Tanya + Lavender’s family embodies a spirit of warmth, light, and love

I first met Tanya + Lavender many years ago through mutual friends, and our paths have crossed many times over the years at various pregnancy and infant loss remembrance events. Tanya + Lavender have had their share of heartbreak over the years, including losing 3 dear little ones during pregnancy (Sam, Oren, and Miriam). Recently they were blessed with the spunky little kiddo you see in these photos, Cedar.

When I ran into Tanya and Cedar at the most recent Forever in Our Hearts event (for pregnancy and infant loss awareness month, which is in October), we started planning family portraits for Tanya, Lavender, and their kids; Alana, Derek, and Cedar, as well as three teddy bears meant to symbolize Sam, Oren, and Miriam. This marked the first professional portrait session that the whole family has had, and it was so meaningful to be able to include Sam, Oren, and Miriam in these portraits as well.

Tanya + Lavender have been through so much, but I am continually impressed by their kind hearts, resilient spirits, and loving natures. These photos are in celebration of the sometimes brutal complexity and beauty of life, and are a well-deserved ode to an amazing family.

—Sam