Friendship and motherhood {Sacramento Lifestyle Photographer}

This just may be my longest post ever as it’s one that’s most dear to my heart. I first met Court when I ran and jumped in a friend’s pool like an overbearing cannonball. For those of you who know me personally, I haven’t changed much. She was a little surprised at my actions and thought I was crazy so naturally we became friends. We were 8. Fast forward 30 years (man I just aged myself) and herein lies the story. Court has been next to me for the last 3 decades of my life…elementary, middle, high school, college, marriage, and the birth of my kids.ย  Backstreet boys, The Bangles, Depeche Mode, Alphaville (foreeeeeever young…do you really want to live forever?). Big bangs, Swatch phones, sequin dresses, passing notes in school, trips to Santa Cruz and Tahoe, learning to drive, and sneaking out (you didn’t read that mom). Fights with our parents, graduating, silly boyfriend breakups and makeups, and the loss of my dad. You can’t bottle all the memories of 30 years of friendship. You can just appreciate that they’ve stuck with you all this time and not left you to ride the crazy train alone. When I heard she was having a baby, I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited in all my life. I have to start this post with a little blast from the past. