There must be something about having a new baby that makes me want to start up all my personal projects again. In My Element is a series that I've been working on where I find people doing what they love. (My last In My Element post was all about Logan Miehl, a writer.) I love hearing and learning about people's passions, and creating this project was a way that I could share my passion back with them. 

     Sadie Christensen, or @sadies_cakes01 on Instagram is an incredibly talented baker. She and her family have been friends with my mom and sisters since we moved here. In fact, she even made my sister's wedding cake! I had heard my sisters talk about her and her family, but I didn't officially meet and talk until we were planning a wedding. Watching her explain the toppings and flavors and seeing the passion she has for her craft made me want to photograph her. At the reception I flagged her down and asked if I could feature her in my series after I had my baby. Luckily she said yes. 

     Sadie has always loved baking, especially when her and her mom and sisters decided to learn and teach themselves back when she was 12. They would scour Pinterest looking for flavors and cupcakes to try and put their own twist on. Sadie quickly developed her love for baking and began to fine tune her craft by making cupcakes and cakes for family, friends and church activities. Her very favorite flavor is the Snickerdoodle Cupcake (one of the ones she made for our shoot.) This last spring she graduated from Alta High School and is set to start school up at Utah State this fall. Her plan is to become a nurse with the end goal being to open a bakery. 

     You know those videos you see online of people decorating cookies and frosting cakes and they are so mesmerizing you can't look away? That's how it was watching Sadie decorate her cupcakes. Each one taking shape before my eyes with so much technique and concentration to get it just right. Sadie ended up making a Chocolate Orange cupcake with orange frosting, chocolate ganache and a candied orange on top, as well as a snickerdoodle cupcake. She was also nice enough to send me home with some. I have no shame in admitting that I ate both the chocolate ones before anyone else could even taste them. (Jones doesn't need to know they existed. haha!) And the snickerdoodle ones were gobbled up soon after (I had help with those ones.) 

     Sadie is such a talented baker and I loved getting to know her and having a little peep into her bliss. I can't wait to see the things that she'll do. Especially since we are having her bake more cupcakes for my brother and sister in laws' open house at the end of next month! haha!