From Bump to Baby
There are some stories that remind me exactly why I love what I do. Chris and Devon's is one of them.
What started as a simple maternity session quickly turned into something so much more. After chatting about their vision, they shared that they didn't just want photos of one milestone—they wanted to document the entire journey. From the anticipation of becoming parents to celebrating their love and, finally, welcoming their daughter into the world, I had the incredible honor of preserving each chapter.
Chris and Devon first met at work, and as they tell it, they fell for each other almost instantly. Their relationship has always been filled with laughter, friendship, and the kind of effortless love that's impossible to miss. Spending time with them during each session made it clear that they truly are each other's best friend.
Our first session together took place at Piedmont Park on a beautiful evening as we celebrated the final weeks before they became parents. The golden light, Atlanta skyline, and quiet moments between the two of them created the perfect backdrop for documenting such an exciting season of life. There is something so special about maternity sessions—they capture not only the anticipation of meeting your baby, but also the love that already exists before they're even here.
Not long after, we met again at Old Fourth Ward Park for their engagement and elopement photos. It was such a joy to document this next chapter as they promised forever to one another. Their day wasn't about elaborate details or a big production. It was about the two of them making a lifelong commitment, and every image reflects the joy, peace, and excitement they shared together.
Then came my favorite chapter.
A few weeks later, I stepped into their home to meet the newest member of the family: sweet baby Olive. There is something incredibly meaningful about newborn sessions at home. The nursery they carefully prepared, the cozy spaces where they'll rock their baby to sleep, and the place where they'll build countless memories all become part of the story. It felt so fitting to capture Olive's first portraits in the place she'll always know as home.
Her name carries one of the most meaningful stories I've ever heard. Before Chris and Devon were ready to say "I love you" out loud, they had their own little inside joke. Instead of texting those three words, they would send each other the 🫒 olive emoji because, somehow, "olive" sounded just enough like "I love." It became their secret way of saying what their hearts already knew.
Years later, they chose to name their daughter Olive—a beautiful reminder of where their love story began.
I don't think there was a dry eye after hearing that.
Watching Chris and Devon grow from expectant parents, to newlyweds, and finally to mom and dad has been such an incredible privilege. These are the kinds of stories that make photography so much more than beautiful images.
