Baby Jacklyn's at-home session was one of my favorite sessions to date for many reasons, and I can't wait to share it with you! First, we are related. Jacklyn's dad is my husband's second cousin (I had to look up a family genealogy chart to make sure that was accurate). So as you read me gush about how sweet this family is, you may want to credit that to bias... but I'll have you convinced in no time.
I love to photograph families in spaces they have created together. Jackie's home is decorated with family photos, encouraging phrases and modern-farmhouse decor. A perfect mix! As a parent myself, I can appreciate how much time goes into creating a perfect home for your kids, especially the nursery. Each detail has meaning and significance before the parents even meet their new baby. Capturing these details is so special!
Another reason I loved this session is because Jacklyn's family is absolutely as sweet as they are adorable. Her beautiful mama, Jenna, and dad, Kyle were high school sweethearts and their love is infectious. Their wedding in 2016 was full of sentimental details, heartfelt speeches, so much love and just as much laughter. It was beautiful! I knew they were going to be great parents just from witnessing their vows!
About a year and a half after they were married they welcomed a sweet baby boy into their family, Mason. He's so adorable and charming. And he absolutely loves his sister. He is rocking his new role as big brother and I couldn't stop snapping photos of him interacting with his new sister. Being a parent has made me appreciate candid photos so much more and I always end up taking so many more photos than "necessary" because I love documenting unscripted interactions of my own children. So I try to do the same for each of my clients. How sweet is Mason with Jacklyn!?
And then this handhold...cue the tears!
And I can't forget to mention their shy and silly dog, Charlie. Charlie was their first child and she was cracking me up, just look at how she posed for her photos!
But the main reason this session is so special, is because all of the love I've spoken about is evident in the significance of Jacklyn's name and a tiny, antique necklace she wore in some of my favorite photos.
Jacklyn Rose:
Kyle's Grandmother (I know her as Auntie Jackie) is named Jaqueline. They changed the spelling to also honor Jenna's Grandfather, Jack, who passed away in October 2016. The middle name of Rose is Jenna's middle name, after her grandmother Rosalyn who was always called Rose. Grandma Rose passed away in 2011 and had a rose necklace that Jenna incorporated into her wedding bouquet. Jenna kept this necklace in hopes of passing it down to her future daughter some day. I was more than honored to take photos of Baby Jacklyn wearing this sentimental heirloom.
Remember that love I was talking about? Take a look at these photos! Every baby deserves to be loved like sweet Jacklyn *and Mason*. These photos of Jacklyn and her mom made me tear up as I was editing them. There is something so special about the bond between a mother and her daughter. It's a privilege to capture moments like this for families.
And of course... the love of a dad and his baby girl.
Whenever I schedule an at-home session with a newborn, I never plan to stay more than 1 hour to respect the family's time. Because I was enjoying my time, I stayed about 10 minutes more than I planned, and this was my final photo of the day...and it just might be my favorite. Real life. It's beautiful, unpredictable, and always an adventure. This session was full of sweet moments, smiles, hugs, bribery, and so much love!
