The Prophet Family | Photos for Columbia | Saluda Shoals Park Photographer

Meet the Prophet family - Leonard, Vanessa and their fabulous children. Vanessa reached out to me after the flood as part of Photos for Columbia. It was delight to meet this beautiful family and see all the laughter, warmth and smiles they exude for life, and for one another.

We had a wonderful time exploring Saluda Shoals Park for their portrait session. Watching all the siblings hug, joke around and have fun with their parents was such a sweet sight. The bond they have as a family unit is truly a solid foundation, despite the bumps and curves and valleys that have come their way.

Though the rains came, and the flood waters rose, the Prophet family stood firm. What a fantastic thing to be able to look back and remember - how God was faithful in the midst of the storm!

The Lewis Family | Photos for Columbia | Columbia SC Portrait Photographer

"Cherish today, for tomorrow is not promised."

For this family of nine (including their 4 fur babies), the Columbia flood last fall reminded them just how true that statement is. Photos for Columbia was the perfect opportunity for the Lewises to spend the afternoon enjoying time together as a family - walking the dogs, laughing and smiling together across the beautiful green expanse of The Horseshoe at USC. 

Jeff and Deborah, along with their son Domenique, daughter Tonika and grandson LJ, have not allowed hardship from the flooding to their home, and to our city, keep them down. It was Deborah who told me the quote above and said that their family words are: strong, diverse, think positive.

From snuggles with the dogs and kisses from adorable LJ to cozying up and laughing at Jeff's silly antics, the Lewis family showed remarkable resilience, tightknit unity and warm love that helps keep their bond going strong.

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The Parker Family | Photos for Columbia | Columbia Portrait Photographer

In one weekend, life changed for the Parkers.

In October, Mike, Eugenie and their daughter Sarah were among the many families in Columbia who lost their homes, their car and their possessions during the record-breaking heavy rains that flooded the Midlands. The 1,000-year-flood spread across the Famously Hot town, leaving behind destroyed roads, crumbling foundations and hurting people.

Through Photos for Columbia, I had the opportunity to photograph the Parker family, whose home and belongings were flooded, including most of Mike and Eugenie's wedding photos. Despite the incredible loss and hard time they've been through, this sweet family was all smiles, joy and laughter during their portrait session at the South Carolina State House.

Although nothing can replace the waterlogged photos, picture frames and albums destroyed in the flood, Mike and Eugenie's tried-and-true love for each other was shining despite their current circumstances.