Stef, Ryan, a house reno + Bump | Toronto Maternity Photographer

"I think I'm in labour " my long-time friend Stef texted to me. By long-time, I'm talking about 20 years. We met in ballet class when I was 10. I texted something back along the lines of "I'll check in with you in a few hours but lets plan to go ahead". I wasn't going to let a few contractions get in the way of her photo session. Stef and Ryan welcomed their baby boy into the world about 40 hours later.

With so much on their plate, including both a house renovation and Stef's labour pains, it was a wonder that they were able to pull it together and have me over to capture this time for them. I am so glad they did, and I hope they are too. It's the real-life stuff that I love to document, the not-so-perfect times that stick in our memories.

And here's a sneak peek of their new little man.

Jen, Jared + Bump | Toronto Maternity Photographer

My last shoot of 2013 was with Jen and Jared just 10 days before Christmas. I met them at their apartment and we ventured outside to enjoy the freshly fallen snow. These two are expecting their first baby at the end of the month and their excitement and joy is contagious. I think I had a goofy smile on my face the whole ride home on the subway...  

Jen and Jared, thank you for inviting me into your lives during this very special time. I'm so thrilled for you and look forward to meeting your little one in just a few weeks. xx

Jen, Jared + Bump | Preview

I had a blast  in the snow with these two on Sunday afternoon – their first baby is set to arrive this January!

The I Family + Bump | Toronto Maternity Photographer

It's been a whirlwind summer that is sadly coming to an end, but the busyness continues in to the fall. In fact, in gets busier! These three welcomed a sweet baby boy into the world last week and I'm off to meet him later this afternoon. For now, here's a peek at one of my favourite maternity sessions.

Jess, Jay + Bump | Toronto Maternity Photographer

I mentioned that I've been shooting again over the past few weeks – so it's time to start showing it! Although it can be tough to be away from Brooke while she's so young, it's also a nice break and it feels so good to be holding the camera and focused on nothing else but my lovely subjects. And this shoot was particularly awesome because Jessica and Jay are good friends of ours, and they are expecting their first baby in just a couple of weeks. We couldn't be more thrilled for them.  

We booked a sitter and spent an entire Saturday evening with Jay & Jess. We started at their new house and then headed to the Ancaster Old Mill. It was fun to have Kyle as my assistant for the evening and by the end I was a sweaty mess with muddy feet (I took my chances with a swamp in hopes of a great shot). Relaxing with a glass of wine was the perfect ending. A beautiful sunset, catching up with good friends, Pinot Grigio and dinner. That's my kinda night.

Olenka, Andrei + Bump | Toronto Maternity Photographer

This takes us back to August with a sweet couple expecting their first baby. Olenka had the cutest baby bump and was absolutely glowing (the gorgeous setting sun didn't hurt either!). We became fast friends chatting about weddings, houses and all things baby...

And a little over 6 weeks later... baby makes three!

Carolina + Adrian | Toronto Maternity Photographer

I spent an afternoon with Carolina and Adrian last week and it took me back to those exciting last few weeks leading up to having a baby. Setting up the nursery, washing and folding clothes, pre-natal classes – I had so much fun talking to these two about their preparations, and it was also a bit strange to feel like a "seasoned" parent having already gone through this experience. Both Carolina and Adrian had lots of questions, many starting with... "How will we know when..."

"Are we ready for..."

"Will we know to..."

I could relate to these feelings of excitement, wonder and anxiety. But I'd say that the mere fact that they are even asking these questions and putting so much loving thought into what lies ahead, means that they are probably more prepared than most and will be more than fine once their sweet little baby arrives.

We headed to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where Carolina and Adrian were engaged . It was freezing cold, but these two were troopers.A delicious pit-stop for some chocolate. Yum!

For more photos from Carolina and Adrian's session, check out their slideshow in the Featured section of my website, here.

So excited to meet this little one :-)

Happy labour day! | Toronto maternity photographer

Hopefully for this couple, it isn't too much longer before they are in labour! This is their last pre -due date weekend together and I hear they are making the most of it by heading up to the cottage. Hopefully a relaxing weekend at the lake will be just what they need to bring on labour. I want to meet this little one! Amanda loves being pregnant and it shows! After recently moving into their new condo, I was super impressed by how organized they already have it. It's going to be a great spot to start their family. Baden and Amanda were fantastic during their photo session. They were relaxed, clearly in love, and so ready for this next adventure!

Looking forward to hearing the news of baby's arrival. Have a great long weekend! xx

Kristen, Erik and a blossoming baby bump

A few weeks ago, we packed up the car and travelled to Binbrook to spend an afternoon and evening with Kristen and Erik, Hallie (the dog), and their sweet baby bump. Kristen and Erik are soon-to-be parents of a baby girl, who they already lovingly refer to as "Violet". We spent the afternoon warm and cosy inside (while it snowed like crazy outside) hanging out, taking photos and talking all things baby (and a few things dog). It's obvious that they will be great parents – Violet's nursery is beautiful and almost ready, all the baby gear has been bought and set up, and they already have a bedtime routine of reading to her every night. As the sun went down, we relaxed with a delicious bottle of wine (Kristen is a winemaker and spoils us!) and an even more delicious dinner (turns out she can cook too!). It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday in February. It's amazing how Violet is already so deeply loved by these two. She will be arriving anytime in the next few weeks and Kristen and Erik will finally meet the baby girl they have been dreaming of and reading to, and begin life together as a family.

We couldn't be more excited for you. xo

Waiting for Baby

A sneak peak from yesterday's photo session with Kristen and Erik.  Baby Violet is expected to arrive in 8 weeks so the countdown is on!