Hoffman Family Photos

Let me introduce you to the Hoffman's! Emily, Kyle, and Bentley are a new blended family that I have the pleasure of counting as friends. I met Emily and Bentley a year ago, and I am so blessed to count Emily, Kyle, and their son as part of the community I have built since moving to Florida. Bentley is an amazing child who was born with an extra chromosome, identifying him as an individual with Down syndrome. Which if you didn't know- means he has super powers.

He has super strength to overcome the obstacles the world throws at him, super vision to see the beauty and wonder in the world, and a super heart that shows joy and compassion to all that he meets. Just like any super hero, he has battles and struggles, but that is what Bentley's battle buddies are for. I feel so blessed that Emily and Kyle have opened their lives to me and offered for me to participate in their Down Syndrome Association team "Bentley's Battle Buddies" and come participate in events. So far we have loved joining the community in ice cream fundraisers, as well as joining the DSA county buddy walk. Just walking around with family and friends, I can see the strength of this family, and the love shared between them all. Every time Kyle looks at Emily or pulls Bentley into a hug, the love they have for each other fills the space.

Kyle and Emily met online, and after dating for a while had a small private marriage in August of 2022. They are excited to hold a full ceremony and reception to celebrate with friends and family in March. And though I think it is safe to say we were all super excited for this photoshoot, I think Bentley was most excited out of us all ;P

We met early on a Saturday morning at Riverside Park in Vero Beach, which I think is very quickly going to become a favorite park of mine). This park is filled with open yards, walking paths, gazebos, picnic areas, and beautiful walkways along the river and through moss covered trees. We started off with a gentle walk with Fin (this gorgeous boy),

where we found a cute little path along the river to a gazebo. Bentley had a blast running full speed at Kyle for a hug, and helping me watch Fin and capture photos of Kyle and Emily together. Fin and Bentley would explore, and Bentley would cover his face in kisses, making us all bust into giggles. Kyle and Emily would get lost in each other's eyes and would fall into perfect flowing poses with barely a word from me. It was truly the perfect example of a candid photoshoot where we just have fun.

Kyle was initially nervous about not being good with taking photos. But the moment I even started directions, he would fall right into it and have fun. That's why I love doing my photoshoots this way. I choose to let us relax and have fun, capturing joy and life in what feels like very candid and easy going moments. Taking breaks for when Bentley needs it, and leaving opportunities to run and get those wiggles out. It was also really fun to see Emily and Kyle have their own moments after Bentley had his turn in the spotlight. Kyle and Emily were so sweet and cute together, and you could see the love in their eyes. The moment I had Bentley ready to be a helper, and just Emily and Kyle in front of the camera, it was like the whole world disappeared and it was just the two of them. Bentley also made some friends on our walk, and had a blast climbing across the rocks with Kyle. In the end, I'd say we had a great time with our walk, run, and games by the river. We even ended the day with a dog vs kid race across the green (the dog won), and some mini pumpkin fun.

I truly am so excited for this family and the journey they are embarking on. And I cannot wait for future opportunities to capture the joy in their lives

Until next time- Stay Safe, Much Love

Lauta Mantooth