* Washington Park * Springfield Illinois * Extended Family Photographer *
I don’t even know where to begin with this family! Some have the last name of Casteel or Malone but to me, they will always be the Gunvilles! I grew up playing soccer with Alaree from the age of 8 years old. We were inseparable friends, who continued playing soccer and basketball all the way from grade school through high school. She ended up marrying her hubby, Chris and starting a family down in Atlanta, Georgia. As everyone in the family has grown older and began their own families they have spread out across the country to Columbus, Ohio as well as Kansas City, Missouri. Yet, Gail and Tom (aka Mom and Dad) have remained in our hometown of Chatham. They started a tradition last year of Christmas in July! Instead of everyone fighting an insane schedule to make it home for the holidays in December they would take advantage of the warm weather and inground pool mom and dad have at their home. The family can all be together and enjoy one another’s company. It’s an amazing idea!
Plus, to add an extra gift to their recently invented family holiday, the youngest Gunville, Brennan (or B as I have always called him) came home from a 10-month deployment overseas with the Army to a hero’s welcome surrounded by loved ones and a new baby, who was born while he was gone! Pretty Amazing! Since they had every member of the family together I basically forced them to do a session! If it only happens once a year…That calls for a celebration! If you cannot tell by the photos, this family has plenty of personalities! We had a great time playing games at Washington Park in Springfield, IL and this crazy crew did what they do best. Act crazy! And I loved every minute! Even Alaree’s friend, Ashley from down in Atlanta came for the week and we threw her in a few photos as the adopted daughter of the group! Spending time with one of my favorite families during their session as well as over the week was incredible! Christmas in July is becoming one of my most adored holidays!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
