Marin | Newborn Days

“Several realities play themselves out at once on the inner landscape of a new mother. Meanwhile, she is often hidden from society and--lets be honest--far too tired to adequately explain the miraculous and painstaking labyrinth she has suddenly found herself living within.”

Brave New Mama, Vicki Rivard

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When your job is to glorify motherhood, as it deservedly should be, yet you’re in the throes of new motherhood…let me tell you, it’s a weeeee bit intimidating to get back to work. While these past three months have abso-f**cking-lutely been glorious, they’ve been disheveled and messy. They’ve been sleepless and cranky, and full of a type of love sprinkled down straight from unicorns and fairies.

Nothing and everything prepares you for motherhood. Raising a human takes everything you’ve ever known, combines it with a dump truck of random, yet vitally important things you couldn’t have possibly known, then motivates you with the cutest little cooing, smiling face to put it all together and be the best possible version of yourself. It’s the most beautiful and welcomed chaos I’ve ever been a part of.

Thankfully, amidst the fog that is the first weeks with a newborn, my dear friend Lauren encouraged me to let her snap a few photographs of Marin and I. You see, I had a full newborn session booked with another friend as well, but we had to cancel due to sickness, then never rescheduled during those first days. I had all of the plans to take every little cutesy, cuddly photo of Marin with me and Cory. Surely, as it’s my bread and butter to document this season of life for other women, I thought I’d document this season with my girl so beautifully. I preach it ALL OF THE TIME as I observe and photograph motherhood for my clients, but those days pass by even more quickly than I’d imagined.

Here’s a little glimpse into one of our perfectly imperfect first days. My hair was in a braid because the thought of actually fixing it was more than laughable. My makeup was thrown on in minutes in between cries and nursing attempts to soothe a fussy baby. My dress, the first thing I grabbed out of my closet that I thought might fit. Being on camera felt like a gross bother to me and all I wanted to do in those sleepy, early days was admire my baby on my couch. But oh, my cooing, laughing baby. My baby who already doesn’t want me to hold her like a baby when awake. My quickly growing baby, how I will cherish these blurry, emotional, sleepy first days and the snapshots that will remind me of a little you’ll never be again.

And for all of the mamas out there, I now understand more than ever before, you are the superheroes, GOAT, rockstars, and the real MVPs.

As I mentioned, my good friend Lauren took the above photos for me when Marin was just a few days old.

Here are a few snapshots I took of my girl today, because she is THREE MONTHS OLD. Wah!

Pennington Family | Louisiana Family Photographer

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the cutest little blonde baby model I ever did see. I'm so grateful to have watched each era of Amanda and Andrew's life unfold over the past few years. I met the both of them in college and have watched their relationship evolve from the first dates through the wedding, and to first baby, Miles--and what a treat it has been. This was my first time meeting Miles and my did he steal my heart with those blonde locks and warm brown eyes. I just adore every bit of Miles, Amanda, and Andrew in this session.

It took Miles a while to warm up to me, but after searching for acorns together, we were basically BFF.

I just cannot get enough of these three...and will happily welcome more little Andrews and/or Amandas in front of my camera. (:

Seriously, can we talk about this baby model? I'm not surprised one bit that he was chosen to be a Drooly Scrumptious brand rep.

Amanda and Pnut, thank you for entrusting me with documenting the evolution of your sweet little family. I cannot wait to continue to watch it grow.

Lauren + Ryan: Part II

As promised, here's part two of Lauren and Ryan's sweet and dainty affair! From blush bridesmaids, natural flowers, to the most perfect feminine touches. Their day was just a sweet mix of Southern cocktail hour at sunset and perfectly quirky vows, filled with ruffles and laughs in between.

And in case you’re planning a wedding, or perhaps you just love Lauren’s planned out details, here are a few of her ever-fabulous vendors from the day…

Venue: The Lakehouse Mandeville

Wedding Dress & Lace Duster: BHLDN

Bridal Prep: Marvilla Guest House

Makeup: Kendel with Makeup by Kendel

Invitations and Programs: Magnet Street

Paper Garland Flowers (pictured in Part II post): Love Embellished

Flowers: Florist of Covington

Videographer: BGP Productions

Photographer: Kali Norton

Lauren and Ryan, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to document this time in your life.