A few weeks ago I woke up at 4 am to head off to this photography family photography session… Yes folks, you heard me right – four. a.m.  I know that this probably seems like no big deal to the average person but I go to bed at like 2 am every night (trust me it’s not as glamorous as it sounds.. lol). But despite feeling like a total zombie as I trudged out the door that morning, getting these scans back today I’m reminded why I would do anything to get these shots… probably hands-down these are among the most beautiful images I’ve taken to date and I am so excited to share them.

But why were we getting together for a session at the crack of dawn you ask? Well you will probably recognize this gorgeous family who I am so happy to announce that they are expecting another GIRL!  Those who follow my blog probably know already that I’ve been photographing this bunch since big sister Avery was just 6 months old, and I can’t believe we’re already at this point. For this session we decided to spend the first half freezing our tushes off at one of their favorite walking paths to catch that gorgeous light you can only get right at sunrise, and then hurried back home to warm up and enjoy Avery and mama’s ritual milk & tea in bed. Oh, and the best part is that I got to play ‘princesses’ with Avery (have no fear when the princesses are here – we hunted down the witch and defeated her with our magic spells!).

Anyway, please hurry up and take a look at these images because they are seriously.. amazing. And I like to hope that they reflect the bright, warm, beautiful amazingness that is this family and what I’ve come to know of them these past few years. Love you guys and so happy for you, can’t wait to come back once ‘princess Aurora’ arrives!! XOXO

above: we got these gorgeous shoes (left) from Joyfolie, one of my favorite favorite kids’ shoe makers ever. They are gorgeous and just by looking at and touching them it is evident how much craftsmanship and love goes into each shoe. I was incredibly bummed that it was so cold and Avery couldn’t wear these, but I was touched that she tried really hard to wear them for a few minutes for me.  

and the best part…

…the following few shots were inspired by an advertisement I saw of Calypso’s that said “Always believe that something wonderful will happen…”

above: I definitely don’t often do staged or ‘themed’ shots but every now and again I’ll see something that inspires me and when I have a willing subject  it is pretty darn fun.  And besides, these ‘sparkle shots’ were a little reward for Avery being SO unbelievably good and cooperative for us despite how cold I know she was (and all other parents please know, this is a wonderful exception to the rule, but not the norm for kids of her age. It’s okay to have meltdowns in the cold, I would too if I had no understanding of self-restraint ). 

 above: Avery is going to be such an amazing sister – she already shows so much nurturing love and care, whether it be for her mama’s belly or her baby dolls