The Christmas Minis That Started It All | 18 Families, One Living Room

I’ll be honest—when I planned these Christmas minis, I didn’t expect much.

The setup was simple. Just two trees, a cozy couch, a few festive pillows, and the white walls of my own living room. I didn’t have a studio or an elaborate set. I just had a heart to serve and the hope that a handful of families might want to capture something sweet for the holidays.

Eighteen families booked.

And just like that, my house turned into a swirl of tiny shoes, twinkle lights, happy chaos, and more Christmas joy than I could have imagined.

What most people don’t see is that any time I offer a session in my "home studio," it means completely rearranging my entire main floor. The couches move into the dining room (along with all the dining room furniture), and we somehow make it all work. It’s not glamorous—but it is fun. And it’s worth it every single time.

What still surprises me is how deeply loved these images were. I don’t think I’ve had a Christmas mini set that hit the same way since. There was something about the simplicity of it all—the way kids curled into parents, how laughter echoed off the living room walls, how nothing felt rushed or forced.

The Szava-Kovats family (pictured above) was just one of the many families who filled my space with warmth and joy that weekend. This wasn’t just a mini session. It was a reminder that photos don’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.

What they need is presence. And heart.

And maybe just a little bit of twinkle light magic.