Brianna x AJ

Some sessions just mean a little more, and this was one of them for me. When Brianna reached out about maternity photos, I was already so excited; she’s my best friend, Shelbi’s best friend, so it felt like one of those connections that just made sense. Of course, I said yes, not realizing this session would turn into something so much bigger than I ever expected. Behind the scenes, Shelbi and AJ were planning something so special. Before the shoot, the ring was secured, and AJ and I got in touch to figure out how to make the day even more meaningful for Brianna. What started as a maternity session quickly turned into a proposal, and getting to be part of both moments in one day is something I don’t take lightly.

Brianna’s journey into motherhood already carries so much weight and beauty. After being told she might not be able to conceive without medical help, she took control of her health and completely transformed her life, only to end up naturally conceiving their baby girl. Baby Scarlett is already such a testament to strength, growth, and love. Going into the session, Bri was honest about how she’s been feeling, especially struggling with all the changes her body has gone through, but she wanted these photos to capture the memories and help her see the beauty in this season. And truly, she radiated it. The love between her and AJ, the excitement for their baby girl, and the quiet confidence that comes from everything they’ve walked through together were so evident in every moment.

As the session unfolded, it was everything they described: simple, emotional, and a mix of soft, playful moments that felt natural to them. And then came the moment that changed everything. AJ got down on one knee, and what was already such a meaningful shoot became something unforgettable. Being able to capture Brianna’s reaction, the surprise, the emotion, and the love between them in real time is something I will never forget. It’s not often you get to document two of life’s biggest milestones at once, and I feel so honored that they trusted me to do that.

Bri and AJ have been together for over five years, building a life full of love, resilience, and growth. They’ve been through hard seasons, leaned on each other when things felt uncertain, and created something really solid in the process. Now they’re stepping into a whole new chapter, engaged and preparing to welcome their baby girl, Scarlett, in June. It’s such a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect, but sometimes it turns out even better than we could have planned. I’m so incredibly thankful I got to be a part of this day and capture these memories for them. Congratulations to both of you on your engagement and your sweet baby girl! Your story is just getting started, and it’s already so, so beautiful.