Joel + Rachel | Spring Hill Maternity Photographer

 There's something amazing - captivating, really - about pregnancy. How a tiny life just transforms into a perfect little baby. The gentle flutter of a heartbeat on the ultrasound screen. The slight kicks as the baby moves around. The ever-present glow a mom has when she's expecting. 

I've been blessed to watch Joel and Rachel as they've embarked on a new stage in life. As they've experienced the excitement and joy that comes with a new baby on the way. Knowing that they're going to be wonderful parents and that their little girl is so incredibly loved.

Rachel, dear friend, you make a beautiful mommy-to-be.  Can't wait to meet baby Lily!

Read more...

Emily | Franklin Maternity Photography

It takes a true friend to agree to head out with you on a cold winter day. Even more so if she's willing to hand over her warm coat and gloves for the sake of a photo. My friend Emily is seriously one of the sweetest women I know. This May (or sooner!), Emily and her husband Jason will become parents. She still has a few months to go, but since she's carrying TWO baby boys, Emily is already showing quite a bit. And she makes pregnancy look good.

Here are just a few of my favorites from the impromptu shoot we had together to capture one of the many snowfalls we've had this year. Makes me cold just looking at them. Emily, you're a pro!

Read more...

The Wallens | Stevens Point Wisconsin Maternity Photographer

I still remember the exact moment she told me. On a brief visit to Wisconsin last March, my friend Krista and I got together one last time before it was time for me to leave. We were having breakfast at a local restaurant, catching up about our lives and our marriages. And then I asked. 

It was a completely legitimate question. Several of us got married in the same year and since the first couple had a baby that past December, an unofficial poll was being taken amongst our friends to see who was next. And to my surprise, I discovered that for Krista and Jared, it was no longer a question of "when". I think I shrieked. Just a little. But I couldn't help myself.

For as long as I can remember, being a mother is something Krista has always dreamed about. In the second grade, we would play barbies together in her family's basement, weaving together stories about the adventures of Barbie and Ken, while talking about how much our own children would have fun playing with these same dolls someday. In junior high, we discovered boys. We'd spend every sleepover dreaming about being Mr. and Mrs. Crush-of-the-moment, imagining what lives we would lead and the number of children we would have.

And now, Krista has the life she's always dreamt of having and the one she's always been meant to lead, with a loving husband and the start of a beautiful family. There is no higher calling.

While I was in town doing Krista and Jared's photoshoot, my mom and I had "the girls" over to our place; two generations in one room, laughing and sharing with one another. And seeing the beginnings of a third generation. It was absolutely beautiful. 

I am so thrilled for Krista and Jared. They are going to make incredible parents. So here's to the next generation, Alexandria Paige Wallen. I can't wait to meet you.

* Baby Lexy was welcomed into the world two days after this photo shoot, six weeks early. She is healthy, but at the moment, she is still in the hospital. It would mean so much to me if you would keep Krista, Jared and little Lexy in your prayers so that they can bring her home soon. Thank you!

Read more...

The Butchers | The Next Chapter

As clichéd as it may seem, I often liken life to a novel. There are many different chapters that make up our lives. Some have an intertwining theme; characters and story lines carry over from one chapter to another. Other chapters must first come to a close before the next one can begin. Adventure after adventure; heartbreak and joy; uncertainties and successes. Each person's life is uniquely designed with the heavy anticipation of what is to come next. 

Nick and Julie's story is one that exudes the faith and love upon which it is built. And here were are, just weeks away from turning the page to reveal the next chapter of their lives. This time, the Author will introduce a new character - one who has a starring role in the Butcher family - Graham Butcher.

In my opinion, Graham couldn't ask for two better parents. Nick and Julie have long awaited for this moment. As their friend, I've clearly seen the joy they've experienced throughout this pregnancy. No two people deserve this gift more than they do. And no one, except for the Creator, could love this baby more. 

As I'm going through these photos, I feel as if I'm curled up on the couch on a rainy day, thumbing through the pages of a romance novel. Not the blush-as-you-glance-at-the-cover-I-don't-dare-pick-it-up kind. But the kind that is based on the ultimate Romance, shared by two lovely people. 

 

And the next chapter is about to describe one of the greatest adventures one could ever embark on. The idea is truly captivating. 

This story is to be continued...

Read more...