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Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer | Unexpected Surprise

I would love to hear about your pregnancy journey. Have you had any surprises along the way?

 

Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer, modern art portrait, black & white

Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer, Unexpected surprise, pregnancy portrait, color, red hair Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer, Unexpected surprise, pregnancy portrait, black & white


My partner and I were trying for about a year and in the midst of our infertility work up earlier this year, we discovered we were pregnant! It was truly the happiest moment and though pregnancy has (and will continue to have) it’s challenges, I am loving this journey and watching my body change. We are thrilled to meet our little girl and would love to document this experience!

What do you like to imagine for your child’s future? Tell me all your dreams for baby.


I want my daughter to live a life she’s passionate about, whatever that looks like for her. Her dad and I will be there to support her in every step of the way.

Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer, classic & timeless portrait, color lace dress Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer, Unexpected surprise, pregnancy portrait, color lace dressWhat would you like your baby to know about YOU (their beautiful mama!)?

I want her to know just how truly wanted she is. I want her to know that her Dad and I managed to find our way to each other through one failed marriage and many other obstacles in life, and we cannot wait to be her parents and watch her grow.

Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family right now?


Simple answer: we are terrible at taking photos! We cherish all of our moments together but sadly always forget to document our experiences. I want us to have beautiful photos to document the memory of starting our own family.

Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer, Modern pregnancy portrait, black & White Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer, Modern pregnancy portrait, color red hair Charlotte NC Maternity Photographer, Modern pregnancy portrait, black & White

 

Thinking about modern maternity portraits to document your pregnancy journey? Not sure how to display them in your home? Check out this great article from my friend Nani’s blog here. She shares her wisdom on how to decorate with wall art in several different ways. Check it out and leave her a comment if you like it. 

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Charlotte NC Newborn Photographer: We planned…, New Baby Just Laughs At Our Plans

Planned baby photography, Music man, baby posed on records, Charlotte NC, Fort MIll SC

We had planned…, A New Baby Just Laughs At Our Plans

My fiance and I became engaged on March 13 of this year – literally days before everything crashed down around us. We were just beginning to plan a wedding when we found out I was pregnant in early April. Needless toPilot legacy baby portrait, Charlotte NC, Fort MIll, SC say, plans have changed. We focused instead on buying our dream house and preparing to meet our little boy, Owen. My fiance, Chris, is amazing and has been so excited about this time in our lives!   

   

Describe your pregnancy journey. Have you had any surprises (good or bad)? *   

   

I got pregnant much faster than anticipated. My fiance and I agreed I should get off birth control because we knew we were planning to start a family after we were married. I’m 37, so we honestly thought it would be tougher. I got pregnant one month off birth control even though my Dr. prepared us for a long journey. What a surprise! we are so excited. It’s been newborn baby, blue, Charlotte, NC, Matthews NC, Fort Mill, NCa tough pregnancy (Still have morning sickness), but trying to find the joy and embrace this season.   

 

   

What do you imagine for your child’s future? *   

   

I want him to be HAPPY. I want him to have choices, to know he’s loved, to love others, and to be kind.   

newborn baby, mechanic legacy, Charlotte, NC, Matthews NC, Fort Mill, NC   

What would you like your baby to know about YOU? *   

   

I’d like him to know that I’m not perfect, but am going to try every day to be the best mom possible for him.   

   

Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other expecting mothers? *   

   

You’re going to be an amazing mom!   

   

What else would you like to share?*   Mom with new baby, Charlotte NC, Fort Mill SC

   

I really want to remember this special time. I know the newborn phase can be crazy and I don’t want to have it go by and only remember it being a haze. I’d love to have photos of this time and always remember this new time for us.   

   

     

   

   

Baby is here!   

   

 

Tell us about the first moments with your baby?   

   

Overwhelming. We had to do a c-section, so the first few moments weren’t exactly as planned but seeing him for the first time made me realize the only thing that matters is having a healthy baby boy. Thankfully my husband was able to be with Owen and hold him until I was out of recovery.   

   

Any surprises in labor and delivery? Anything you didn’t expect?  

Music man, baby posed on records, Charlotte NC, Fort MIll SC   

I truly was not ready for the physical pain of contractions and the emotional pain of my ideal birth scenario going out the window.   

   

What’s the best part of being a new mom?   

   

Seeing things through his eyes. Everything is brand new to him. Then there are things that are brand new to both of us, like breastfeeding and just figuring it out together has been amazing.   

   

What’s the hardest part?   

new baby in mom's belly cast, Fort Mill SC, Indian Land SC, Charlotte NC   

Worrying that I’m not doing the right thing all the time. There’s so much I don’t know.

 

What did you have planned before your baby arrived? Share in the comments

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Charlotte NC Newborn Photographer | Waiting For Baby: My Wish

Waiting for baby, creating a new life, wishing for his safe arrival

waiting for baby charlotte newborn photographerMy husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for 4 years and on our second round of IVF we found out we were pregnant.

Describe your pregnancy journey while waiting for baby. Have you had any surprises (good or bad)?

