Author: CassieJones

Aurora is one of the rare people in life to be exceptional in everything she does.

Aurora is truly phenomenal. Academically, she is on another level. While most seniors are easing into their final year, Aurora chose challenge. She’s taking 5–6 AP classes, pushing herself in ways that reflect her discipline, intelligence, and drive. She applied to multiple Ivy League schools and had her pick of incredible opportunities. In the end, she chose the University of Oklahoma, where she’ll be close to her grandparents. That decision alone says so much about her, that she values both excellence and family.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Aurora has an incredible adventure ahead of her even before college begins. She’ll be heading to Latvia to study Russian right after graduation. Then, almost immediately after returning home, she’ll jump into her college journey. It’s a full, exciting, and ambitious path, and it fits her perfectly.

Aurora isn’t just academically gifted, she’s also an incredible athlete. Strong, fast, and determined, she competes in cross country and track. And somehow, she also convinced my daughter to try wrestling (something my husband had been trying to make happen for years!). What meant even more was how Aurora showed up as a friend: patient, encouraging, and supportive as Kiera learned a completely new sport.

That’s who Aurora is. Driven, tenacious, and kind.

She’s the kind of young woman who lifts others as she climbs, and I feel so grateful she’s been part of my daughter’s life.

Aurora is going far, there’s no doubt about it. And I can’t wait to cheer her on every step of the way. Congratulations, beautiful lady, I wish you the absolute best in all of your future endeavors!

Some people just have a quiet strength about them, and Logan is one of those people.

I don’t know Logan as well as I know others, but it doesn’t take long to see what kind of young man he is. He’s incredibly smart, thoughtful, and grounded in a way that feels far beyond his years. There’s a maturity to him that stands out. He’s the kind of person who can easily sit with adults, join the conversation, and genuinely belong there.

What I love most about Logan is his heart. He’s kind and aware of the people around him, the kind of person who notices others and cares deeply. That sensitivity, paired with his work ethic, is going to take him far in life.

He’s preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile, where he’ll be speaking Spanish. And in true Logan fashion, he’s already working to learn the language so he can serve the people there well. When I asked if he was nervous, he simply said, “not really.” He’s ready.

Logan is also deeply rooted in his family. He and his two older brothers are the best of friends. They love online gaming and anything creative.

He’s wise, steady, and full of goodness. The kind of young man who will make a real difference.

Congratulations, Logan, on graduating. I can’t wait to hear about your work in Chile and cheer you on in all your future endeavors!

Some people you meet later in life and grow to love… and then there are the rare, special ones you’ve had the privilege of watching from the very beginning. Hannah Budd is one of those people for me.

I’ve known Hannah since she was just a baby, thanks to her incredible mom, one of my best friends. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph their family again and again, capturing little glimpses of Hannah as she grew. And somehow, in what feels like the blink of an eye, that sweet baby has become an absolutely remarkable young woman.

Hannah is the kind of person who quietly changes a room for the better. She is genuinely kind. She’s the kind of person that notices someone standing alone and makes sure they feel seen, included, and valued. It’s rare, and it’s beautiful.

She’s also driven in every sense of the word. An accomplished athlete, Hannah and her team took 1st place at the state cross country tournament this past year. And if that wasn’t enough, she casually ran a half marathon the morning after our photoshoot, because that’s just who she is.

Beyond her athleticism, Hannah is incredibly intelligent and disciplined. She’s heading to BYU on a full-ride scholarship, and there is no doubt she will continue to do amazing things there.

But more than her achievements, what stands out most is her light. Hannah radiates goodness. She is Christ-like in the way she loves others, lifts those around her, and shows up in the world.

Hannah is truly one of a kind — a reach-for-the-moon kind of girl. And I feel so grateful to have known her throughout her life.

I love you, Hannah. 💛

One of the best parts of being a photographer is getting to capture major milestones for people I admire—and Addison is absolutely one of them. I’ve had the joy of knowing her for the past six years, and watching her grow into the smart, confident, and vibrant young woman she is today has been such a gift.

For her senior session, we went to Calico Basin near Red Rock. Addison brings a light with her wherever she goes, and it shows in every single frame. Her smile is infectious, her energy is effortless, and she somehow made every backdrop feel like it was made just for her. She’s incredibly photogenic, but what really shines through in her photos is her heart—joyful, strong, and full of purpose.

Addison is graduating from Northwest Career and Technical Academy, and will soon be off to the University of Nevada, Reno. There’s no doubt she’s got a bright future ahead—she’s driven, fun, and more than ready to take on the next chapter. I have no doubt she’ll make her mark wherever she goes.

Dear Addison,
Watching you grow up these last six years has been such a blessing. You’ve become a beautiful, accomplished young woman, and I know you’re headed for great things. I’ll never forget the time you literally saved my life by throwing my car into park after I stepped out with it still in drive—talk about quick thinking! I’ll always treasure the memories of laughing with you at church activities and girls camp. You’ve brought light and laughter to so many around you, and I’m so proud of who you are and all that you’ve achieved. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Go do amazing things!

Celebrating Laney Higbee – Class of 2025

Spending an evening photographing Laney Higbee’s senior session was so much fun! This girl radiates joy, strength, and an energy that’s completely contagious. A graduating senior from Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy, Laney has spent the last four years immersed in JROTC—building leadership skills, serving her school, and showing up for her peers with integrity and grit. She’s as hardworking as they come, and she does it all with a big smile and heart.

Laney is stunning—inside and out. She’s smart, wildly creative (seriously, she can make anything), and just so much fun to be around. There’s never a dull moment when she’s in the room. She brought her boyfriend Shane along to the shoot, and we were able to capture some fun moments between the two of them.

I’ve known Laney for six years now—her mom is my best friend—and it’s been such a gift to watch her grow into the woman she is today. She’s the first to jump in and help when someone needs it. Service is in her bones, and it’s no surprise that after graduation, she’s planning to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know she will be an incredible missionary. Her heart is gold and her light shines bright.

Laney, I’m so proud of you.
Thank you for letting me be a small part of your journey. Your friendship means so much to me, and it’s been a joy to watch you become the amazing young woman you are. I know you’re going places—and I’ll be right here, cheering you on every step of the way. I love you, friend!