All newborn sessions are special to me. New moms and dads welcome me into their most intimate moments as their new baby has just been welcomed into their home and into their lives and suddenly their lives have changed for the better. I am so appreciative for all of my clients who have allowed me into this personal space of theirs to capture images for them that will last a lifetime. This newborn session was super special because it happened on Mother's Day, and the mom was a first time mother! It was so special to be able to tell her "Happy Mother's Day!" as she opened the front door holding her new, perfect, and precious little baby! 

After losing my own mom, Mother's Day becomes a difficult and confusing holiday to celebrate. It's a day of mixed emotions for me and I never really know how I am going to feel until that day. I love the thought of celebrating my mom on Mother's Day and doing/eating things that we would have done had she still been here. But I have the be honest, the second I log onto Instagram and see everyone else with their moms, I find my tune suddenly changing. It's so amazing to see everyone honor their mom and dedicate a day to pamper her (because moms deserve all of the recognition that they can get), but I just wish I could pamper my mom one last time! 

On this Mother's Day though, my attention was drawn to this new mom as she started her journey into motherhood! Isn't that what Mother's Day is all about? Not only recognizing YOUR mom, but all of the other incredible women out there that are putting their baby's needs before theirs and putting in many hours of sleepless nights, late night feedings, and unconditional love? Now, THAT is how I want to celebrate Mother's Day every year! 

Jess, you are an amazing mommy and Emmie is so lucky to have you in her life. I've never seen a baby look at their mom the way that she looks at you...it's an instant connection and bond that will never be denied! You and Dave have such a beautiful little family and I cannot wait to photograph Emmie again in a few months! 

Jess and Dave purchased my Wonderfully Made package that includes three sessions: maternity, newborn, and milestone. If you'd like to book your first year package, go to the contact page at the top so we can be in touch! 

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You guys, I have never been so excited for two strangers than I was on this day. Eliott and Katie were visiting Austin for a few days and I was contacted by one of our mutual friends that Eliott was going to pop the question while in town! After a few emails and texts exchanged between their friend, me, and Eliott, we had a game plan! I had never met or seen them before, so I asked their friend to text me pictures of them so I would know who to look for. I used all of my secret proposal tips for a smooth proposal process and waited for them to arrive to the desired spot. 

Katie thought that they were going for a bicycle cruise around Town Lake (I still will never be able to call it Lady Bird Lake, sorry.) Little did she know, her soon-to-be husband had been plotting the ultimate surprise! They drove past me on their bikes and parked them at an overlook to enjoy the view. I was hiding behind a tree because I didn't want my long paparazzi lens to blow my cover! I was trying to get a few shots of them before the proposal, but Katie kept looking my way, so I had to keep turning around and hiding my camera so she wouldn't become suspicious! There was a family that had two dogs near the spot he was going to propose, and when Katie kneeled down to pet them, I saw Eliott look my way and give me a signal that he was about to pop the question. 

They got to the overlook with the water and skyline in the background, and Eliott dropped to one knee. From a far, I heard Katie squeal and her reaction was priceless! I have never seen somebody more surprised than she was- the best way reaction for a proposal! After a few minutes of letting them talk, hug, and kiss, I came out of the trees and walked towards them. Once Katie saw me she said, "Is this really happening?!" Afterwards we took a few pictures of them together and I was in photographer Heaven! There was no posing or directing them with our mini photoshoot afterwards because their happiness and excitement spoke for itself! I loved capturing the real life conversation of Katie asking Eliott all of the questions she wanted to know the answers to. "So does anyone else know about this?" "When did you get the ring?!" "Does ___ know?!" and then in between questions she kept saying, "Is this happening?! How did you do this?!" 

Eliott, you did so good at surprising your bride-to-be and she is such a lucky girl! You two are such a precious couple and capturing your pure joy and excitement gave me such second-hand happiness! Everyone deserves to find a love like yours and I wish you guys many years of happiness! 

For all of those men out there thinking of proposing to their special ladies over the holiday season, I may have a little gift for you to help pull off the surpirse of a lifetime! To know what this gift is, email me at info@mckenziecoronadophotography.com