Recently I was asked by two sisters to photograph their beautiful sister Vita’s maternity photos. She would be in town on a family vacation, the last as a family of three before Baby #2 arrives, and they wanted to surprise her with a portrait session before her baby shower that day.

I get so much joy when I photograph a maternity session, because expecting mamas are always glowing! They light up the photos and exude pure love. Vita was no exception. She was absolutely beautiful, and so was her family. Lil B and his excitement to become a big brother was beyond adorable. I smiled so hard during this session that my cheeks hurt afterward! 😁😍 Congratulations “Bella Vita!” What a beautiful life you have created! May it only get sweeter! xxoo

…something little comes along to remind you just how big it is really is.”

This was such a fun shoot for me and a blast from the past! Candy and I went to elementary school together in Michigan and hadn’t seen each other since the ’80s. Crazy! Decades later we reconnected in Sarasota when her family headed south for sunshine and white-sandy beaches!

Now her beautiful family is preparing to welcome another addition — a baby girl! I can only imagine how beautiful baby Aurora will be! I cannot wait to meet her! Congrats guys! xxoo

“…to those who wait.”

We’ve all heard it before and likely often, from our elders or friends…or the old Heinz Ketchup commercials. My dear friend, Becki, is a perfect example.

And not to say she hasn’t been blessed, because she has. Steven+Becki met and fell in love some five years ago and were married a couple years later. They have built a wonderful life, filled with family and friends, and they couldn’t wait to become parents.

Last year was a tougher one. But every morning when the sun rises, we’re reminded of the circle of life. That good things will come again. And when the timing was right, Becki learned she was pregnant.

Congratulations to Steven+Becki, your strength during the bad times and refusal to take for granted the good is inspirational. You’re going to be great parents.

*Abigail Grace was born on Father’s Day, just to sweeten the deal a little more. Mom+Dad are over the moon. And I hear she’s…well, perfect.

“I was never alive
‘Til the day I was blessed with you.
When I hold you late at night,
I know what I was put here to do.”
—”Angel’s Lullaby”

A few weeks ago, I met the Angels for a sunset maternity session on the beach, a gift from an excited soon-to-be aunt. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that raindrops would fall before the sun would set, and my sunset money-shot was gone with the wind. The sky was already rumbling, and the periodic raindrop on my arm kept me on my toes. Not exactly my idea of optimal shooting conditions. And yet, the weather provided two totally different backdrops — to the north there was nothing but light, and to the south the sky provided amazing shades of blue and gray.

The couple had recently finished decorating Baby Boy Angel’s nautically-inspired nursery and were patiently awaiting his arrival. Pregnancy did not slow this couple down. They were even more productive than normal, which is saying something. They shared and celebrated their joy with family and friends all along the way, and she easily worked up until her leave at 39 weeks. By then her petite frame was all baby, and the yet unnamed Angel was weighing in at more than eight pounds.

As I drove home that evening, I wondered who Baby Angel would look more like. Mom’s family is Colombian, Dad’s is German and Hungarian. No doubt he’ll be a cutie. Then the music geek in me kicked in, and I remembered that song “Angel’s Lullaby” (the Richard Marx version). The song is too fitting!

Ethan Parker made his debut yesterday, all 9 pounds and 21 inches of him. He has a full head of dark hair, like his mother. But when I saw his very first photo, what struck me most was the Angel in him.

Congratulations to Carolina + Robby!

And for those of you who can’t get enough of the classic maternity shots, by request here are my latest interpretations…

Congratulations again to the new parents and their family! I look forward to watching Baby Ethan grow!

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” (Eda J. Le Shan)

A bun in the King’s oven gave me another chance to photograph their growing family, before a princess is born. Unfortunately, one of the twins became ill that day and was unable to join us. He was missed!

We met at a beach on Longboat Key to play in the white sand and catch the sunset. It was a lovely evening.

Update: Bella Mae Christine entered this world Aug. 17 and was welcomed by proud parents. She is beautiful!