I don’t think you guys are prepared for this amazing maternity session!!

It is seriously one of the most beautiful photo shoots I’ve ever done and I’m a little biased because of how much I love Van & Jared. They are not only two of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met, but they’re also super down to earth and relatable on so many levels. For about a year or so, Vanny & I have hung out in the same group of friends. I always thought she was the sweetest girl, but never got a chance to really get to know her one to one. Well, when you plan a photo session that involves a 6 hour road trip in the same car (round trip), you will really get to know the people you’re with! :)

To be honest, I was actually pretty shocked at how much I didn’t know about these two! The drive went by sooo fast because we talked for hours about entrepreneurship, future goals, our passions in life, how much we love our dogs (duh), and even the steps we’re taking to achieve financial freedom! I know, right? For those who know me really well, you probably know that I totally geek out and can talk for hours about budgeting, finances, credit cards, and debt. Although I do look back and wish I would have known better, I’m very thankful for the days when Pat & I managed our money very poorly. We grew up and learned how to invest in our future (thanks Dave Ramsey) while also playing by our own rules (thanks to my brother who taught us how to score free flights with credit card points)! I felt like I could have spent the entire day with Van & Jared. I respect them so much for their hard work to create a beautiful life and future for their son, who I CANNOT wait to meet!

When we finally arrived to the Sand Dunes, we opened the car doors and it was sooo hot. I felt terrible because I didn’t want Vanny to struggle in the heat. I mean, she was already going to have to hike up the sand dunes with her big (perfect) baby bump!! I looked out to the spot where I had photographed before.
There were ATV tracks ALL over the dunes that were sooo perfect before. Ugh!! After my mini-freakout (because – yes! I really wanted the dunes to look smooth and untouched), I knew we would make it work. And we DID! Thankfully, Pat dropped us off further down the road and I was able to find some dunes on the other sides that were PERFECT. It was a bit of a workout, like we were all just doing the stair master for fun out there, but so worth it.

Pat drove us down a little further and I yelled, “STOP! Babe, can you pull over??” He hates when I do that. :) There was a section on the side of the road where the sunset was shining through the dust and sand that was kicked up by the ATV’s driving by. I’m so thankful that Vanny & Jared trusted my vision for this. We looked a little crazy on the side of the road while trucks honked at us driving by! Vanny was getting worried because I was standing way too close to the road. But you know my motto – “Anything for the shot!” Juuust kidding. As Logic would say…I don’t want to die today. I just want to be aliiive. ;) Again…so worth it. It was definitely an unexpected spot for photos but they turned out to be some of the best photos from the day.

Enjoy some of my favorites from this gorgeous maternity session at Glamis sand dunes with two of my favorite people ever & thank you so much to Nikki from Petals & Pollen Floral Design for the beautiful bouquet! XO