New Collection Offer: "A Day in the Life" Motherhood Sessions

Tantrums on the floor and you cringe for your photographer to see? You think to yourself, “I mean, c’mon, those other families must have such well-behaved kids to keep it picture perfect for an hour.” Can I say a big NO NO NO NO NO.

Gimme the tantrums, meltdowns, and time-outs. Give me the snotty noses and bed head, the chaos along with the calm that fills your life. . . . 

You’re in the throes of it Ma, and you may or may not realize it, but these are the “salad days” of parenthood and you’re going to laugh one day about those meltdowns over the green beans touching the macaroni on the dinner plate.

Let me document the beauty in corners of your chaos that you may be too sleep deprived and behind on laundry to soak in right now. Because one day mama, you’re going to look back and want to relive every single minute of these days.

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These are not your average family photo sessions.  Every family has their own unique story so let's take a day to tell your story, unabridged and unscripted. This experience yields images guaranteed to bring on the happy tears during nostalgic times. 

Here are a few reasons we love “A Day in the Life” Motherhood Sessions…

• There is NO RUSH! We have an entire day to allow your family to spend the day together without pressure to perform for the camera.

• No decisions about which activities to document, we will do them all! Morning snuggles + bedtime routines and everything in-between!

• An entire day of being together. There will be giggles, tears, a time-out or two, but your family will make some amazing memories together and have photographs to relive them.

This session is a larger investment than an average photo session, as this collection is 8+ hours long and most likely done once while your children are young. The goal of these sessions is to capture an in-depth photojournalistic heirloom of personalities for your family during this season of life.

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For the year 2019 only, I’m offering introductory pricing of “A Day in the Life” Motherhood sessions. Introductory pricing begins at an all-inclusive price of $1500. Payment plans are available for these sessions and can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Introductory priced sessions must be photographed in 2019.

When you decide you are ready for your day in front my camera, reach out so we can pick a date. It will be the best decision you ever made in creating a personal time capsule of these ever-fleeting days.

New Orleans Elopement at Race + Religious | Alison + Scott

In my initial phone conversation with Alison, she was so intentional communicating her desire that the person she chose to document the day understand and connect with her and Scott enough to capture their essence.  I immediately appreciated her hopes for more than just a pretty collection of photographs, but also, hiring a person to connect with the emotion, aesthetic, and happenings of the day in a way that would most accurately depict their world together.

Even then, I hadn't but a small inkling of just how aligned our visions of purpose, connection, and culture actually are to one another.  It wasn't until I spent the entirety of the quiet, joyful minutes of the wedding day with Alison and Scott that I fully grasped a hearty dose of who they are and a little glimpse into what life, love, and joy mean to them.

Here's a little peek into the Spring day in which they vowed to spend the rest of entirety encouraging, loving and forgiving, learning and laughing with one another...

Alison and Scott got married at Race + Religious, a wedding and events venue in New Orleans, culturally rich in decor and ambiance that exudes an eclectic expression of the city.  The roots of New Orleans run deep through the venue, from the bricks dried out of clay from the Mississippi River to the and uniquely pieced together artwork and furnishings .

As Alison was getting ready, Scott was enjoying the afternoon relaxing in the side cottage on the grounds of the venue with their son, Oscar.

As I arrived to start photographing that day, Alison pulled me to the side.  She told me that she would be taking a few moments of quiet time before she slipped into her dress to nurse Oscar.  She asked if I would snap a shot or two for her to remember.  In that moment, a feeling so beautifully intense, yet calming came over me, as I knew I had just been tasked the opportunity to artistically and authentically document Alison's ambience that day in such a breathtaking way.

There were several moments during the day when I really got to quietly observe Alison in such an organic way.  Without the hustle of anyone needing to primp, prime, curl, or ask anything of her at all, Alison took a few moments to sit with her baby boy and soak in the big, genuine emotion of her world on that day in March.

