Carmel Indiana Family Photographer | The Mullin Family
- Jul 22
- 5 min read
Carmel Indiana Family Photographer
Summer Family Photos at Coxhall Gardens For Kokomo Family
Some family sessions are quiet and sweet. Others are filled with constant movement, contagious laughter, and personalities that simply refuse to stand still.
The Mullin family's Heirloom Family Session at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, Indiana was wonderfully the second kind, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
As a Carmel Indiana family photographer, these are the evenings I love most—where everyone is encouraged to simply be themselves and the best photographs happen naturally.
A Summer Evening Worth Waiting For
Perfect Summer Photography Night For Family of Five
Indiana summers can be unpredictable.
Some evenings are hot and humid, while others surprise you with the perfect breeze and comfortable temperatures. Thankfully, this session landed on one of those magical June evenings where everything seemed to come together.
The weather gave us a welcome break from the summer heat, allowing everyone to relax, explore, and simply enjoy spending time together.
As the sun slowly began to set over Coxhall Gardens, the soft golden light wrapped around the family and created the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening together.
Creating a Session That Felt Like Them
Kokomo Family Visits Coxhall Gardens For Family Photos
Before session day, Blaire and I spent time planning outfits together.
I always encourage families to think about comfort just as much as style. When everyone feels comfortable in what they're wearing, it shows in the photographs.
Beautiful family portraits aren't about matching perfectly—they're about creating a wardrobe that feels cohesive while still allowing each family member's personality to shine.
The Mullin family absolutely nailed that balance.
Big Personalities Make the Best Memories
Family Photos For Framing & Personality Captures
From the very beginning, the kids brought incredible energy to the session. There was running. There was laughing. There were plenty of silly moments. And yes… there were some absolutely legendary bloopers.
Those are often my favorite images to capture. While everyone loves the smiling portrait that ends up framed on the wall, it's often the unexpected laughter, goofy faces, and genuine reactions that transport us back to exactly how this season of life felt.
Years from now, I hope those blooper images become some of the family's favorites.
Why Coxhall Gardens Is One of My Favorite Family Photography Locations
When Blaire mentioned she was dreaming of willow trees and water, Coxhall Gardens immediately came to mind.
This Carmel park offers such incredible variety within a single session.
Beautiful walking paths. Wide open green spaces. Two peaceful lakes.
Graceful willow trees that create some of the prettiest light during golden hour.
It's one of my favorite locations because every family can experience it a little differently depending on the season, the light, and the story we're telling together.
Heirloom Sessions Are About More Than Perfect Smiles
Family & Mini Photography That Fits Your Family
One of the biggest misconceptions about family photography is that children need to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera for an entire session.
Thankfully, that's never my expectation.
Children are meant to move. To laugh. To explore. To show off their wonderfully unique personalities.
Those authentic interactions are what make photographs feel timeless.
During every Heirloom Family Session, I gently guide families while leaving plenty of room for genuine moments to unfold naturally.
Ending the Evening the Best Way
Family Photos Should Always End With Ice Cream, Right?
One of my favorite parts of family sessions is hearing about what everyone has planned afterward.
Sometimes it's bedtime. Sometimes it's dinner together. Sometimes it's squeezing in one last summer adventure before heading home.
For the Mullin family, the evening continued with dinner and ice cream—a pretty perfect ending to an already beautiful June night.
If you're ever wondering where to grab a sweet treat after your own family session, my recommendation is always the same:
Handles Ice Cream, just off 146th Street and US-31 on the Carmel/Westfield line.
It's become one of my favorite places to recommend, and it's the perfect way to celebrate making new family memories together.
Thank You, Mullin Family
To Blaire, Dad, and the kids—thank you for trusting me to capture this season of your family's story. Your laughter, energy, and willingness to simply have fun made this session such a joy to photograph.
I hope every image reminds you not only of how everyone looked this summer, but how this evening felt.
Those are the memories that become family heirlooms.
Love Mom's Dress?
Shop the Look For Your Family Photos
Did you know we offer 1:1 customized stlying for all our families? For this session, Blaire knew she wanted to wear this blud dress she picked out and needed help building the family's styling around it.
And that's EXACTLY what I recommend my clients ALWAYS do. Choose an outfit for the HARDEST PERSON first. Often that's Momma herself. Then from there we can start building. For instance - in this session Blaire opted to compliment her dress with outfits of blues and greens. And it came together beautifully.
Truly the options are endless... for instance, continuing to build off this dress, here is another beautiful option that includes blues and purples to compliment that fun blue momma dress:
Planning Your Own Family Session?
Noblesville Family Photography & Mini Sessions Near Me
If you're looking for a Carmel Indiana Family Photographer or are considering a family photography session anywhere in Hamilton County, I'd love to help you create photographs that celebrate your family's personalities exactly as they are.
Whether your kids are quiet observers or full of endless energy, we'll create an evening that's relaxed, fun, and focused on connection.
And if everyone votes for ice cream afterward… I already know just the place. 💛
Hey You... Let's Be Friends, K?!
Central Indiana Newborn & Family Photographer
New around here? Hey, I’m Chelsea! A coffee-fueled Westfield native, raising a slightly wild kiddo just north of the Hamilton County line and capturing the most beautifully real memories for Central Indiana families.
Here at Hashtag Memories, I specialize in storytelling photography — from belly bumps and newborn snuggles to golden-hour giggles in open fields with families of every shape and size.
These aren’t just photos. They’re your memories, held in time.
Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed in-home newborn session or a family session under Indiana’s wide-open sky —✨ I’m here to help you hold the space.
For laughter. For connection. For the SEASON of life you’re living right now.
If grandma’s recipes make your heart swell, You dream of wildflowers and homegrown veggies, and crave slow, intentional living (even in the chaos)...girl — you are MY KIND of people.
Let’s life together, for those big joys and the little moments alike!
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Searching for a family, newborn or maternity photographer in Noblesville, Fishers or Carmel, Westfield or anywhere in Central Indiana? From in-studio and in-home newborn sessions to sunset family galleries — I’m your girl. Let’s chat.
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