Finnley [North Liberty, IA Newborn Lifestyle Photography]

Sweet Finnley was 14 days old for his photo debut, and I cannot get over how snuggly and sweet he is! He loves his parents, his pacifier, and snuggly blankets and I had the best time photographing him.

It is always so much fun seeing new parents with their babies, especially if they did a maternity session with me. The excitement, wonder, and happiness is palpable and it's just such a fun experience.

Kaley and Patrick - Congratulations again on the birth of Finnley, he is adorable and so so sweet. I thank you again for the opportunity to photograph this time in your lives!

Finnley's nursery was adorable, and I especially loved the book collection, some of which were Patrick and Kaley's as children.

What to Wear: Spring Maternity [Iowa City, IA Maternity Photographer]

Spring is just around the corner (yesterday's weather was so nice, I'm pretty sure everyone on our block was busting out their grills for the season) and that means outdoor sessions! One of my favorite types of sessions to do are maternity, as it's such an exciting time for a couple as they await the arrival of their new little one.

If you are preparing for a spring maternity session, Coelle put together a couple looks to give you inspiration. Links are provided if you like any of the items shown, but as these are just meant to inspire you, check out your own closet to put together similar looks!

Casual Spring Maternity Look: 

Shirt, Pants, Scarf, Necklace, Wedges

Dressy spring maternity look:

Dress, Cardigan, Scarf, Wedges

Tru Salon Spring 2014 Editorial Shoot [Coralville, IA Editorial Photography]

Tru Salon is one of my favorite places in the area, and I'm always amazed by the gorgeous hair and makeup that the stylists there produce. Not only are they all super talented, but incredibly nice as well and I always look forward to spending time at the salon.

Holly and Kayla have been doing editorial looks for every season for a few years now, and when they asked me to photograph this year's series I was thrilled. The session was definitely something new for me, but I had so much fun stepping outside of my comfort zone. I felt so incredibly inspired by this session, and can't wait to do it again soon!

Holly and Kayla - Thank you so much for choosing me to help you with your editorial shoots, I am so grateful to be a part of it. You guys are the best. Also huge thanks to Savanna for modeling, you are gorgeous girl!!

Hair by Kayla and Holly, makeup by Kayla

What to Wear: Winter Maternity Session

Maternity sessions happen during all times of the year, and they can be just as beautiful in the cold winter months as the summer months! Luckily there are adorable maternity clothes that are picture perfect for all seasons. I have put together a few ideas for all you expecting mamas out there to consider when planning for your maternity session. 

I always recommend asking friends and family who have recently had children if they have maternity clothes you could peek through, you never know what treasures you might find. My sister-in-law sent me a box of maternity clothes and I lived in a few of her items through my pregnancy, it was wonderful! 

When choosing clothes for a winter session it is better to choose form- fitting tops that hug that baby bump tightly. Consider sweaters paired with a scarf or a sweater dress with tights and boots. Maternity specific coats can also be an adorable winter option, and you can always have some photos with it on and some without it. Don’t forget including accessories, such as jewelry and scarves! - Coelle

Links to these specific items can be found below all of the looks Coelle put together, and you can click HERE for more information on how to purchase the Sutton necklace featured in the first look. You can also shop your closet for similar items! 

Items have been sourced from Motherhood Maternity (jeans, wine cords, and cardigan), Target (dress), Gap (sweater), Anthropologie (scarf), J Crew factory (second necklace).

2013, what a year!

So this post may be a few weeks late, but you know how time flies. ;) Anyways, I just wanted to take a minute to post an image from each of my sessions last year - I can't thank you all enough for your support, encouragement, and for choosing me to photograph you & your loved ones. Not to be too sappy (ok, maybe just a little sappiness is perfectly acceptable) but I am so grateful to you all, without you I wouldn't have been able to pursue something I love full time. I hope to see you all again this year!

Happy 2nd Birthday Clara! [Personal]

I just wanted to take a minute to say Happy Birthday to my sweet Clara dog. She just gets sweeter and more snuggly each day! She loves treats, being a parrot on my shoulder, destroying toys in 5 minutes flat,  running, and torturing Einstein on a regular basis. She's also a great lap warmer. :)

Also, while looking for some photos to post, I realized I take a LOT of Clara pics over the course of the year. It's possible I need a 12 step program. Here are some that embody this crazy little dog…

What to Wear: Winter Engagement Session

Living in Iowa, with it's 40 degrees one day and -17 the next, planning a winter engagement session can be a little tricky. However, when a client is up for it and the weather works in our favor, winter sessions are some of my favorite. Everything is so beautiful, and peaceful - and who doesn't like the chance to cozy up with their fiancé for warmth? ;)

Coelle came up with a couple inspiration boards for those who might consider a winter engagement post. There is a way to click on the items beneath both sets, (except the cream sweater in the second set and the men's plaid shirt) but these looks would be so easy to recreate with similar items you already own. Don't forget some tights for the skirt outfit, might be a little chilly to go without!

Urban/Downtown Winter Engagement

Casual Winter Engagement

Shop most of the items below, or shop your closet!
 

Kaley + Patrick [North Liberty, IA Maternity Photography]

Kaley and Patrick are expecting their first little one in mid February, and I am so excited to share their maternity photos with you all! Their session took place last Saturday, on a cold windy day, but the snow made for a beautiful background so I'm glad they braved the cold.

My favorite thing about this session is the way that Kaley and Patrick look at each other, they are just so cute!! I'm pretty sure I said that about 8 million times during their session, but it's true. This little one will be very loved, and I can't wait to meet him OR her (they are waiting to find out) very soon.

Kaley and Patrick - thank you so much for the opportunity to photograph this time in your lives! It was great getting to know you better, and I look forward to the newborn session soon!