First comes love… then comes marriage…

You all know the rest, right?

I’m here to tell you a story about the last part of that cute little song we all used to lovingly sing to our friends (insert sarcastic emoji face here). And ladies… prepare yourselves a cold compress. Baby fever is a sure thing after this blog post.

Last November, my sweet sister and my brother in law announced that they were expecting their first baby in June of this year! Their love story would only be made more beautiful with the addition of this newest blessing.

You see, this story begins with one heart on one side of the Atlantic ocean and another heart on the opposite side of the Atlantic ocean. With only God to thank for the “bridge” that gapped the seemingly impossible distance between these two hearts.  

 

  

Fast forward to June 24, 2018… The day Stephanie & Finias welcomed their first baby boy, Samson, into this world – my FAVORITE part of this story! 

Steph & Fini’s family grew on this day, as did their love. Deeper than they probably ever imagined possible. 

 

  

  

 

On the days leading up to their baby shower, I asked Steph & Finias if they could write a couple of letters. Finias wrote a letter to Steph and Steph wrote to their baby boy they would soon meet, Samson… They have given me permission to share these “love letters” with all of you:

My Sweet Little Wife,

May 1st came around and we both realized that it was exactly three years ago when God started moving our paths together. Who would have known back then that I’d be your husband now and going to be father to our beautiful first born son. I can’t put into words how blessed I am thinking about how good God has been in our lives and how much mercy He had to prepare such a kind, beautiful, loving and caring wife for me. You are everything and beyond I could have asked for. So much joy fills my heart knowing that you’ll be the best mommy in the world! I love you. Your hubby. ❤️

 

 

My Sweet Boy, 

We haven’t met yet, however I feel as though you’ve been a part of me my whole life. You’ve been a part of my hopes and my dreams and you’ve been in mine and your daddy’s hearts since the very beginning. I feel so honored that God has sent you down from heaven to us. I don’t know exactly why He chose us to be your parents, but we will spend the rest of our lives asking Him for wisdom so that we can do the best to raise you for His glory. One thing that I want you to know: whatever you do in this life, be it good or bad and wherever you go, we will always love you with an everlasting love. You will always have a place at Mom and Dad’s dinner table. Son, you hold a special place in my heart, because with you I am learning what it means to be a mommy. I know that I have a lot to learn about this whole parenting thing, but I am so excited to know that we will grow together. I love you and can’t wait to meet you.

 

 

I feel so blessed to be a part of stories like theirs. To capture and narrate the beauty that God creates. This particular story is extra special to me because it’s my baby sister and her family but to every single person I’ve ever worked with – your story leaves an impact on me. I love seeing kids grow and knowing I once captured their first birthday photos. I love watching couples get married and remembering when I once photographed their engagement and got to witness that first chapter of a love story between two people. I love photographing high school seniors and recalling all the things they once told me about in the middle of their photo shoot, their dreams and aspirations… and then seeing them pursue those very things. 

I don’t know about you all but newborn babies have this effect on me… they remind me to slow down. To stop and appreciate the small stuff. The baby smells. The tiny fingers and toes. And the fact that although life may be a little messy, chaotic, sleepless (new parents, ya feel me?), it’s so incredibly beautiful and full of miracles. 

“Perhaps you were born for such a time as this” Esther 4:14

– Emma… xo