Newborn "Dragon" visited the studio
Photographed my first dragon in the studio
One of my favorite parts of covering newborn sessions is the ability to design and customize the experience for my client. When I spoke with this couple before their son was born. We were discussing themes and we had settled on shades of green or blue depending on how everything went and what I had. Before we ended our call, mama asked me if I could do them a favor for a theme. I never say no, but I will always give my opinion on what is doable depending on the request.
Since dragon is part of their last name, they requested if I could put together a dragon themed setup. I couldn't say yes any faster and I was so excited to get to work. I went to Michaels for some supplies, designed my scales in Illustrator, broke out my Cricut cutter and got to work. The egg was made from a paper maché process includingf a 12-15" balloon, tissue paper, glue and water mixture, and metallic card stock paper scales. Building the egg took a few hours and an overnight drying process. Finishing with the scales only took a couple of hours which a few shows on watchlist helped with.
We started with my family mini sessions where both parents have photos together and solo photos with baby. This really captures special moments pre-session and gets the jitters out for the rest of the time we're together. Being a mama myself, I know what poses and prompts to give because I look at these sessions the way I would want my own sessions to be covered.
When we were finished, I scooped up that little man and got him ready for his close-ups! We had our little pep talk about what we were going to be doing and how well we're going to work with each other. I love connecting with them because it gives them a bit of comfort for their solo time. He was a squirmy little man and stayed awake for some of the session. Gave me great detail photos of his hands and feet and fell asleep quite nicely for some sleepy photos.
By the end when the egg setup was on the docket. He was getting a little unruly and ready to go home. We got some cute photos of him in the egg and some as if he was spilling out of it. As soon as I had him comfy on the moss, he fell right back asleep. I didn't get as many photos as I wanted with the egg, but every baby is different and I listen to them. If he was calm and ok with some more work, I would have continued. I don't like to push my babies over their limit that I carefully watch for. Everything I do for my families and their littles is on how they're doing and making sure they're comfortable.
For more info on booking your newborn session. Visit my Motherhood page or fill out the form below!
LJ and I have been friends for almost 10 years at this point. So when she asked me to photograph her wedding. Not only was I completely on board, but I was honored to be able to capture one of the best days this woman was ever going to live. This was also my first "destination wedding" even though I've been to visit her before. She has been through so much from a terrible divorce, to moving from MA to NC, to going through some really hard shit, then finally buying her home and settling all the way through to meeting her now husband and building a home together.
This woman I have spent HOURS with on the phone going through it all and trying to make ends meet across the board from mental health, to finances, to relationships, etc. She packed her bags and boogied south without ever looking back. After years of being down there, she finally met Cody and the rest is history.
LJ and Cody got married in literally THE CUTEST little chapel in Iron Station, NC. Mariposa Chapel is a renovated chapel to host weddings and other events in the area. I've covered some beautiful weddings up here in Massachusetts and throughout New England. We have nothing in comparison to the this North Carolina venue, or at least I haven't covered a wedding at one. It was perfect for the small wedding they had and so many of their loved ones were able to travel for the occassion.
The day started at the salooooooon getting the girls ready for the day while the boys were off doing boy things. We hung around getting faaaancy and then took off to the venue. Once I got there, my mouth DROPPED because of how beautiful this venue is. It's also across from a cow farm which made my day chatting with the cows before everything started.
I also want to mention that at this point I was also 34.5 weeks pregnant and trucking around like a mad woman. The flying was so bad, but when I tell you I was pooped by the time I got home is an understatement. I had enough energy to get home, Trick or Treat with my oldest, and prep for my final wedding on Nov 1 being on the verge of birth.
Back to my girly! The chapel alone was stunning with all of their florals and then the back patio area is where the reception took place. All super close and easy to navigate. They had a tent for those dining out back and plenty of room to explore while waiting for everything. We had formal photos and proceeded to enter dinner and then dance the night away. LJ and I shared a surprise dance that I wasn't aware of to I2I from Goofy Movie and it was the best.
LJ and Cody were tremendously graceful the entire day. Even with the medical situation Cody had on his side leading up to the wedding itself. I'm so happy I was able to cover this and be with them on their special day. Here is to one year of marriage with many happy years to come. <3
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