September 2020.
Category: children
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{Allison Family | Burlington County, New Jersey | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Wow, my time in New Jersey is quickly ending and tomorrow the first round of movers come to pack up our home! Of course, I’ve felt an unprecedented amount of stress trying to prepare with three little ones underfoot (including a newborn that likes to be held) and I’m just SO ready for this to be done!
Anyone who’s military knows this feeling of anxiety, when you’re hours away from the packers’ arrival– especially when moving overseas. Do I have everything sorted properly? What if this gets stolen/lost? Are all my valuables documented? Are we overweight?
#LORDHAVEMERCYSo I’m taking a short break from the madness to share with you my very last session!
These were all taken in my favorite secret spot in Burlington County where fields, lakes and forests merge & magic is made
The family was so friendly and their little boy was full of energy and loved to explore! Needless to say, we enjoyed our time together!
My heart breaks to say goodbye to NJ but I look forward to the many adventures ahead in South Korea. A huge thank you to all my clients turned friends during this chapter. Until we meet again! (8/4/20)
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{Rankin Family | Byrne State Forest, New Jersey | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
I’ll never forget the summer my mom took my sister Danielle and I on an Amtrak train ride— all the way from Pennsylvania to Florida! Together we spent two days on that passenger train, surrounded by total strangers. I was 8 years old and from a very young age, known for my outgoing personality. There wasn’t one human being I couldn’t talk to— no one I couldn’t strike up conversation with if given the opportunity
I remember sitting in that cramped dining car with a deck of cards, dealing Black Jack to grown adults, discussing everything under the sun. 
Unafraid,
Extroverted,
And completely comfortable meeting new people, asking questions and making new friends— regardless of age.
Little did I I know, 25 years later, I would meet my match
–A little girl whose personality reminded me so much of my own, I couldn’t help but grin.7-year-old Scarlett hopped out of the car with curls a-bouncing, greeting me with self-assurance— introducing herself on the spot. Teeming with confidence, this sweet little gem asked me question after question, genuinely curious as to who I was and what I was like— “How many children do you have?”“Do you have a baby in your belly?!”
Very uncommon for a child her age to approach an adult in such a bold manner.
She was so inquisitive and reminded me of my own curiosity at that age.
The entire session she and her family were gushing with kindness, energy and joy. We were all doubled over in laughter and the minutes flew by as we were truly having fun, dancing & singing, chasing the sun and howling at the moon (yes, that actually happened
).This was a family who wasn’t shy— who were so comfortable in front of the camera— who didn’t mind being themselves.
And their little girl.. oh, I’ll never forget their little girl!
Such a sweetheart with such a precocious personality.
Flashbacks of own my childhood flood my mind when I meet little ones like her.
So thankful for the joys of this job— especially meeting such memorable families! Each one leaves an indelible mark on my soul
(6/11/20) -
{Meile Family | Whitesbog, New Jersey | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
If I could give an award to my #bestdressed client, it would be this lady— this family. When I tell you Jamie knows ALL about colors, textures, fabrics and styling, I’m not kidding
With the idea of a natural, organic, neutral palette, she cohesively coordinated outfits for her family of six— and they sauntered out of their minivan and into the magical Pine Barrens looking like models
Jamie’s no stranger to this process though because she’s in fact, a family photographer herself.Born and raised in Wisconsin, and a transplant to South Jersey, she’s celebrating ten years of marriage and the first birthday of her very last baby. She booked this session with me way back in October because as she said, she had seen my work and craved deeply emotional images with her children— ones that tug at her heartstrings and bring tears to her eyes.Images that would show exactly how she feels about each of them—about being their mother—without saying a word. Images that would tell the story of great love for her babies and the gratitude she has for the family they’ve become.And let me tell you, while we did have plenty of playful moments, on their own, her children one-by-one gravitated towards her gentleness.Wrapping their arms around her neck, clinging to her legs, clutching her breast, each child expressed their adoration for their mother in different ways.Knowing her story— and how she had struggled with infertility before her babies were born— made each moment that much more meaningful.Her strength, kindness and tenderness is utterly palpable in every picture. Thank you, Jamie, for giving me the opportunity to capture these connections you have with those you love most. I’m so honored. (5/31/20) -
{S Family | Adoption + Twins | Burlington County, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Three tiny babies— all under the age of ten months— one sister, two brothers— the most perfect siblings—a miracle more than a decade in the making.
For years, their mommy and daddy tried to conceive— but month after month, they faced the reality of infertility.
After many losses and years of waiting for their family to grow, 2019 surprised them with not only the adoption of their son, but also with the birth of twins.
And now, Thea & Alek are four months old, growing like weeds and quickly becoming fond of their big brother Erik.
While Erin & Brian make it look easy raising three infants all at once, these parents share the same struggles any mom & dad does— triple fold.
Triple the wakings.
Triple the diapers.
Triple the tears.But they had ten years of hoping for this,
Yearning for this,
Praying for this blessing we call parenthood.So each wailing cry reminds them they are wanted.
Each aching muscle reminds them they are needed.
Each tender grasp reminds them they, too, are loved in return.This family’s hands—and hearts—are fuller than they ever dreamed possible. Three babies all at once, more than they ever hoped for, a miracle beyond measure.