During this time I learned that Alison runs a company where she serves as a postpartum doula, where she nurtures families and helps them transition during postpartum.  Naturally, with all of the mamas and different journies that have been finding their way in front of my camera lately, I was fascinated.  If you too find this fascinating, you should hop on over to Alison's site to read more of how she left her role as a public relations executive in the entertainment industry to tend to new mamas postpartum.

Alison lost her mother about 13 years ago.  In our initial conversation, she shared with me how important photographs that she still has, both formal and candid, of her mother are to her.  Although her mother was not physically present on that day, the ways she was spoken about and intertwined throughout made me feel like I knew a little about the person she was.  From Alison to her sister to her nieces, there was no shortage of genuine, educated, and compassionate ladies around; undoubtedly some qualities inherited from their mother.  After Alison was dressed, her sister pinned a pin on her dress as they shared a moment together in remembrance of her that day.

Another component of Alison + Scott's day that I found to be so authentic was the Ketubah they signed prior to the ceremony.  A Ketubah is a Jewish marital contract that outlines the commitment a couple shares to honor one another.  I find it to be an eloquently worded document that serves as a reminder of the commitment being entered into during a nuptial ceremony.

The words from the Ketubah were so beautiful to me that I asked Alison if it would be ok for me to share them here:

"We hereby pledge to trust, respect and support each other throughout our married life together. 

We shall always endeavor to be open and honest, understanding and accepting, loving and forgiving, and loyal to one another. 

We hereby promise to work together to build a harmonious relationship of equality. 

We shall respect each other's uniqueness and help one another to grow to our fullest potential. 

We will comfort and support each other through life's sorrows and joys. 

Together, we shall create a home filled with learning, laughter, and compassion, a home wherein we will honor each other's cherished family traditions and values. 

Our promise to each other, in the presence of loving family and friends, is valid and binding."

Though they currently reside in Los Angeles, Alison and Scott are both akin to our ole' girl Nola, as they lived seasons of life here that forever imprinted on their hearts.  From frequent visits to Jazz Fest or just to catch up with family, New Orleans is very much a part of their lives.  And because no New Orleans wedding feels authentic without a celebratory Second Line and brass band, The Storyville Stompers led Alison, Scott, and guests ceremony with some classic New Orleans tunes.

Alison and Scott, thank you for connecting with and entrusting me to capture the spirit your world.

What I Wore: Flowy Fall

Varying textures, flowy fabrics, and oversized sweaters. If you know me, you know these give me the same feelings in my wardrobe as the comfort of pumkin spice gives me in the Fall. With that being said, I thought I'd share a few pieces that have become some of my favorites in my early Fall wardrobe. This combo, in particular, is a perfect example of spending good money on staple pieces vs. less money on items I may wear only for one or two seasons.

What do I mean by that exactly? Well, I'm sure you recognize the knife pleat maxi I have on in the below photo. Probably because it's been my staple for literally all seasons this year. I scored that baby last Winter and have worn it many times, including photo shoots here, and here, and here.

I love the comfort and simplicity of this outfit, as well as the ability to wear all pieces in more than one season.

Knife Pleat Maxi: Imagine, Victoria's Secret (I got mine from Victoria's Secret, but Imagine Boutique has a nude and black in stock now)

White Oversized Sweater:Forever 21 (I got mine from H&M, but it's no longer in stock. This one is similar)

Booties: Rue 21

Long Gold Necklace: Jcrew

Short Gold Necklace: The Basketry

Happy Tuesday, my friends!

Caitlin + Mayson

No words. Well, ok that's a lie. It's me we're talking about. But truly, my clients leave me in awe of the privilege I have to document such breathtaking stages of their lives. I wholeheartedly love all of my clients, this is so true. Nonetheless, the mommas and babies and the relationships between them that I've had the pleasure of so organically photographing lately just takes my breath away.

When the color palette and visions I have in my head, paired with the organic relationships of those I'm photographing come to life, they sometimes create the emotion I intended in the photograph so powerfully to me that I don't even know what to do. Sometimes I even cry. Seriously. I know that sounds crazy, but I do. And it's how I know that documenting life is exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Caitlin is my beautiful next-door neighbor and mother of two. Mayson, pictured here, is her eldest little one and a new big sister to her most perfect little brother. This session was just for Caitlin and Mayson, though--to truly capture the essence of love between momma and daughter. Swoon away...

