It’s Been a YEAR: My Family’s Post- Pandemic Family Reunion (Photos)

After a year of social distancing, my entire extended family gathered together in a beautiful cabin in the tall pines of Cloudcroft, New Mexico for a family reunion. In years prior, it was easy to put off travelling home for the holidays for “next year,” and although some of us would make it home for the holidays and other gatherings, I can’t remember the last time all of us were in the same place at the same time. I can’t put into words how incredible it felt to finally hug my grandparents- there were definitely tears.

It was made even more special by the fact that my grandparents recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. When I look at the pictures from the weekend, I can’t help but marvel at the fact that every person there exists because they fall in love all those years ago. What a legacy they have built!

The pandemic really drove home the point that time together isn’t something to be taken for granted. The whole world can change in an instant, and time with our loved ones making memories is one of the most precious things we can invest our time and money into.

This incredible weekend of love and laughter has filled my heart with so much joy and inspired me to capture multi-generational photos every chance I get.

Cheyenne Chavez is a family portrait photographer located in the small town of Belen, New Mexico. She encourages and empowers women of all ages and backgrounds to exist in beautiful photographs both of themselves and with their families. She proudly serves the areas of Belen, Los Lunas, and the Albuquerque Metro Area.