I wish that I could put into words the way my heart feels- but the words I come up with never seem adequate. That is especially so when I speak of Holly and my forever connection to her family. Our relationship began with the pregnancy of her second child and I’ve been photographing all of their momentous life events since. In 2009, Holly became pregnant with her third baby- a little girl. But at 17 weeks she was diagnosed as having a fatal anomaly. Holly and Josh knew there was a good chance that baby Atalina wouldn’t make it, but they chose to continue on with the pregnancy. I have this amazing respect and admiration for Holly and am in awe at the courage she showed throughout her pregnancy and delivery.

I am not currently a NILMDTS photographer, but I had the honor of acting as such for the birth of Holly’s little girl. On April 31 I arrived at the hospital with Holly and Josh so that I could be there to photograph the birth and short life of sweet Atalina. Atalina Hope was born on May 1, 2010. I spent 15 hours at the hospital with her and her family- from labor through delivery. Photographing Atalina was the most difficult and heart-wrenching, yet the most rewarding thing I have EVER done and I am so happy that I was able to give that gift to Holly.

Almost exactly a year later, here I am photographing Holly’s gorgeous pregnant belly again. Inside is Willow- a perfectly healthy little girl who will arrive in the world a little over a year after her big sister. What a gift.

Holly, you are strong, and wonderful, and full of grace. I love you.

It was great seeing you again, Ashlee. Sending healthy vibes to you and little Lily and hoping you have a smooth delivery. Hugs!

From the moment I learned Jodi was pregnant I was plotting a way to be able to shoot her maternity pictures– and then I learned of Jenna’s wedding in October. Perfect. I was able to to knock out my brother’s senior pictures (coming soon), attend (and sneak in a few shots at) Jenna’s wedding AND do Jodi’s maternity session.

Jodi’s belly was just blossoming and the leaves were just turning. I couldn’t have asked for a better setting to photograph a more in love couple.

I’m pretty sure we were illegally trespassing on private property for the next 5 pictures with the yellow leaves. So worth it.

And then more trespassing at a pumpkin patch that we found while hiking to shoot with the red-leafed trees you’ll see further down. Jodi and Cory just ooze love and happiness AND they’re naturals in front of the camera. Not that I can really pick favorites- but I do really love these two.

The interaction and smiles in the next two really get me as well

A beautiful, glowing, happy mommy-to-be. Sweet or what?

I’d say “beautiful” again, but I don’t want to be repetitive.. so I’ll say “gorgeous”.

These two make me giggle. I hope they make you giggle too. Cory got plenty of practice catching- lets hope he gets to “catch” the real thing VERY soon.

Again, not that I can pick favorites..but I do love this one an awful lot as well.

Note to Lilah: Please be kind to your mommy and I-and don’t arrive too late. You already have your first photo shoot scheduled and it just won’t be acceptable for you to miss it. Thanks.

Jenelle and Steve braved the (HUGE) bugs and soaked ground to do their shoot in this “field” off the highway. It was a little creepy back there- not gonna lie. THANK YOU for being such good sports!

Scary abandoned houses make for beautiful backdrops.

The ground? Practically a swamp- FEEL the love!

oohhh!! Two of my favorites!

Then we almost got rained out! On the way downtown for our second session, it poured and poured. So hard, we could barely see and cars were driving with hazards on. I called Jenelle to see what we should do and we decided to press on to see if we could ride out the storm.

Boy am I glad we we did. It hadn’t even rained at the location I had in mind.

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Two more faves!

And then the rain came.
Whoever thought to call Florida-”The Sunshine State”? It rains ALL the time.

By the time we got to our location- I was afraid all the light was gone.. but we arrived just in time for a little golden light.

Look at that perfect belly!

Then she takes her shirt off

Doesn’t she look amazing?

Thank you SO MUCH, Christie.

This is the baby Melanie didn’t think she would conceive.

More of that light that I would chase to the edge of the earth.

And then the cows came…

We shot until the sun went down. I love the way Melanie’s hair matches the last little bit of sunset. She looks like a goddess.

The morning started off a little rough. I slept through my 5:30 am wake up call and didnt get up until 15 minutes after I should have safely left for my drive to Georgia for Marla’s session (we wanted to start early before the sun got to bright). But, I made it on time. We started the session off at the sugar mill ruins in St. Mary’s, Georgia. I love that spot!

Brandon bought a body casting kit for Marla. When she contacted me a few months ago to shoot her maternity pictures, she said she wanted to take pictures of them doing it together. I have a whole series taken during the event that are really great documentary shots- but they’re a little too private to post here

Then, we did a few black and white portraits (I know you love BW, Marla!)

Finally, I drove them to a spot I remembered passing by months and months ago. The old garage had great light.

Thanks you guys for allowing me to hang out with you all day! You were a blast!

On Tuesday, I sent out my spring promotion via email to some former clients. On Wednesday, Natalie (who lives in Tennessee) contacted me to see if I coulf fit her in. She was leaving to visit her mom here in Jacksonville in less than 2 days. Normally my schedule is jam-packed between AmeriCorps, my job at the assisted living, volunteering, and photography, but we were able to make it happen.

Today, it turned chilly and cloudy while I was working and I thought the worst. Not 30 minutes, before I was due to arrive at Natalie’s mother’s house- the sun came out.

Just a couple of preview pictures-because i couldn’t hardly wait to edit these.

First, a super cool picture of Natalie’s baby bump. I LOVE THIS.

and caroline-oh the crowd that gathered around her cuteness