September 2020.
Blog
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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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{Roche Family | Goat Hill Overlook, New Jersey | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Lamenting the fact we are now less than a month away from leaving New Jersey
Soon, we will be boarding a plane to Seoul, South Korea, and while I’m excited for a new adventure, I know I will miss this place and the people I’ve met.Our movers come in TWO WEEKS and let me be honest, I’m SO unprepared
The stress is mounting and I keep wishing I had more time to just rest and not think about moving overseas during a major pandemic.All of this to say, this will be one of my very last client sessions I will post in awhile. But it’s one of my absolute favorites!
Nicole and I met through the #MamaTogsSouthJersey group and it was SUCH an honor to capture her family. If you don’t recognize her, she’s the talent behind Kaleidoscope Imagery and is, in my opinion, one of the very best wedding photographers in this area. She chose Goat Hill Overlook as the location of her session, a sentimental spot where she and her husband were married. It also happens to be the same place she took my recent maternity photos
From start to finish, we had a beautiful evening together– the kids loved snuggling in the long grasses, throwing flower petals at their parents (while they were kissing
), climbing tree trunks and giggling amidst the sun’s setting rays. Pretty much, the perfect session with the perfect family Although this chapter will soon come to an end, I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to live here and meet so many amazing families like Nicole’s.
New Jersey will always hold a special place in my heart. (7/20/20)
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{Williams Family | Burlington County, New Jersey | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
40 weeks + 2 days… and yes, I’m still very much PREGNANT
This officially qualifies for the LONGEST PREGNANCY I’ve had yetMy first two babies were born in the 39th week but this bambino is apparently taking his sweet ole time making his entrance into this world.And yes, all natural induction methods have been attempted. Walking, exercising, squatting, eating dates, acupressure massaging, etc. I’m barely sleeping because I worry when he’s not kicking/moving and can’t sleep when he is. My next appointment is Thursday, but I’m hoping he’s born before then
So, to pass the time, I am SO excited to share with you these images from my session with the Williams family.The mama Hannah booked her session with me all the way back in October! And it was during our very first conversation I realized we were the perfect fit. She had told me her story… how over the past few years, her family had been through various hardships including infertility, heartbreak and personal trials.
She was longing for a session that documented her family’s love, one that would signify fresh beginnings and — one that would highlight their renewed hope, faith and happiness due to God’s goodness and mercy in their lives.Fast forward eight months and our session was finally happening!
Everything about our evening together felt so effortless. The husband and wife naturally gravitated towards one another. The kids sought out their parents for snuggles. And the whole family seemed to genuinely enjoy each other’s presence.They danced in the ferns.They swayed in the sunlight.
They interlocked hands.
They touched each other with tenderness.
They connected without prompting.
They wrapped their arms around one another in prayer.
And all I did was document the beauty that was already there.
God bless you, Williams family. I’m so thankful to have met you– and I wish you all the best
(6/16/20) -
{Smith Family | Burlington County, New Jersey | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Big, BIG news for my family! This week, we found out we will be moving in AUGUST instead of July– which has me breathing a HUGE sigh of relief.
For weeks, we worried that– without an extension– my husband would have to leave for South Korea WITHOUT us because– as we found out– due to COVID, the Department of State is no longer expediting passports… and without a passport for the baby, the kids and I wouldn’t be able to travel with him overseas.
But now, we have a whole EXTRA month to secure a passport, so we are praying we receive it in time for our flights.This means, we have more time here in New Jersey!
More time to snuggle with our newborn and more time prepare ourselves for this massive move.
And now here I am, two days away from my due date and I am getting emotional thinking about all the friends we’ve made and experiences we’ve had during this assignment.
One such friend is Shannon who I met in a local photography group for mamas. She is the mother of three precious girls. Look at how STUNNING they all are! What I love most about Shannon is her cheerful, energetic demeanor. She is always smiling, always positive, always kind. If you’ve met her, you know she’s a literal ray of sunshine! Her session was full of serendipitous little moments— most notably the most unexpected breathtaking sunset sky reflecting off the lake. The sunlight was subtle but the colors were vibrant and we all basked in the beams streaming through the clouds. When the final shot was taken and I began walking back to my vehicle, Shannon surprised me with a huge bag of gifts for my baby, immediately bringing me to tears. Inside, a handwritten card, outfits, books and swaddles for my little one.
Shannon deeply understands how much this baby is wanted and loved by our family. She, too, has suffered multiple miscarriages and knows firsthand the miracle of a healthy pregnancy… and also the answered prayer of a newborn baby.
As the mothers of angel babies, we share an unspoken bond.Because sometimes, going through a painful, heartbreaking loss will show you what’s most important in life.
Suddenly—as the tears begin to dry—you start to notice more of the tiny blessings that surround you.You see your children in a different light.You develop more patience, more compassion, more gratitude. You never take motherhood for granted ever again.
You smile a little wider.
You hug a little tighter.
You live every day with more intention.
Because you know that tomorrow is never promised.
You realize each moment, each breath is a gift.
Thankful for friends like her who have shared in my grief, but have also celebrated in my happiness.
This is what I’ll miss most about New Jersey. Not simply the state itself, but the relationships formed, the lessons learned and the memories made with those I love most (6/13/20)
