Blessings in Blue
One of my greatest joys upon moving to Northern Virginia nearly 4 years ago was knowing I had a friend from "home" not too far away. Our families met when we were kids, growing up together crawling under tables in a fellowship hall, dinners in homes, youth group events and more. We hail from Western NY: suburbs, close enough to the Canadian border for Tim Horton's, but definitely Bills Mafia territory. Hannah was one of the first people to meet my then-boyfriend now-husband while we were dating. We've shared some big milestones together in the last handful of years, and I'm so excited to share in the blessing of motherhood very soon!
Preparing to welcome a tiny life is a journey that requires everything within you, and calls us to reach outward to join hands with community as a network and support. Hannah's baby shower was a small and intimate gathering of friends in the Northern Virginia area (and a bit beyond!) along with her parents. This is the community she will rely on as that little life joins her family - one that will check in, make sure she eats and sleeps, and be there for questions and venting and the quiet moments when new mamas just need another adult to listen and say, "You're doing it right; it's hard, and it's worth it." What a blessing to see co-workers, long-time friends, mentors, and other new moms all share smiles, give gifts, and be present in this time of celebration! Her woodland animal theme was too cute - complete with a hedgehog, "twigs" and other forest-named treats and trail mix as a favor!
Once the food, games, and presents had wrapped up (pun intended!), I stole the soon-to-be parents away to an adjacent room for a simple and quick maternity session. No frills, just natural lighting and the walls of the community room. We had an overcast day with leftover drizzle by the time of the baby shower, so the indoor venue worked perfectly! As guests departed, we decided to take a few more photos outside with family as the skies cleared. The beauty of this session was the lack of pressure in any way: no time limits, no forced posing, no uncomfortable outfits (though she looks fabulous in the dress and heels!) since everyone was dressed for the baby shower anyway. And bonus for me: I knew everyone's name!
I was honored to join this event as both friend and photographer (especially since my good friend @washingtondcphotographer is also part of the extended family!) - to be part of the support as a "veteran" mama... even if I am only 3 years ahead. I'm praying that this bundle of arms and legs and joy will be a blessing to his mama and daddy when he decides to make his appearance! Congratulations, Hannah and Este - we can't wait to meet the little man!
