Besties, Blooms and Bubbly | Showering Marin

My family and friends threw Marin and I TWO stunning showers last Fall. They were both filled with women who have brought so much wisdom, fulfillment, and joy to my life over the past thirty years. From the love and support to the heartfelt and helpful gifts, I'm overjoyed to watch the ways these women will leave their own special mark on my girl.

The past few months of preparing for and adjusting to motherhood have been a whirlwind of emotion, but I'm FINALLY finding the time and routine in our lives to share all of the good that's been happenin' around here! Here are a few snapshots taken by Kayla of Wildhive Photography from one of Marin’s beautiful throw-downs with some of my most favorite ladies before she arrived.

From a fresh flower bar to the most mouth-watering spread, every detail was just so; and as I looked around, I just soaked in the love + support Marin and I were surrounded by.

All of the bites were made by my sweet friends who hosted the shower and the cake was from The Cocoa Bean.

Parenthood Firsts: Welcoming Greyson | New Orleans Birth Photographer

"All those cliches, those things you hear about having a baby and motherhood - all of them are true. And all of them are the most beautiful things you will ever experience."

                                                                                                  - Penelope Cruz

Last year after feeling really compelled to document motherhood experiences in a more hands-on, organic way, I announced that I’d be adding birth photojournalism to my service offerings. Having not ever experienced childbirth myself, I was both excited and nervous to embark on this new endeavor. After witnessing quite a few babies come into the world over the past few months, I’ve found the experience to be so enlightening and beautiful. 

Each woman, family, and birth experience is so different from the last and it’s so incredible to watch! Epidurals to inductions to natural births, breastfeeding to bottle feeding, dads who wanna be in the middle of the action to dads who want to quietly support their wives with hand holding and soft kisses -- ALL such raw and breathtaking exhibitions of the strength each and every woman has within them. 

Each by their own unique journey, listening to the needs of their individual mind + body -- it’s nothing short of breathtaking. Every single time. Victoria and Josh are in the throes of their first run at parenthood and documenting the steps of their journey has been such a cool experience. World, meet Greyson James!

It's always so fun to visit my clients for a newborn session in the week following the birth. Seeing them settled and finding their new "normal" always gives me the feels. Recently, I've been inviting my mamas to get as comfortable and natural as they'd like in sessions--less posing, more real life. Wanna nurse? Let's do it! Wanna take a nap with baby? I'm down. A more timeless, photojournalistic approach. All the yes.

The photos above were taken a few days after I had the privilege of watching Victoria bring Greyson into the world. Watching my mama clients in the midst of such a range of raw emotion and physical feeling while giving birth is such a unique experience. I am truly mind blown by women and the things our bodies can do.

Here's a peek into Victoria's birth journey...

Milk Bath Maternity | Awaiting Ivy: New Orleans Maternity Photographer

"I guess I always believed the moments that would one day end up defining me would be loud. They'd be noticeable. I pictured fireworks. I thought I would definitely be able to point the moment out from all the rest if you put them side-by-side in a lineup. I'd be able to stand there, on the other side of the glass and say, 'That one. That one was loud and big and mammoth and I knew it would change my life.' But you can't put moments in a box. You can't keep people forever. Those moments are meant to happen and disappear." Excerpt from If You Find This Letter by Hannah Brencher.

How eerily true is this? I think it's so easy for us to be ready for what's next in life, that we so often don't take the time to fully embrace the seasons we reside in in the present. Whether the season be happy or sad, it's a natural part of the human experience to wonder, plan, or anticipate what's ahead. When I first read these words when reading Hannah's book, they stopped me in my tracks. Umm, hello reality check. Moments, seasons, experiences exist for us to feel what we feel from them in those moments and mold us into the future human we evolve to.

As Danielle got out of her car and greeted me, it was the first time I'd ever met her. It only took a few sentences of dialogue between us for me to notice the calm, peaceful personality she emanated. After spending that afternoon with her and looking through her photographs, I was able to put my finger on what was so alluringly tranquil about her--she embraces the now of this beautiful season of life she is in, awaiting her daughters, Ivy and Lily.

It wasn't until after her session that Danielle shared with me the news that she learned weeks ago that she lost one of her girls, Lily.  She is currently still carrying both girls. I had no clue of this while photographing her, and now looking at these photographs radiates her strength during this season in a whole new light.

I cannot begin to fathom both the fear and excitement she has for her delivery next week. Observing the contentment and love for that beautiful belly and the spectacular ability her body possesses during these months was so incredibly empowering. Nine months, a "moment" so inherently special to her, Lily, and Ivy alone, that she can never replicate in this exact way again.

The morning of Danielle's session, there was a stirring in me to do something more than just dreamy, creamy photographs of her in a field. We'd never spoken other than through email before, but as she picked up the phone and I introduced myself, the conversation went a little something like this, "I know we've never met, but umm, are you down for a milk bath?"

I'm incredibly glad she was open to the idea, because the way they display the beauty and strength of her body during this season of life is so profoundly breathtaking to me.

Danielle, I have no doubt that you will execute motherhood just as gracefully as you do the road leading to it. Thank you for allowing me to capture your strength and beauty during this stage of life for you, Lily, and Ivy.

Awaiting Isla | Bethany + Blaine: Mandeville Maternity Photography

You know that couple you see at weddings--the sublimely adorable one that owns the dance floor, and shares cake, and just genuinely has a great time with one another? This is Bethany and Blaine. Endearing, genuine hearts, enjoying the moments of this charming little life in the presence of one another.

I've known Bethany and Blaine since high school and photographed several weddings in which they won the award, in my mind, for the most adorable guests. So, when Bethany emailed me to document moments between the two of them as they await their baby girl Isla, I was overjoyed. Bethany has a quirky, joyous, and gentle persona and wears pregnancy so exquisitely. I cannot wait to see her own motherhood with that same charm.

Blaine is so attentive and gentle with Bethany--undoubtedly, he is going to be the best dad and husband for his soon-to-be family of three.

Bethany and Blaine, your life and love has captured my heart. I cannot wait to watch with admiration as your family grows.