To say that I love these photos would be an understatement. There were so many days I dreamt of being able to do a session like this, and wondering if or when the day would come. So, looking at them is almost surreal. But they couldn’t have turned out more perfectly for the vision I had for the shoot. I wanted it to be simple, and a little boho-inspired, and sweetly, joyfully somber as it celebrated the beauty and gravity of the journey of this precious pregnancy that was long hoped for, much prayed for, and surrounded with loss on both sides of our family. I wanted to be able to look at these images and celebrate the life I’m so blessed to have inside of me, while being reminded that life is truly precious and fragile and never promised. While I will never understand why both my sister and sister-in-law suffered miscarriages during the same 9-months I’ve been carrying Llewyn, and how that would play such a significant role in this journey, I do know that God’s grace has been more than sufficient for us and our families. That His plans, even in a broken world, work all things together for good, and He is the sustainer of life, no matter how long it lasts. To walk the balance of joy and sorrow isn’t one I’d asked for, but to welcome and celebrate with open hands the blessing of this baby, knowing I don’t deserve it anymore than anyone else who has (or still is) longing for it has been a humbling and beautiful experience. Maybe this all seems too deep and personal for a simple maternity shoot….but that’s the power of photography, to me. It’s not just about pretty pictures, it’s about telling a story….about communicating the joy and beauty of a season of life. And that’s what my dear friend Rebekah did so well.

It’s been a season I never want to forget, and these images will truly help me savor it. Golden afternoons and gorgeous locations certainly never hurt, either. Enjoy some of my favorites from this dream of a shoot.

Photography: Rebekah J. Murray | Location: Murray Hill | Make-Up: Randianne Dudley | Dress: Thread Sence (non-maternity, bought on clearance!)

I can’t wait to hold my sweet little man in just about 5 weeks!