A few weeks ago, my daughter Piper turned 13, and in our family, this milestone calls for a special celebration. Instead of the usual birthday party activities like trampoline parks or laser tag, I suggested something different—a photoshoot with her close friends from church. The idea sparked immediate excitement! Over the next few weeks, the girls flooded each other’s phones with texts about outfits and themes, and the anticipation built up beautifully.

One theme idea took root after Piper remembered a reel she had seen months ago: a group of friends crafting cowboy hats and accessorizing them with beads. Naturally, she loved the idea of doing this at her party, so we ordered all the supplies. At one point, we were holding our breath because it didn’t seem like the hats would arrive in time, but luckily, they made it! The girls spent hours together crafting their hats, beads and all, turning the creative process into a fun and collaborative party activity.

Once the hats were ready, the next stop was my bathroom, which became a bustling beauty salon for hair and makeup. There was no official outfit plan, but somehow they all ended up in black t-shirts paired with black-and-white plaid shirts and shackets—it just worked perfectly for their style and vibe.

But, of course, no photoshoot story is complete without a bit of drama! Just as we were ready to head out, we noticed the weather had taken a turn, and it looked like a downpour was imminent. Yet, these girls were not about to let a little rain stop their fun. Armed with their new hats and matching plaid outfits, they embraced the adventure and we headed to Griffith Woods. Their determination to make the most of the day was contagious.

The photos we captured that afternoon truly tell a story. From spontaneous bursts of laughter to choreographed dances (yes, they did the Cadillac Ranch right there in the woods!), these images reflect their joy, friendship, and fearless spirit. The rain never dampened their fun—in fact, it only added to the magic of the day. These girls aren’t just friends; they’re a sisterhood, and I feel so lucky to have documented this moment in time for them.

This experience has left me feeling so grateful, both as a mom and a photographer, for the power of a good idea, a strong bond, and a little bit of adventure.