cameras are packed away. This one—with the Brown family—has lived in my heart ever since.
This year, I had the honor of photographing Derek and Jacklynn Brown and 3 of their 4 beautiful kiddos at The Cosmo Cottage Farm, surrounded by places that feel deeply personal to me: the greenhouse and the bird nest chair. The Bird Nest set is an artistic, sculptural scene I created three years ago—one that continues to evolve with time, weather, and intention. Much like family itself, it grows, shifts, and becomes richer with each passing year.
Derek and Jacklynn met in March of 2014, and together they’ve built a life rooted in love, perseverance, and unwavering support. They are truly one of those couples whose connection feels effortless yet deeply earned. Jacklynn often shares that the road hasn’t always been smooth, but Derek has never left her side—not once. He has guided her when she needed it, stood steady beside her, and believed in her even when she was already strong on her own. Jacqueline is a fearless, profoundly beautiful woman and mother—through and through.
“There is a tremendous strength that is growing in the world through sharing together, praying together, suffering together, and working together.”
Their family includes four incredible children: Jackson, Jordan, Millie, and Bailey. Millie (pictured) and Bailey shine in competitive cheer, bringing grace, strength, and discipline into everything they do. Jackson and Jordan are constantly in motion, playing basketball and football, and between the two of them, softball and baseball fill their seasons.
I love watching Derek with their kids. On the sidelines holding his son at a basket ball game, braving through cheer competitions, supporting their every dream, and truly knowing his family so he can be the best father - the father that everyone wishes they had. Skilled in just about everything - Derek works hard to support his family and his beautiful wife. They have all shown up for Koa and I when we needed family the most. I can’t help but tear up a bit thinking about how much this family means to us.
Jacklynn is a natural caretaker. You can tell how much she loves and supports her babies - she is the mom that always “shows up” in every way. It is that unbreakable strength from within that has been shaped by both love and loss. In 2015, she lost her father, a year she describes as the hardest of her life. More recently, in 2025, her mother, Kandi, was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. Through it all, Jacklynn has remained grounded in faith, positivity, and purpose, holding her family together with SISU that is truly unmatched. Watching Derek and Jacqueline walk through life together, growing closer through grief, change, and parenthood, is something I deeply admire.
Over the years, their family has grown even tighter because of their shared commitment to being present. They prioritize time together whenever they can, especially family dinners on the weekends. These moments—simple, intentional, full of laughter—are what I see reflected in these images.
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I met the Browns through a mutual friend, and from the very beginning, they have surrounded my tiny family with warmth and care. They have been especially wonderful to my daughter, Koa—loving her, including her, and even making her 2025 birthday beautiful and full of joy. Koa absolutely adores playing with all of the kids and is so deeply loved by Derek, Jacklynn, and the entire family. Being welcomed into their world—family dinners, holidays, birthdays, and meaningful moments in between—has been a true gift.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable. ”
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Out of all the photo sets I created this year, this one holds a special place in my heart. It represents not just a season, but a growing closeness formed over months of shared time, trust, and love. Photographing the Browns in spaces that mean so much to me felt like a full-circle moment—where art, family, and friendship gently intertwined.
This is what The Cosmo Cottage Farm is about for me: telling stories of love, resilience, and connection as they unfold—naturally, honestly, and beautifully.
