What an honor it was to be invited into the Stiepleman home to celebrate such a milestone, Claire’s 80th birthday. Before the family headed out to dinner, we spent time together capturing portraits filled with love, laughter, and connection.

It was beautiful to see generations come together to honor Claire. The joy in the room was contagious, grandchildren hugging their grandmother, siblings gathered side by side, and friends sharing in the excitement of the evening ahead. These are the kinds of moments that remind me why photography matters so much: family legacies preserved in images that can be cherished for years to come.