On an early May morning last spring, I met up with Chelsea and James at Lake Murray for their maternity session. The morning glow was perfect, and their joyful anticipation for their new season of life could not have been more evident! As we parted ways at the end of our session, I remember wishing them well in the final weeks of their pregnancy and saying, “See you in June once that sweet baby is here!” Imagine my surprise when, a few days later, I saw a post from Chelsea on Instagram announcing that their daughter had made an emergency early arrival! In the weeks that followed, both mama and baby recovered, and once their sweet girl graduated from the NICU, they were finally able to head home and begin life as a family of three!
When I walked in the door of Chelsea and James’ home for their newborn lifestyle session, I was overcome with emotion for the reality of finally being able to have this moment with them. I remember Chelsea walking toward me with their daughter in her arms, the tiniest little bundle with a head full of the softest, sweetest blond hair. “Here’s the star of the show!” she said as she introduced their little miracle girl, and I watched as she and James gazed lovingly at her, tired but happy, basking in the joy of their precious girl.
One of my favorite memories from our session is photographing mother and daughter together in the nursery. The love in Chelsea’s eyes as she looked down at her sleeping daughter, gently stroking her hair, her cheek, her tiny fingers, and talking to her in the sweetest, most gentle voice—I get misty-eyed just thinking about it! Plus, I absolutely adored their sweet matching "mommy and me" robe and swaddle! I also loved watching James hold their daughter, their tiny girl cradled safely in his hands and sleeping peacefully on his chest. It is always such a privilege to witness these tender moments and to be able to capture them for my wonderful clients!
Chelsea and James, I know it was a long road to meeting your miracle girl, and it was truly an honor to be able to capture your precious family in this new season of life. May you always treasure these moments and memories from your first year together! Sending love to all of you!
One of my favorite memories from our session is photographing mother and daughter together in the nursery. The love in Chelsea’s eyes as she looked down at her sleeping daughter, gently stroking her hair, her cheek, her tiny fingers, and talking to her in the sweetest, most gentle voice—I get misty-eyed just thinking about it! Plus, I absolutely adored their sweet matching "mommy and me" robe and swaddle! I also loved watching James hold their daughter, their tiny girl cradled safely in his hands and sleeping peacefully on his chest. It is always such a privilege to witness these tender moments and to be able to capture them for my wonderful clients!
Chelsea and James, I know it was a long road to meeting your miracle girl, and it was truly an honor to be able to capture your precious family in this new season of life. May you always treasure these moments and memories from your first year together! Sending love to all of you!
Nicole Watford is a newborn and family photographer located in Columbia, SC.
To inquire about a session, please click here.
To inquire about a session, please click here.