Yes we found out our son had a clubfoot. So it is another journey we will have to go through with him. But other than a fairly normal and easy pregnancy everything else is great.

What do you like to imagine for your child’s future?

That he is happy and thriving!

What would you like your baby to know about YOU (their beautiful mama!)?

That we had prayed and prayed for him and he is my best accomplishment.

Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other expecting mothers who are also waiting for baby?

Keep a good mindset and don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s.

 

Why are beautiful photos important for you and your family?

To cherish those memories!

 

Thank you both for sharing your story with us. -alicia

Are you expecting a baby?

I would love for you to apply for the Newborn Love Stories Campaign.  Ready to share about your miracle baby click the button below to get started.

 

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Charlotte North Carolina Newborn Love Stories

mom with her newborn charlotte, nc

Newborn Love Stories: Mission

During this time in your life when things are changing, and your baby is growing inside you. I’m on a mission  to capture their true selves, the newness of the beginning, how small, innocent and amazing at a time that seems to race by. Capturing the newborn stage is a wonderful gift for your child showing them, how much they are loved, waited for and cherished! But it’s also hugely important for you to have a way to remember and connect with your child. What would you tell your baby now before she is born about your hopes and dreams for her future? What do you want to show her as she grows and changes throughout her childhood?

If you are expecting a baby, I would love for you to apply for the Newborn Love Stories Campaign. In exchange for sharing your story and helping you connect to your baby now and in the future. For your participation you will receive a complimentary newborn portrait session and your favorite image printed professionally as a thank you for participating. Click the button to get started.

Everest’s Story

“This is my first baby and his dad left a week before I found out (after 5 years) and since then I have truly learned who my friends and family are during this pregnancy and that family isn’t always blood related. A few close friends have become so much closer. Some who I would have never thought have been the most supportive.”

Is there an encouraging message you would like to share with other expecting mothers? “You realize how strong you really are even if you feel weak”

When I imagine my child’s future, I hope he is happy and successful at whatever he wants in life. “Although he was never expected, he is very wanted now. I’m a travel addict and have always wanted a travel buddy. Hopefully he will enjoy traveling the world with me.” Ironically or intentionally her nursery decor came from the Adventure awaits collection. Seemed fitting for a new travel buddy doesn’t it?

Real Stories from real moms

My mission to share real stories from real moms was uplifted just by hearing this mom’s story. Knowing that sharing her strength and determination to make a beautiful life for her child can help others is an amazing addition to the newborn Love Stories mission.

His birth story

When I asked about her birth story and unexpected cesarean delivery she shared this with me” My epidural was wonderful but the dr came in and broke my water the infusion didn’t help. Every time I moved on my left side his heart rate dropped!” How scary!

After he arrived safely and we spoke during her portrait session she told me “I don’t think I’d know how to care for this baby without google!” I’m sure she would do fine, Mom seems to have a great support system around her. Because of the threat of Covid-19 we did an in home lifestyle newborn portrait instead of my normal posed in studio sessions. She had groceries and everything she needed for herself and baby Everest thanks to caring and supportive friends. Adventure awaits these two in the future and I hope they enjoy every minute of it.

-alicia

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  • room view of wall art in home, fort mill, sc, charlotte, nc
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Newborn Love Stories: Expecting | Fort Mill SC Photographer

newborn love stories expecting, charlotte, nc, maternity, pregnant mom

Waiting for a baby while watching your belly grow day by day is the most amazing time in your life. It’s full of wonder, joy and some days worries and what ifs  too. I’ve made it my mission to share your true beauty and the start of your journey into motherhood. It is my belief that all babies are miracles and the time before birth should be honored and celebrated for you and for the baby. Maternity portraits are a wonderful gift for your future child and for you to share how much your baby is loved, wanted and cared for before he or she is born. It’s a gift to connect with and remember a time that goes by way too fast and the reason I’ve started the Newborn Love Stories: expecting series.

If you are expecting a baby, I would love for you to apply for the Newborn Love Stories Blog Series. In exchange for sharing your story you will receive a complimentary maternity portrait session and your favorite image printed professionally as a thank you for participating. Click here to apply.

Her Story

Amber’s enthusiasm and excitement for her newborn love stories: expecting session was contagious even after we had to reschedule the first appointment. She never lost any of her initial excitement for her portrait session or for her plans to come to life. 

She shared with me her hopes for her daughter “That her life will be bright and filled with success!!” Something she wants her kids to know “That I love them so much and I’ll die for them! I’ll do anything to make sure my kids always feel good!!”

Creating amazing images that mom loves was my honor and privilege. These portraits of mom to be, her baby girl will cherish being able to see how mom looked with her in her belly, growing, waiting and hopeful for the life she will lead. 

Her Message for expecting moms

Amber has this encouraging message for expecting mothers “Enjoy the journey and enjoy your little ones bc they won’t always be so little! One day they will grow up and you won’t be able to hold them anymore or smell the fresh scent of a baby anymore 😩”

Most moms come in for a maternity portrait a little nervous and unsure of themselves. While she told me later she wasn’t comfortable posing in the studio I never would have guessed that during the actual photoshoot. She appeared confident, comfortable and prepared for the portraits.

