This Alys Beach family shoot was such a special one for me. The Elams have been like a second family to me for the past seven years. I had the opportunity to play golf in college with Tiffany (who is now the BEST mama to sweet Mia Jane and the most amazing wife to Chad!) and she is one of my very best friends. Greg and Sam have shared more wisdom with me than I can express. Their love for Jesus is bold and strong, and they care for people so genuinely. I am grateful forever for the example they continually set of believing in others and speaking the Truth in love. 

Okay, enough sappiness for now.

So how did this shoot come about?

This past May, I stayed with the Elams in Georgia to watch our golf girls play in nationals – in which they placed 4th! – and Tiff and I ended up realizing we both were going to be in Florida at the same time! She was going with her family from Atlanta, and I was going to be there with friends on a birthday trip! Little Mia was having her first birthday party, so I got to capture that, along with their family laughing and spending time together on the beach. After the shoot, we went back to the house and enjoyed steaks that the boys grilled and a glass of wine or two, then we stayed up for hours laughing and playing Codenames together (great game if you need a good family activity). Such sweet memories were made, and I am so thankful to get to use photography in a way that captures the joy in all the little moments.

P.S. – If you have never been to Alys Beach, 10/10 recommend you MUST go! For travel tips on how to plan an affordable trip, check out my travel guide (:

Thank you for taking the time to read this post! Would love to get to write about and photograph your story, too! Follow along with all the adventures on Instagram! Please reach out at samanthaellison9@gmail.com with any inquiries!