“This first year of parenthood has been so amazing and we wanted to make sure we captured all that we were feeling in photos so we can look back on it later. It feels like this first year is flying by so quickly especially because the baby changes each week! There are so many feelings that we’ve experienced on this journey that we wanted to make sure to memorialize it!

“I was apprehensive about becoming a mom as I saw it as a path of so much self sacrifice and I thought I was too selfish to be able to be a good mom. I thought for sure I’d have to give up my career, my freedom to travel and even the normal things I indulged in such as weekend brunches, sleeping in, or late night runs to Target. I also assumed that I could “plan” a pregnancy whenever it was convenient for me and it would happen anytime I was ready- very type A of me. Well, then we had a health scare in which I went through a rapid fire of different examinations as I had found a lump in my breast. It was during this time that I began to rethink everything as I realized that having a baby wasn’t something that was necessarily in my control- there was a chance that no matter if I wanted to have a baby, it may not happen for me. So my husband and I decided that if the tests came out negative, we would be open to having a baby. Low and behold, the tests were all negative (thank goodness) and we got pregnant soon after!

Since having our daughter I’ve realized that I’m not sacrificing and losing anything because of her. Instead, my life has changed, but it’s also enriched and fulfilled in ways that I never could have imagined- I didn’t lose anything by having a baby but gained a newer perspective and appreciation of life. Motherhood is so many emotions at once and acknowledging the fact that not everything is in your control and you have to know that your best effort is good enough. It’s a big long road of trial and error and there’s no right or wrong answer on this journey.

There are so many feelings on this journey… sadness that she’s growing up so quickly, fascination at seeing her become her own person, complete satisfaction and pure joy in the ability to make her laugh and smile, fear and worry knowing that I won’t be able to protect her from the hardships she will inevitably encounter, empathy for other moms as they journey beside me and also face difficulties, a deep rooted love and swelling pride as I see her grow a little more each day and so much more. If this is a path you choose to take or have chosen to take, know that you won’t ever regret it and there are definitely more good times than bad… and for those bad times, there’s a universally large community of other moms who are willing to step up and help you if you need it!” Jenn, Mother 

 

“It has been such a treat to photograph John and Jenn, and so wonderful getting to know their sweet family! Jenn is such a warm, open-spirit, and has been so sweet in sharing some amazing tips with me, as I have a little girl just a month behind her daughter, Teia. From teething tips to their experiences, it has been so amazing sharing and being apart of the ‘mom’ tribe! Capturing their family during this session was an honor, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to get to know them. I look forward to seeing Teia grow and change over the years! 

Photographing motherhood has always meant so much to me, but even more so being a recent mother myself! The moments of babyhood are so fleeting, and it’s such an honor to preserve them on film for the families to relive for forever.” Audra, Photographer

AUDRA WRISLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Additional Vendors: Mom’s dress: Jenny Yoo  for BHLDN
Baby’s dress: Zara Baby
Mom’s Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige