Suprise! The Williams (finally) took family photos! And we're so glad we did. Family portraits don't have to be complicated or perfectly staged. They just need to happen. And I'm going to tell you why!

The last time we (my husband and I) took professional pictures was. . .

our wedding. HA!

Doesn't count? Yeah, I know.

Every holiday season, all the beautiful family pictures flood our newsfeeds or our mailboxes via Christmas cards. And every holiday season before this one I'd whisper to myself, "We really need to find a local photographer..."

Enter Jordan!

Meet Jordan from Jordan Rivera Photography!

I first met Jordan on one of those Facebook local "buy, sell and barter" groups. When I saw she was a local photographer sharing about her work, I quickly messaged her and we almost instantly set a date to shoot and the rest is history!

Insert the praise hands emoji here because what started as our "photo shoot blind date" (meaning, we met for the first time in person the day of our first photo shoot) turned into such a fun day with a new friend.

So, after experiencing my first ever family photo session, I must share...

#1 - Take family pictures to remember life stages.

We've all heard it said, time flies. I'm now convinced that it's worth the effort and investment to take family pictures that you can look back at and remember the stage of life you were in... like being young, newley married and not yet parents. ;)

#2 - Take family pictures because it's... FUN!

Make a date/family night out of it! For starters, you get to dress up, then be yourself and laugh your way with the ones you love through family pictures, so why not end the night by going out to dinner? Enjoy it. Do with it what fits your family's personality best.

#3 - Take family pictures because they make for great gifts!

Whether nicely framed for your parents, in-laws, grandparents or those relatives that live far away, an updated, nice portrait of you and your family is a nice gift to give any time throughout the year. Hello? What grandparent doesn't like showing off their grandkids?

So, tis' the season for family pictures! Am I right? See more of the 2017 Williams Family Picture pictures below.

Friends of the Houston area, I highly recommend working with Jordan on your next (or if you're like me, your first) family pictures! She has such a great eye, is incredibly talented, personable and passionate. Plus, we got our pictures just days after the shoot! To check out more of her work, visit her portfolio by clicking here.

Jordan is currently running a holiday/family sessions special of $100 a session. Each session lasts 1 hour. That's a sweet deal, friends! Email her at jordanriveraphotos@yahoo.com if you're interested or visit www.jordanriveraphotography.com to inquire. Be sure to let her know Crystal sent you. ;)

Now I want to hear from you, friends! Why do YOU love taking family pictures? Or what do you love most about them? Share in a comment below!

Thanks for reading,