Capturing a couple’s journey as it unfolds over the years is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Last September, I met up with Emily and Derek for their maternity session, which incredibly marked the fourth time I’ve had the honor of being behind the lens for them.

Having photographed their mini engagement, their full engagement session, and their wedding day, catching up with them feels less like a “booking” and more like a reunion. When Emily mentioned that I feel like family now, it honestly reminded me why I love this job so much.

A Moody Evening at Saunders-Monticello Trail

We met at the Saunders-Monticello Trail on a perfectly overcast evening. While some people hope for direct sun, the soft, diffused light from the clouds created a beautiful, moody atmosphere that really made the colors of the trail pop.

Emily looked absolutely striking in her choice of attire. She wore a fitted dress that showed off her bump beautifully, paired with chic white boots that added a modern, stylish edge to the natural setting.

Pumpkin Props and Personal Touches

To lean into the September vibes, Emily brought along a pumpkin as a prop, but not just for decor! She had some hilarious ideas for the session, including using the pumpkin as a “mini bump” for Derek. Watching them laugh together while posing with it was such a highlight. It perfectly captured their playful dynamic and made the session feel so personal to them.

Keeping it Real

Pregnancy is beautiful, but it’s also hard work! Towards the end of our time together, Emily started to get a bit tired. One of the perks of having a long-standing relationship with my clients is the comfort level to say, “I think I’m done!” We decided to wrap things up a little early to make sure she could get off her feet and rest. Even with the shorter finish, we captured so much magic.

What’s Next?

Since this session took place last fall, there is a very special update: Baby Tela has arrived! I’ve already had the joy of photographing their sweet daughter’s newborn session. I’ll be featuring those tiny toes and adorable smiles on the blog very soon, so keep an eye out for that post—you won’t want to miss it.

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Are you looking to document your own family’s growing story? Would you like me to send over my current maternity and newborn session guide? Contact me here so we can get started!