She came ready for fun and even brought a family member to help with her portrait session. Family and friends are always helpful to me when I want a real laugh or serious expression. Be ready I may ask for your assistance if you come with a friend for morale support 😉 Family knows your stories and what will get your true expressions better than anyone else.

She left this fabulous review for me on facebook!

“I had a wonderful experience with Alicia!!! She took her time and guided me through every pose which made me feel super comfortable!! She was extremely friendly and welcoming!! The pictures I seen so far look amazing and I can’t wait to see the finals!! I will definitely be booking with her again!!!” 

Here is what she had to say after her reveal appointment with me “Alicia these are absolutely beautiful!!! I’m so in love with these photos!!! My favorite would have to be #6 but OMG!!!! You did such a wonderful job guiding me bc I’m so awkward at poses!! Lol” 

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Fort Mill, SC Child Photographer | Cherished Mom and Daughter Portraits

mom and daughter share joy Fort Mill, sc, Tega Cay, SC, Charlotte, NC

Do you want a pause button for your fast growing kiddo? Many people think I offer portrait services, but what I’m really giving you is a window back in time. You see, when you buy a photograph from me you get to stop time for a second and take that memory with you forever, and that, my friend, is priceless.

These are just awesome for mom and daughter. Imagine in ten years how much these will mean to mom! Imagine what these will mean to this little one in a few years. She will look back at these and see how much mom loved her and how much she loved her mom as a toddler.

Simple, classic mom and daughter portraits like these are treasured memories when this little girl is an adult. Mom of course will cherish these forever. And on the tough days these portraits will bring her so much joy. And isn’t that why we take family portraits in the first place.

Share Joy my friends!

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Planning ahead for Amazing Baby Portraits – Fort Mill

planning ahead for baby portraits, wall artwork, fort mill, sc, Charlotte, NC, Tega Cay, SC

When you are expecting baby number three it’s easy to think oh I got this I know what is coming next. Moms who plan ahead are my spirit animal. (serious over planner here).  Plan ahead moms make their life and mine so much easier. I distinctly remember chatting with this mom about where she wanted portraits to be displayed in her home.  How she wanted them to feel and how having a photograph of the three kids together was so important to her.  

Why newborn portraits matter in the grand scheme of things

Having photographs of this special time is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something this mom didn’t want to forget. The newborn stage goes by so fast and it’s easy to forget the small details. Having newborn portraits on the living room wall will remind her that she was wanted and loved! Planning ahead for amazing baby portraits is the best way to achieve this goal.

Great Job Mom

Shout out to mom on her clothing and styling choices for this session. I feel like she could teach other moms how to style a family and make it look effortless. These kiddos always look put together yet casual for portrait sessions. But don’t let that fool you it’s never as effortless as it looks. I recall tears from little D last year when he had to take off his batman shirt for picture day! 

Perfect little sister

Little miss was a dream baby model, I’m not sure she cried the whole session. And only woke up to eat near the end. She seems to be an easy going little sister and that will help mom out immensely with two active older brothers. 

Are you planning ahead for baby at home?

Check out my best baby soothing tips here.

 

 

 

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How talking about your family helps create amazing family portraits, Tega Cay, SC

Family Gallery Wall, Tega Cay, SC Portraits, Fort Mill, SC, Charlotte, NC

Family Wall Gallery

The C family came to see me for family portraits and asked me to create a family wall gallery series for their home. I love to help families prepare for their family portrait session. It’s so much fun to sit down usually with Mom and talk about their family dynamics. Who doesn’t love to talk about their kids, right! But why you may be asking do I want to know all about your family. Well so I can learn what makes them laugh, smile or what gets their attention. There is nothing better than making a little one smile and knowing the topics she cares about ahead of time makes it so much easier!

How to make it easy!

Can you imagine for instance if your little one is into my little pony and loves to read about horses? Now imagine we are in a portrait session and she and I are talking about ponies and how they love to run. Can’t you just see her face light up? Now lets think about this same scenario a little different. Say I didn’t ask those questions ahead of time and we are already in the studio trying to get this little one to smile. And all I keep talking about is Disney princesses. Well she could care less about Cinderella or Ariel,  see where this is going? While I have enough experience to try something different, if I know ahead of time what she’s into the process goes much faster and more smoothly. 

And even easier!

What else can make the process even easier you guessed it, didn’t you? Well if not here’s a hint. Knowing what dad is into? I mean come on if I’m all did you see the Panthers last Sunday and he’s a baseball fan I’ve lost him already. But if Dad likes to rebuild old cars and I can ask him about his latest project. You know I’m gonna get his best smile. So when you are ready for your next family portrait remember I’m gonna ask you all about what your family loves and the more you share the better the outcome!

Leave the C family some love in the comments.

You can see it in the photographs these girls were all about laughing and having a great time! Thanks again C family for letting me capture your little miracles and create your family wall gallery. 

-alicia