Wedding photography is so much more than just one very special day. It goes beyond capturing the start of a couple’s journey through life together as officially Mr. and Mrs. to capturing them becoming a family. Nicole and Andy are two wonderful people that have become great friends over the past year after I photographed their wedding.
Now transitioning from ‘soon to be’s’ to ‘soon to be parents’ the two asked me to capture another special moment of their maternity session. Meeting my couple at Leu Gardens, we lucked out with an overcast day that left the air a little bit cooler than what has been the Summer norm lately. Venturing through the massive grounds, we found adorable little pathways and tree canopies to use as our backdrop.
Over the past several months, Nicole and Andy have received so much great advice, but really when it comes down to it as Nicole explains, “everyone has their own set of parenting advice and things they think you’ll need to do a good job. You just have to take it all with a grain of salt. Every child is different, every home is different, every set of parents is different. You have to find your own way and what works best for you and your child.”
Some of the best advice they have read and would recommend to others though, would be to use the resources that have been around for years, such as the book ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting.’ Nicole even let me know that there was also a version for your spouse called ‘What to Expect When Your Wife is Expecting.’ Pregnancy of course is absolutely amazing, but it can definitely be challenging at times. Andy, the smart hubby he is, read ahead to gain a better insight into what Nicole would be experiencing so he could help her. As Nicole explains, “there was nothing sweeter than me saying, “I’m having back pain” and my husband saying “I read in my book that you would be feeling that this week.”” Taking the time to know what your spouse is experiencing really helps build a supportive foundation and of course feeling acknowledged in through the feelings and emotions that go along with pregnancy.
No pain though can hold back the excitement of what is to come. For Nicole and Andy, what they look forward to most is seeing themselves in their little girl. With Alivia Lane’s due date in just a few short weeks, it will be incredible for them to finally meet their baby girl. From quirky habits to physical features of her mommy and daddy, having a little mini me is an incredible joy.
Wishing a healthy birth to this amazing little family and of course the sheer joy of finally holding their baby girl in their arms for the first time!
Venue: Leu Gardens
