Yuan Family – Laura Thomson

Anna is a good friend of my sister-in-law, Kayla, so I actually met her a little over five years ago when we watched Kayla run the Madison Marathon in May of 2017. Kayla invited the friends who had cheered her on to join her for a celebratory brunch at Merchant, and Anna and I happened to be seated across from each other. As we looked over the brunch menu we both commented that we knew we should get something more substantial and nutritious, like an omelet, but what we really wanted was the waffles with whipped cream. Wouldn’t it be great if we could order half of each? We looked at each other in that moment and, having only met each other for the first time minutes before, asked, “Would you want to each order one and split it down the middle?” “Yes!”

Reuniting with Anna again in Middleton for this session earlier this month reminded me right away why I had felt totally comfortable sharing a meal with a virtual stranger all those years ago. Anna is so warm and welcoming, and she and her husband, Hao, are incredible parents to their now-four-year-old, Jonah. This session was full of so much love and giggles and so much silliness that had Steve and me laughing right along with them. They brought their pup, Dudley (yes, named after the Harry Potter character!) – or as Jonah adorably called him, “Doo-Doo,” – a beloved family member who looked so smashing in his navy blue bowtie. Anna, Hao, Jonah, and Dudley, thank you for choosing me to capture the goofy moments, the heartwarming moments, and everything in between!