OUTFITS:

Caitlin - Free People

Mayson - Well Dressed Wolf

Matherne Family

Warm light, soft tones, and the most attentive eleven month old -- color me a happy girl. Oh, and Miss Kerri decided she wanted the sweetest little gold headband for a few -- how could I say no? Ok, actually it was her photographer mommy who wanted that, but oiy me! She's such a dainty little angel. This session screams soft and Spring, and I couldn't be happier with the sweet love captured between Matt, Theresa, and their first baby girl, Miss Kerrington.

 Theresa and Matt, thank you for choosing me to document the sweet beginnings of the love between your little family. I hope it's a treasured heirloom for years to come.

Rhyan

I don't have children yet, but I'll say, I have a tiny obsession with extremely fashionable toddlers. So much that, I follow Instagram feeds of mommas who dress their babies with some mad style. When Tracee contacted me about photographing her daughter Rhyan's two-year-old photographs, I knew I was the one in for a treat. I've known Tracee since I was younger; however, since she's had Rhyan I find myself constantly watching her feeds to see the super cute ways she plays dress up with her.

And Little Miss Rhyan? She's the sweetest little momma's girl to utter the words "Au Revoir" that I ever did meet. One of my most favorite things, as you guys know, is to watch interaction between mother and baby. It's just breathtaking to me. The highlight of my session with Tracee and Rhyan was just observing how beautifully attentive Tracee is to teaching Rhyan's little inquiring toddler mind about every single existence and interaction around her. Oh, and hearing Tracee sing "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" miiiiight have ranked pretty high for me too. After their session, Preston and Chewie had to hear my voice, which is not near as pretty as Tracee's, sing it around the house for days. (:

Tracee, thank you for the opportunity to document the unconditional love, life, and joy between you and your sweet girl.

Lauren + Ryan: Part I

Lauren and Ryan get me every time with these posts. Just like their engagements (which you can see here and here), there was too much goodness for just one post. So, here's part one of their ever-fabulous, sweet Spring wedding. Soft hues, romantic laces, the most perfect red and pink pops of lip color--all things perfectly soft and classic are how Lauren's day panned out. From the quaint Marvilla Guest House where the girls got ready at, to the mossy oaks overlooking the lake, to The Lakehouse where guests sipped champagne while witnessing their vows, Lauren had the most beautiful day, right down to the straws placed in cups. And oh, how we love some pretty details around these parts. That's a fancy way for saying me. Just me. I'll take one order of all the details please. (:

A harpist, a BHLDN dress, and the hairstyles of her bridesmaids were just a few of my most favorites on the list. I'll let you scroll for yourself and make your own choices about yours.

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

Videographer: BGP Productions

Photographer: Kali Norton

So soft and screaming Spring, I just loved everything about Lauren and Ryan's day. Especially the amount of time we had for their first look and bridal party photos. It was heavenly. The groomsmen may have begged to differ, but I found it just splendid. (:

And the sweet little flower girl was peeking at us all day long. I'm so glad we captured her doing it.

 Note, if you are considering sparklers for your ceremony exit, I HIGHLY recommend considering rice instead. The rice made a much more dainty show on camera. I am a huge fan after Lauren and Ryan's use of it. Stay tuned for Part II of their sweet and lovely nuptials coming later this week!

Corbeau

I had the pleasure of photographing five days new little Corbeau the other day, and oh, how tiny and sweet he was. No props, just light and love. Simplicity.

So much perspective in these next few. I've really moved to simplify things over here. Just get down to the basics of emotion and life, and I couldn't be happier with the message it sends through my lens. Little toes, daddy's hands, close to momma. This is what new life is all about.  Sarah, Chris, Drake, and Corbeau, I'm ever-grateful for you welcoming me into your home and allowing me to document the beauty and love in your life. I'm so elated for the opportunity to watch Corbeau grow, as well as your family's love.