The Berens Family | Castle Rock Family Photos
castle rock, co
A couple months ago, a dear friend reached out and asked if I’d be willing to donate a photoshoot for a fundraising auction. I said yes without thinking twice — I LOVE the ministry he works for and will snag any chance I have to support it.
A few weeks later, I got an email from Paul and Jacqueline, who had won the photoshoot at the auction. And just like that, a super incredible connection began to form (one that I'm so thankful for!).
We met one sunny September day just outside of Castle Rock, Colorado. It was our first time meeting in person, but from the start I adored their sweet family. They were so easy to talk to, and Jacqueline and I seem to be cut of very similar cloth in a lot of ways. I immediately noticed how much friendship their family shares with each other, which I absolutely love.
Getting to Know the Berens Family
As we walked and talked during their session, I started asking questions about their life and work. Paul and Jacqueline own a holistic wellness practice in Centennial, Colorado, and the more Jacqueline shared, the more curious I became.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve walked through my own health challenges — the kind that don’t come with clear answers or quick fixes. I’ve spent so much time feeling frustrated, discouraged, and honestly worn down by the lack of answers from western medicine. So when Jacqueline started explaining what they do and the unique way they approach healing, something in me felt hopeful in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.
At the time, I didn’t realize what an important connection this would become. I just knew I was grateful for the conversation and for getting to photograph a family that felt so full of joy.
coming full circle
Fast forward a few months, and Jacqueline is now not only one of my clients, but she is also one of my doctors — which still feels a little surreal to type out!
Since working together, she’s helped me start addressing inflammation, balance my hormones, and better understand what’s been happening in my body. But just as incredible as the physical progress has been the emotional side of healing — having a doctor who actually listens, gives me actionable steps to pursue healing, and who clearly genuinely cares about me as a person. That makes such a HUGE difference.
For the first time in a long while, I genuinely feel hopeful that healing might actually be in sight. That alone feels like a gift.
Why This Session Meant So Much
This session with the Berens family was such a sweet reminder of one of the reasons I adore photography—it has a way of connecting people in unexpected ways. Sometimes it’s about preserving a season or documenting a milestone — and sometimes, it’s about the unexpected relationships that form along the way.
Paul and Jacqueline are raising their family with so much intention and care. Watching them all tickle each other, chase each other around, and laugh together was a gift.
Gratitude for Unexpected Connections
All of this to say — I’m incredibly thankful for this unexpected connection! What started as a donated session turned into a friendship and a relationship I deeply value. SO many good things can come from simply saying yes.
Berens family, thank you for your warmth, your trust, and your openness. I’m so grateful our paths crossed — both behind the camera and beyond it.
And truly… if anyone’s looking for a pretty stellar doctor, I know a gal. 😉
