Barefoot Adventures at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens | Ratway Family Pepi Session

There’s something magical about a family photo shoot that doesn’t go perfectly as planned—and that’s exactly what made the Ratway family’s session so unforgettable.

We met at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens, a hidden gem in the heart of Grapevine and one of my favorite spots as a Grapevine Photographer. The gardens are free to visit, super kid-friendly, and full of winding paths, shady spots, and blooming flowers that are perfect for curious little explorers.

Right before we were about to start, the Ratways realized their girls had forgotten their shoes! But with the sun setting quickly and golden hour upon us, we decided to embrace the moment and roll with it. Honestly? Unless you’re really looking, you’d never notice. In fact, it made the session feel even more natural—exactly how childhood should be.

Their daughters, ages 3 and 6, were full of energy and joy. They ran barefoot through the gardens, pausing to smell the flowers and giggle with mom and dad. It was the kind of session every Family Photographer dreams of—full of connection, laughter, and love. The Ratways are such a sweet family of four, and it was an honor to capture this slice of their everyday magic.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, playful family photo shoot in a gorgeous, low-stress setting, the Grapevine Botanical Gardens is always a winner. As a DFW Photographer, I love helping families find the joy in the imperfect, and the Ratways reminded me just how beautiful that can be.