As They Await His Arrival... A Maternity Session for a Beautiful Couple

I recently spent an evening with such a warm and gracious family.  A family of two for now... by Thanksgiving, Leanna and Gavin will have one more heart to be grateful for.

They opened their gorgeous home to me, and it was a pleasure photographing them within its walls and in the spaces they love.

Isn't she gorgeous?  Leanna was 34 weeks in these images, and could not have looked more stunning.  They both really made my job so very easy!

Thank you so much for welcoming me right in and having me photograph this beautiful time for you.  I'm looking so forward to meeting your baby boy next month!

10.10.10 Wedding ~ Angela + Michael

So, I'm not a wedding photographer.  And I tried to convince Angela of this.  I think I tried to talk her out of it, if you want to know the honest truth.  ;)  But Angela has been a long-time friend to Chris and me, such a wonderful supporter of my little photography business, and Parker just adores her son Zach.  How could I say no to her?  Well, at least without giving her fair warning that I truly wasn't a wedding photographer and is she absolutely sure she wants ME?!  Still, despite my fear and my apprehensiveness, she trusted me.  She had faith in me and confidence that I would document their day in my unique perspective, with my own eye. And guess what?  I love her for it.  I loved the entire experience and had a wonderful time.  Angela and Michael were naturals in front of the camera (of course, since they own a film production company), and made my job that day feel almost easy.  (Not to mention that she is stunningly beautiful and they are both extremely photogenic.)  I am honored that I was able to be there not only to photograph her marriage to Michael on 10.10.10, but to witness my sweet friend marry her best friend.  And I'm more than grateful for that.

They were married at the beautiful Cafe Alma in downtown St. Petersburg, FL.  The atmosphere was intimate, warm, inviting, elegant, and amazing.  Such a gorgeous venue, and the staff was fabulous from beginning to end.  Lindsey Matacchiero made Angela look even more stunning with hair and makeup.

Their two sons were by their side during the ceremony.  These little guys couldn't look more different on the outside... but inside their hearts, they've been brothers for a long time now.

After the ceremony, we took to the streets of St. Petersburg to play in the setting sun.  You know me and my beloved backlight... especially at sunset!  ;)  These are some of my favorites from the entire evening, so forgive me if I share more than a few!  There was very little editing done on the color images here... the light was just warm, gorgeous, and perfect.

I wish I could post the whole wedding!  There are so many more that I'd love to share here.  Michael and Angela, thank you so very much for entrusting me with your amazing, most perfect wedding day!  Sweet wishes and congratulations your way.

And dare I say.... I think I could get used to shooting weddings.  :)

xo,

Stacey

the wait | madeira beach maternity photographer

I spent a recent morning with the sweetest couple ~ who are going to make fantastic parents very soon.

One of the most exciting things about their pregnancy is that they're waiting to find out the gender of the baby until he or she is born.  I LOVE THAT!  (Granted, I didn't have the courage ~ nor the capacity to keep from planning every detail ~ to be surprised with either of my own pregnancies, which might make their decision all the more appealing to me!)  ;)

They are already amazing parents to three (enormous) four-legged "babies", one of whom I was able to meet at the session.  She was precious, and was so very attached to her owners while the other two dogs were off playing at doggie daycare (I think she was happy to have all the attention to herself!).  In fact, she could barely stay away from her mommy while we were shooting, as you can see below...

...so I indulged her a little.  :)  Every single time I'd turn my camera away, she'd put her paw on my arm as if to say, "Hey, I'm still here, and I'm still photogenic!"  Sweet girl.

Billie and Doug, I hope you both enjoy your sneak peek!  I've got lots more to show you, and your entire gallery will be ready in just a bit.  I can't wait to meet your new little one in a few weeks!  xo