Gary and Katherine Mull are just incredible people. They’re new neighbors to our family (we live in the Port Streets in Newport Beach) and have just been incredible to us.

So, when Gary mentioned they had a beach house & hadn’t had family pictures done in a while, I insisted I rectify that problem.

Every family has a performer.

It’s refreshing to see families be so committed to keeping it real…

… and enjoying the ride at the same time.

I’m so impressed with the maturity of Sarah and Brian. I hope they influence my kids!

Thanks you guys!

Keep it you.
- Dane

The Root’s in particular have been close to my heart for a number of reasons.

First, they are one of the pioneer families at our church who sacrificed much for the sake of being part of a movement that is changing the world.

Second, Lauri’s husband Doug died a few years before I joined in at the church and I have been hearing the stories and pictures and lore of a leader bent on making a difference. As many of you know and can relate with, I also grew up without a dad. To witness the ways Lauri (and all the other single mom’s like her) is leading her boys into adulthood is a true gift (yes, this is a total shout out to my own mom… love you!).

Needless to say, when Lauri asked me to shoot their family portraits this year, I was stoked. We decided their home at One Ford Road in Newport Beach would be perfect. They actually live just a few streets over from our good friends Julie and Mike Colón. I think I should feel honored she chose me or maybe she just needs to get to know her neighbors better.

JD and Timmy are such great guys. They are also all male. To be candid, I think they were far more interested in wrestling with each other than in getting their pictures taken. So, I think my stock went up when I told them they could do both.

We all live under the reality of our mortality. Especially in seasons like these where circumstances seem so fragile, can I encourage you to pause for a second and go love on those you love most right now? I hope you’re blessed for it.

Thanks Root family for living life the way you do. You inspire!

- Dane