I think I first time heard the term “baby fever” from Hillary back in 2011. For the nine years (Can you believe it? NINE?!) that we have been friends, I have known her to be someone who adores children, loves baby giggles and rolls and clothes, and who dreams of being a mother to a little one of her own.
Needless to say, when Hillary asked me if I would be interested in taking her and Craig’s Fall maternity photos, my immediate thought was, “uhh, heck yes!” After all of those years in college, scrolling through Tumblr and Pinterest with her, dreaming about our future homes, husbands, and children, how could I not want to be part of such a significant chapter of her life? She has dreamt of this moment her entire life, and as I put together her maternity gallery, and now this blog post, all I have been able to think about is how her dream is finally right before her. It’s happening. Her and Craig are having a sweet little baby boy, and this huge life change looks good on them. It looks GREAT on them.
When it comes to the actual session, man, I’m just blown away. Hillary and Craig make such a radiant couple. I have seen their relationship grow from—essentially—day one, and each time that I am blessed to be in their presence, I can see that their relationship has only strengthened. They are such a great team. This session highlighted all of the goodness that these two bring to the table. Their clothes were gorgeous and so well coordinated. The setting and lighting were perfect. Craig made Hillary laugh so hard, and they delivered a l l of the feels.
The original plan for this maternity session was to take photos at an apple orchard followed by taking lifestyle photos at their home. Michigan Fall colors were a must and there is almost nothing more Fall than a Michigan apple orchard. Unfortunately, we ended up having to rule out the orchards for their session though. Instead, with some of Hillary’s research and a little research of my own, I was able to scope out several local parks this summer to try and feel out what they might look like once the leaves began to change color. The park we landed on was called Clover Beach in Fenton, Michigan. Here, we had the option of not only a beach, but a small wooded area, gorgeous light, and plenty of beautiful deciduous trees.
When the session day finally came though, Fall colors could be found everywhere except at Clover Beach! The trees were green, green, green all throughout the park! Luckily, Craig and Hillary had revisited the park just a couple of days before their maternity photo session and had found the tiniest, but most perfect, spot of red leaves. This is where we actually took the majority of their photos, and I’m so glad. I mean, look at them! Does this couple not look like royalty? The only word that comes to my mind as I look at these photos is “regal.” I mean, come. on.
Besides grabbing some photos with the Michigan Fall colors, we also took a few photos on the beach and by these large stone pillars. Hillary’s dress, which looked stunning on her, coordinated so well with all three settings.
At some point while in between photos, Craig surprised Hillary with a bouquet he had made from nearby wildflowers. Now, normally I wouldn’t be for someone picking wildflowers. In fact, I actually have a nature photo series called, “a few things to preserve” featuring mainly untouched wildflowers. Seeing Craig hand Hillary these flowers though was one of the cutest things. I remember actually scolding him saying, “Craig! Why didn’t you do this while the camera was up?” The look of surprise on Hillary’s face was so genuine, hilarious, and adorable. Naturally, we had to reenact the moment for a quick few photos!
Once we finished up at Clover Beach, we headed over to Hillary’s and Craig’s home for the lifestyle maternity part of their session. There, Craig and Hillary changed into red flannels and white t-shirts, impressing me again with their amazing coordination. I am always hesitant when I hear people say they are considering wearing the exact same colors as their family members during family photoshoots, but this pairing is something that works. I think part of why is because of the choice in flannels. Hillary and Craig chose to wear real flannels with very similar patterns. They are almost identical but just different enough to look really good together in photos.
So, if you’re someone out there looking to do family photos or any type of group photos, consider wearing different shades of a color or coordinating colors. If you want to wear the same exact color, find some way to break it up like coordinating patterns! We took several photos throughout Hillary’s and Craig’s home, starting in the kitchen and ending in their bedroom. I had to throw in a living room picture here too, because they coordinate so well with their walls too!
I’m so, so excited for Hillary and Craig and this new chapter in their lives. All I can really say after all of this is just that their little one is a lucky lil’ guy. He is being born into such a remarkable family, and I am so grateful that Hillary and Craig invited me into their home to capture their love and family. Much love to this growing family as they continue to wow the world and bring some extra warmth into it!
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