The crunch of leaves in one little girl’s hug. A smile between parents. A swan’s long graceful neck unravels from its napping slumber and turns to look at them. The geese lazily parts the waters of their pond. The small ‘plop’ of sticks tossed into the waters. What a serene setting for the White family’s Spring Grove maternity session last weekend!

Lauren + Brian are welcoming a new member to their family in March. And get this, Lauren + Brian are waiting to be surprised by their newest kiddo. Just like they decided with their daughter Emerson, they are excited to find out if the bump is a boy or a girl on their delivery date! What a sweet surprise! I can tell Emmy is going to be a fantastic big sister. She has such an adventurous spirit! I loved running with her, picking up leaves, picking up sticks, looking at the geese! And boy does she love spinning and twirling around with her Dad! Lauren + Brian, you two are definitely doing all the right things with her. Emmy and the new baby are lucky to be able to call you Mom and Dad.

I love shooting maternity sessions at Spring Grove Cemetery. I have photographed a number of sessions here, and I always feel funny giving it as a recommendation (since cemetery doesn’t automatically provoke thoughts of anniversaries or maternity sessions). But, it truly is a beautiful spot. It is an extra special location for Lauren + Brian because they had some of their wedding photos done there! It is so cool to be able to come back to locations that mean something to you and your loved ones. Same backdrop. Different seasons of life. Full circle stories of your history.

As you all know, I love being able to take a few photos of just mom and dad when we can. With littles on the shoot, it is always a blessing to be able to have a helper there too (thank you Nana Hadden)! Emmy was able to spend a few special moments exploring with grandma, and we got to have a few quiet moments with just Lauren + Brian. Look at that smize!! Lauren, you are stunning!

Thank you both for inviting me to capture this special maternity session. Emmy is going to be a fantastic big sister! And you two are rocking it out as parents.

I cannot wait to find out if you have a little boy or little girl, Lauren + Brian!
Rachel