Kelly Sanchez Photography: LIFELONG FRIENDS

I consider myself to be very fortunate. I've meet lots of wonderful people in my journey and made lots of friends along the way. However, there is something very special about those friends that have been in our lives since long ago. The ones who have known us since childhood, grew up with us, had sleep overs and talked and laughed with us all night long, shared the tears when we had our hearts broken by a boy, got in trouble with us and stood by us no matter what. I have some of those friends, some I've known since I was 5 years old. I am very thankful that we still keep in touch and get together when I have the opportunity to go back to NC for a visit. We talk, laugh, share tears just like we did when we were little girls, teenagers, and now women. On this trip back to NC I was honored to have the opportunity to photograph some of these friends and their families.

First up was my wonderful friend Jennifer. Jen and I became friends in high school. It was a friendship that bloomed instantly and no matter where our lives have taken us we've kept in touch. We are the 2 that moved far from home after college. She actually spent several years in California, not far from my in-laws Los Angeles home. When I would visit the Sanchez family, I would also visit my dear friend Jennifer. We've both moved many times throughout the years, but I always knew she was there anytime that I needed her.

Wow... we have been through a lot together since our teenage years in high school. We went to college together and worked together in the same office. She stood by my side as my maid of honor at my wedding. She was one of the first people to meet my sweet baby girl, making the long drive just to see her. She was there at the hospital the night my Mother passed. She is just one of those friends that will always be in my life, there in good times and bad. When we talk now an hour passes like minutes and we still chatter like teenage girls. I was so thrilled to spend some time with her at her home in Raleigh, doing some shopping and grabbing lunch just like we used to. I took some pictures of Jennifer and her wonderful parents, whom I adore! Following the session we enjoyed dinner with her Mom and Dad and laughed about the old days.

Thank you Jennifer for always being there and being a wonderful friend. Thank you to your Mom and Dad for patiently posing in front of my camera and sharing your evening with me!

We spent the evening on the beautiful campus of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. The next day Jennifer and headed out for an individual session just for her in the revitalized downtown area in Fayetteville, NC. Here are some of my favorites...