Goodness, where do I begin? I think, hands down, the best part of my job is when I get to reconnect with old friends. And Shelly and Matt are just that! It’s especially wonderful when it’s for their maternity photography session while they await their little girl!!  I’ve known Shelly for as long as I can remember (and honestly can’t even put a year on when we met because it’s been so so long!) and I’ve known Matt since high school.  Shelly and I played softball together for YEARS, and after freshman year of high school, I couldn’t play soccer anymore due to all the injuries I had in my ski accident, so I ended up doing the stats for the boys soccer team! Matt was my bus buddy who I sat with for all the away games.

 

They got together after high school, and I couldn’t be more excited that this blossomed into a beautiful marriage, full of SO MUCH JOY and laughter.  I think they spend more time making fun of each other than not, and every second I spent with them was filled with laughter and love.

 

While I’ve known them forever, I don’t think I’ve talked to either of them since graduation, that was until, I photographed Brittany and Matt’s wedding this fall! Shelly and Matt were guests at the wedding and I remember getting SO EXCITED when I saw them walk into the church for the ceremony. I don’t know why I hadn’t expected so many people I know to be in attendance at that wedding, but I was thrilled Shelly and Matt were two of them. I asked them if they wanted a portrait together during cocktail hour and we got to talking about maternity pictures, as they were expecting a little girl come April!

 

I couldn’t have been more honored or excited just to have this conversation. Shelly and I began emailing and planning and scheming and praying for snow, and the days leading up to it the nerves were running high! So much rain and warm weather in the forecast was frightening for our winter wonderland dream but I did some snow dances and praying that we’d have a white carpet outside.

 

Lo and behold, the day of their session, not only was my entire yard still covered with snow, but it actually STARTED SNOWING out!! We couldn’t have lucked out any more!!

 

Shelly and Matt were such champs braving the cold, and I melted into a puddle when they pulled out the tiny little booties for their baby girl, whom they’re naming Carmella. She’d due April 2 and I cannot wait to meet her and see her sweet little fingers and toes! I already schemed with Shelly for some play dates to practice taking newborn pictures, but for now, I’m leaving that job to the baby whisperers!

 

I love how these came out- everything from the weather, the snow on the ground, her hair and make-up (make-up done by the incredibly talented Ashley Landry!) to their infectious joy and laughter. They are so excited to meet their baby girl and hold her for the first time, and I already know they are going to be incredible parents.

 

Shelly and Matt- I am so thrilled I got to document these sweet memories in this special season of your life. I can’t wait to meet Carmella and I look forward to dinners dates and play dates to come! <3