I wasn’t anticipating blogging this session today, but since Marc and Kelly joined me super early this morning for their mini maternity, in the midst of what had to be 100% humidity, I thought they deserved a little sneak! (And secretly, I couldn’t wait until after our Spring Break to give them a taste of these precious images.)

These two are anticipating welcoming a sweet little girl in June and after my time with them this morning, I’m already counting down the days until this little one joins her family. As you’ll easily see, Kelly is sporting the pregnancy glow with a sparkle in her eyes and smile; and I’m pretty sure that Marc is going to be a protective and super loving dad after watching him interact with his wife today.

Kelly and Marc, thanks for trusting me to capture these tender moments! Can’t wait to meet your little one soon!

When Brigette asked if I could find some time to capture this exciting time in her and Jeff’s life while they were home for a visit, I was more than excited! My hubby and I have known Brigette since her days at USF when she was involved in the BCM, where Rahul is the director. She was a precious student then, with a passion for others, for service and for the Lord that was captivating. Now, she and Jeff are expecting a sweet little girl, who will be born in New Orleans. I have to admit, my emotions were pretty high as I recalled a very similar season in our lives. Our first two boys were born while attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, just like little Ella will be!

This would be the first time that I would meet her awesome husband and let me tell you, despite not feeling well, this guy delivered. Anyone who can battle an impending stomach bug and still make his bride a happy lady is a prize! He participated with love and excitement that reflected not only a great adoration for Brigette, but for his precious little girl who will soon make her arrival. Mix in a few deer, a wild boar and a mound of ants and this session takes the cake for the most unique and exciting, hands down!

The light on this beautiful afternoon was a gift from the Creator for sure! After some rainy days before, I was a little worried we’d end up under umbrellas. But instead, we found ourselves surrounded by a glowing warmth that was incredible. This radiant light, seemed fitting, given the name that Brigette and Jeff have chosen:

 

I can’t help but interject here how beautiful Brigette really is- inside and out. Have you ever seen an expecting mom glow quite this way?  
This is what joy, anticipation and excitement look like!

 Congrats Brigette and Jeff! Can’t wait to meet this precious little gift from God! P.S. Thanks for the amazing coffee from NOBTS! We are savoring every cup of it! 

I may be a photographer, but before that I’m a mom and on 4 separate occasions I’ve delivered little bundles of joy.
Each time I walk away knowing I have just been on the receiving end of a miracle- a gift really,  from our incredible Creator.
The pain and the tears just make way for the swelling of hearts, as a tiny baby gulps their first breath of air. The chaos of the room is gone, and replaced by incredible peace, joy and celebration as soft wails come forth from the newest member of a family. The pain is erased when your arms are finally holding your swaddled up baby.

Birth, it is a blessing.
Birth, it changes you.
Birth, it prepares you in some unconventional way, to literally feel as though your heart is now walking outside of your body.

And those moments, that transition from a wife to a mother, deserve to be captured.
So it was with each of my little ones; gripping one of my husband’s hands and begging him with the other not to miss a moment when our tiny additions entered this world. Camera strapped around his neck, video camera gripped in hand- I have no idea how he managed to keep it all straight. I thought for years how nice it would have been to have him simply soaking in the moment, rather than fiddling with equipment.

This is where birth photography finds its place. A documentary of the events of a new life unfolding. Reality captured in its rawest form. Emotions. Sweat. Tears.

Love.

When my cousin Sarah asked me to capture these very things for her, my heart nearly exploded. To be a small part of an enormous day is humbling enough, but to be there to capture the beginning of this sweet baby girl’s life, left me breathless. Traveling to Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon, I prayed that the Lord would grant us a long enough labor that I would arrive in time. Little did we know that it would be many countless, exhausting hours spread out until Monday morning before this blessing arrived.

My heart ached as I watched Sarah experience days of painful contractions, remembering those moments in my own life. But she was an amazing tower of strength and handled it all with such beauty and grace. This is how moms are born.

And on June 25th at 8:21 in the morning we saw another birth. The completion of this journey and the beginning of a new one.

Story Ray Stephens
7lbs 8 oz
21 1/4 in

Beautiful. Miraculous. Adorable in every way.

My prayer in that Labor and Delivery room was merely, “God keep me strong, keep my tears from blurring my vision, so I can fully capture the beauty of this day for Sarah and Jonathan. Bring our sweet Story here safely.”
And He answered. He blew us away! His presence even in those tender moments was indescribable.

As Jonathan’s mom and I watched the staff tend to Story after her birth, we hugged through tears and Mrs. Linda exclaimed, “Praise Jesus!”

Yes, praise Jesus indeed!

May Story’s life be a testimony each day to His goodness, His blessings and His love for us.

Hannah deserves an award! Her due date is in less than 20 days and she was up for just about anything- and might I add, she still looks amazing! She’s definitely got the glow going on!
Here are a few of my favorites, from one of the sweetest couples I’ve had the privilege of capturing! I’m so excited to meet their sweet little boy and so very blessed to know that time and time again, they trust me to capture such special moments in their lives!

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

And finally, is there anyone who can resist a little PBK?

There is something so beautiful about a woman who is expecting! There’s a warmth and a glow, a genuine excitement that is noticeable- even without words. What I love even more, is when an expectant father is just as thrilled to be welcoming a precious life into this world. His gentle touch, his protective stance, his tender heart are apparent as he interacts with his wife and his sweet baby.

Such is the case with Alex and Shelley, a couple I’ve had the privilege of capturing since before their engagement. How awesome to have been a part of so many of the major milestones in their life over the past several years!

Now, just weeks away from celebrating the birth of little Audrey; I too am sitting on pins and needles. I can’t wait to see how adorable she will be. A little princess who is sure to carry a Coach bag in one hand and a fishing pole in the other! A little girl who will grow up knowing the love of a mom and dad who have anticipated this day their whole lives.

Thanks Shelley and Alex for trusting me with another precious moment in your journey. I can’t wait to hold sweet Audrey and tell her just how blessed she is to have you both as parents!

Hands down my favorite of the day. Love how he loves his girls.

Yes, this is another one of those super sneak peeks. Why, you ask again? Simply because this sweet family has been waiting on little “L,” their miracle for so long that I couldn’t stand for them to wait for a picture too!! Lots, LOTS more to come. But for now, feast your eyes upon the cutest new baby boy I’ve had the privilege of  holding, photographing and swooning over!

Enjoy Wes and Jess! He’s absolutely perfect!

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27