07/28/2025
When I moved to Oregon 16 years ago, my bestie Lisa said, “Hey, I should introduce you to my friend Tami. She and her husband, Matt, just moved back here from Georgia.”
I met Tami briefly at their housewarming party. She had toddlers running around, and her littlest, Addie, was still in diapers.
About a month later, my world came crashing down as I was told I was getting a divorce. I had just returned from a few weeks at my parents’ house to an apartment that was now half-empty. One afternoon, I had a knock at my door. Lisa and Tami showed up at my doorstep with groceries and flowers. They didn’t ask questions. They just showed up, scooped me up, and took me back to Tami’s house.
Tami helped put me back together over the coming months and years. She took me in like family. I spent the holidays with them. She made sure I was fed, checked in on me when I went on dates to make sure I was safe, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. She’s always been one of my biggest cheerleaders in my adult life.
Tami became my “in case of emergency” person (sorry, Tami, we’ve tested that more than once!)
Years later, when Nevada came into my life, he also became part of her family. Tami, I’ve learned so much from your parenting, and you’ve helped us navigate so much, especially this last year. We are so lucky to have this family in our lives.
Now, her littles aren’t so little anymore. Her youngest is entering her senior year (cue the tears). And while I don’t pick up the camera much these days, when Tami asked me if I’d take Addie’s senior portraits, it was an easy yes. Addie said she wanted wildflowers at Mount Hood, so it was a no-brainer. This was a photographer's dream.
Last night’s session was pure magic. Lupine fields stretched as far as the eye could see. The presence of the mountain watched over us, a gentle giant in the sky. In true Erin fashion, I made everyone hike uphill chasing light (and chasing me) until it dipped behind the mountains and melted into the sky. I was in my happy place.
Addie: The session was a treat for me, while also so meaningful. I’m so excited to see where this world takes you and where you take the world. 💜
