The D Family - McKinney, TX Family Photographer
Every session at Adriatica in McKinney feels like a little adventure. Between the charming cobblestone streets, stone architecture, and open fields, there’s always a perfect backdrop waiting to be discovered. For this sweet family, I was especially excited because I knew we’d end in the large open field just in time for that dreamy sunset glow.
But when I arrived, I noticed something unexpected — several large vehicles parked right in the middle of the field. My heart sank a little as I worried about losing our go-to sunset spot. A few minutes later, though, I realized what was actually happening: they were unloading hot air balloons!
Of course, I immediately told my clients, “We have to wait for this — it’s going to be amazing!” I had no idea how quickly those balloons would fill and take flight, but in that short window, we captured some of my favorite photos ever. The colors of the balloons matched this family’s outfits perfectly, and the whole moment felt completely magical. (I even took a video to prove to the internet that these weren’t AI balloons!)
The rest of the session was just as wonderful. Their two kids were full of energy and silliness, which always makes for the best kind of candid photos — laughter, movement, and real connection. And Mom and Dad were such great sports, jumping right into the fun with their kids.
Sometimes, the best photos come from the things you can’t plan. This session was the perfect reminder to stay flexible, embrace the surprises, and let a little magic into the frame.
