Nicole is one of those rare, once-in-a-lifetime, beautiful, amazing, radiant, she’ll-do-anything-for-you- and you-can’t-imagine-your-life-without-her-friends. Many women (especially those from military families) understand how hard it can be to truly connect deeply with other women. When we find these rare opportunities, we savor them and hold them close to our heart.

The day we met nearly seven years ago — we were both newly married and kiddo-free. After spending our first afternoon together, I remember driving home giddy as a school girl and telling my husband I’d just met a woman who I was certain was going to be my new best friend. We shared the same military lifestyle, faith and love of all things crunchy. We had similar curly hair and could swap wardrobes too–some things that seem silly, just glue you together a little more. We were fast and dear friends.

Despite our many moves over the years (Nicole and her family just returned from a three-year stint in Croatia) our families (with four kids and two on the way) are incredibly close and our friendship is one of my greatest blessings. We secretly dream of the day when our husbands retire and our families can be neighbors. We’ll garden together, send our kids off to prom and grow old enjoying sweet tea in the evenings on our front porches.

This is a celebration of sorts, not only for the new baby-to-be arriving in May, but for her familiy’s homecoming from overseas. For the first time in more than four years we’re only going to be living a few hours apart. We are so excited to have our babies together — and to enjoy being just a short car drive away.

We snapped these photos during their visit with us last week. It was a beautiful, wonderful, chaotic time. We almost didn’t make time for a mini-shoot, but when I saw the magic we captured, I was so grateful we did.

Congratulations Nicole – you are glowing more than ever! I can’t wait for this sweet baby to make his or her debut. See you soon my dear friend.

Occasionally, I encounter a couple so comfortable in front of the camera, the session simply flows. LaShawne is one of the most stunning pregnant mamas I’ve had the honor of photographing–she glows from within. And, together with her husband David, there is a connection so deep I couldn’t help but notice it in every shot I captured. Happy couple is an understatement — their home is buzzing with anticipation of the new life to come and the changes in store for their family. I am giddy with anticipation for their newborn shoot. This baby is going to beautiful and surrounded by faith and love. See you three soon.

XOXO
Stephanie

lifeography’s photo session offerings have been updated for 2008. first up is the {new} life maternity session designed to capture your most precious memories before and after the birth of your baby. this dual session offering includes:

investment: $500 (includes $100 print credit for orders placed within three days of combined gallery launch)

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check back for information on the following 2008 session offerings:

{new} life session – newborn photography in your home or in my daylight studio
{family} life session – child and family portraits at the location of your choice
{grad} life session – modern high school senior photos.
{love} life session – couples and engagement photo sessions. see below for february and march’s special offer.

here’s a sneak preview for holly, my latest mom-to-be. she even braved 19-degree weather for a few shots outside. now, that’s a baby that’s already loved! here’s to the three of you holly — i know great things are in store.

parents-to-be are special. there’s something about a family-in-the-making that just makes future mamas and daddies glow. thanks jen and jason for your patience during our marathon maternity session. i can’t wait to meet your sweet baby girl!

my client nancy…and brody, baby-to-be.

“for you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”
psalm 139:13-14

a family we just adore…with number two on the way. thanks joel & steph for being such fabulous friends–and an inspirational family of faith.