Today was the long awaited newborn session for Maggie and Allie’s little sister, Katie.
Back story (bear with me)…I first met this family when Maggie was born. I stalked Jenny and Andrew as they fought Allie’s cancer, and my heart broke when I heard of her passing. When Jenny was close to her due date with Maggie I took a deep breath and emailed a woman I’d never met, admitted I was a stalker, but was also a photographer and would love to gift their family with a newborn session to capture their new baby girl. NO RESPONSE (mock huff: CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? lol). So what’s a stalker to do? Why, EMAIL AGAIN, OF COURSE!
So I did, and this time she took a look at the site (I believe they were still in the hospital?), emailed back, and a date was set.
That session, is TO DATE, the hardest, most emotional, most poignant session I have ever had. I didn’t know this family, they didn’t know me, but they opened their home and their hearts to me and my camera. It was, in a word, raw. The emotion just bubbled up through every sweet moment with their daughter, and their missing angel was so THERE. I remember distinctly getting into my car after their session ended to drive home, putting my head on my steering wheel, and crying tears of sorrow, anguish, and joy (I still tear up, just writing these words. Jenny…I am so blessed to know you).
Fast forward four years and we have become dear friends (BFF’s, if you will). I was honored to be asked to document Katie’s arrival last week, and knew immediately that today would be so very different from our very first session together. And it was.
Joy, confidence, laughter, and happiness filled every room of their home. Of course, there were still tears. Sweet Allie is still just around the corner…her absence will always, ALWAYS be felt. But her sisters now have each other to grow with, to fill their parents’ hearts, and to honor the legacy that is Allie.
The image that caused immediate tears…
