A maternity session at Historic Shady Lane in the heart of winter might sound a little wild, but this one was nothing short of magical.
Sallyann came back to me for her second maternity session, and that alone means the world. Being invited back as families grow is one of the greatest honors of my job. The first time I photographed her, she was waiting to meet her first baby. This time, she arrived with her one year old Collin and her husband by her side, preparing to welcome another little love into their family.
And let me tell you, it was freezing.
The day before our biggest snowfall of the year, the air had that sharp, icy bite that makes your cheeks pink within minutes. But this sweet family were absolute troopers. We used the greenhouse and space heaters at the venue to warm up between shots, popping inside whenever little fingers or noses needed a break. We worked efficiently, moving with intention, capturing as much as we could while keeping everyone warm, happy, and relaxed.
Because at the end of the day, that always comes first.
The Magic of Shooting at Historic Shady Lane
Historic Shady Lane is one of those venues that never disappoints. Whether I am there for a wedding, holiday minis, a family session, or a maternity session at Historic Shady Lane, it always delivers something beautiful.
The greenhouse was our saving grace that day. Even in the dead of winter, it holds this soft, dreamy light that wraps around a mama so gently. The glass walls create a glow that feels almost editorial while still being timeless and organic. Outside, the Roman columns add that classic elegance. The creek and fountains bring movement and texture. It is a location that feels stunning year round.
There is something about this property that elevates every session without overpowering the people in it. The architecture, the greenery, the open sky, it all frames the story rather than stealing the spotlight.
And this story was about a growing family.
Celebrating Every Pregnancy at Historic Shady Lane & beyond
It never gets old watching a mama cradle her belly.
Whether it is your first baby or your fifth, every pregnancy deserves to be celebrated. Your body is doing something extraordinary. It is stretching, shifting, working around the clock to grow a brand new human. That is worth documenting.
I know some days during pregnancy feel long. You might not always feel glowing. You might feel swollen, tired, uncomfortable. But one day, you will want to look back and remember what it felt like to grow life inside your belly. You will want to show your children how deeply they were loved before you even met them earth side.
That is what a maternity session at Historic Shady Lane captured for Sallyann. Not just a beautiful backdrop. Not just a winter greenhouse. But the quiet anticipation. The way her husband looked at her. The way little Collin rested his head against her bump without fully understanding yet that his world is about to change.
Those small, in between moments are everything.
A Second Baby, A Deeper Story
There is something incredibly special about being trusted again for a second maternity session.
The first time, everything feels new. Unknown. A little nervous and wildly exciting all at once. The second time carries a different kind of depth. There is experience now. There is confidence. There is a tiny human already in your arms who made you a mother.
Sallyann moved through this session with a calm strength. Even in the cold, even with a busy toddler, there was a steadiness to her. We embraced the chaos when it showed up. We laughed when Collin needed to run. We kept things moving so no one lingered in the chill too long.
And in between all of that, we created images that will tell the story of this season for decades.
That is the beauty of documenting motherhood. It is not about perfection. It is about preservation.
Why Your Maternity Session Location Matters
Choosing the right location shapes the feeling of your images. A maternity session at Historic Shady Lane offers versatility that is hard to beat. You can lean into the romance of the columns, the softness of the greenhouse, or the natural textures of the creek. Even in winter, the property holds character and charm.
For families who want a setting that feels elegant but still warm and welcoming, it is always at the top of my list.
And yes, even when it is freezing cold.
Because sometimes the most memorable sessions are the ones where we all bundle up, huddle near a space heater, and create something beautiful anyway.
Sallyann’s growing family braved the chill, trusted the process, and walked away with a collection of images that celebrate this fleeting chapter. Soon, there will be another little one in their arms. Collin will become a big brother. Their family will expand again.
And years from now, they will look back at these photographs and remember not just the cold winter air, but the anticipation. The love. The excitement of waiting.
That is why we do this.
That is why every pregnancy deserves to be photographed.
