CAPTURING SUMMER: CROWNS & GOWNS SERIES

This year, I wanted to do something truly special for the girls on my Teen Team who are celebrating their Sweet 16. Sixteen is more than just a birthday—it’s a milestone in girlhood, a moment between childhood dreams and young womanhood, and I believe it deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels magical, powerful, and personal.

So, the Crowns and Gowns concept was born.

I want each girl to feel —strong, radiant, and worthy of celebration. We chose this theme to honor not just their beauty, but their individuality, their confidence, and the amazing young women they’re becoming.

Kicking off our Crowns and Gowns series is the beautiful Summer Thompson

Summer holds a very special place in my heart. I’ve been photographing her since the day she was born, so capturing her Sweet 16 feels like a milestone for both of us. Watching her grow from pigtails and giggles to poise and purpose—has been something very special to watch (and to photograph).

CINDERELLA MOMENTS

For her Crowns and Gowns session, Summer stepped into her sweet 16 era in the most magical way—wearing a Cinderella-blue ball gown that looked like it was pulled straight from a fairytale. The moment she walked in, it took me right back to when she was little and I photographed her as Cinderella the first time—complete with pumpkins, Cinderella's carriage and fairy godmother dust. Those photos will forever be some of my favorites, and I had to share a few alongside her new ones.

Even at sixteen it’s still more than okay to have daydreams and wishes. Somewhere along the way, people start acting like growing up means letting go of the magic, but I don’t believe that for a second. The hopes you carry in your heart, the silly daydreams you play out in your head, the wishes you whisper when you blow out birthday candles—those are the things that keep your spirit bright. You don’t have to outgrow imagination to become who you’re meant to be. In fact, holding onto your wonder, your goals, and the “what ifs” you think about when no one’s watching is part of what makes life beautiful. Dreams aren’t childish—they’re fuel.

BECOMING A YOUNG WOMAN

This session was about more than just pretty dresses. It was about empowerment.

Turning sixteen can be emotional, exciting, confusing, and beautiful all at once. Girlhood is something that should be celebrated, not rushed through. My hope is that these photos remind Summer—and every young girl—that stepping into who you are is powerful. That your voice matters. That you can be soft and strong at the same time. And that you deserve to take up space and wear the crown you’ve earned.

Summer, you were a vision then, and you are a force now. Photographing you as a tiny princess and now as a young woman stepping into her own story… it means more to me than I can put into words.

Here’s to your Sweet 16, your fairy tale moments, and all the chapters still to come.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUMMER!!!

Always and forever, your Crazy Vinda