When I started my photography business in 2018, I had no idea that I would build lifelong relationships with clients who would turn into friends. But that’s exactly what happened with the Carroll family.
The Unexpected Beginning
Funny story—after my first session with The Carroll Family, I told my husband, Casey, that I probably wouldn't see them again. Their boys, Austin and Cooper, had not been thrilled about photos, and I was sure they hated me. So imagine my surprise when I ran into their mom, Libby, a few weeks later at Hobby Lobby. She gushed about how much she loved her photos and couldn’t wait to book with me again. That moment marked the beginning of a friendship that has lasted years.
Since that first session, I’ve captured their family photos annually. I’ve photographed Austin’s entire senior journey—football, cap and gown, prom, you name it. I’ve even had the joy of photographing Cooper with his sweet girlfriend, Abby, who is one of my 2026 Senior Reps. That one session in 2018 turned into something so much bigger than I ever imagined.
An Invitation to Mardi Gras
Fast forward to 2024. Libby casually mentioned that the following year, she wanted to hire me to photograph her family at the Mardi Gras Ball ( Austin and Cooper would both be a Prince). I laughed it off at first, but in early January, she brought it up again—this time, for real. "Pack your bags, you're going to Louisiana!" she said. And just like that, I was headed to Shreveport, with my husband tagging along for the adventure.
With some schedule rearranging and childcare in place for our boys, I bought a gown, Casey got a suit, and we packed up my camera gear for a road trip to Louisiana. I had no idea what to expect, but I was beyond excited.
Experiencing the Magic
When we arrived, Libby gave me a tour of the venue. It was beautiful, but with the bright lights on and the room empty, I didn’t quite feel the magic—yet. I knew my job was to capture the boys as princes, walking out on stage, being introduced, and riding on their rolling carts. But nothing could have prepared me for what the night would actually hold.
At 6 PM, the event kicked off, and let me tell you—it was magical. Actually, magical doesn’t even begin to describe it.
The lights, the smoke, the outfits, the details—everything was breathtaking. Confetti poppers were bursting, necklaces and trinkets were flying through the air, people were cheering and dancing, and the drinks were flowing. The energy was absolutely electric. We partied until midnight, and when I finally packed up my camera and headed to the hotel, I was so wired from the excitement that it took me two hours to fall asleep.
A Night to Remember
While I can’t put into words every detail of the night, I can say this: if you ever get the chance to attend a Mardi Gras Ball—GO! Don’t hesitate. Don’t overthink it. Just GO! I promise you will not regret it. This night was one of the absolute highlights of my photography career. And to think—it all started because Libby booked that first family session in 2018. I am forever grateful for the friendships that photography has brought into my life, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
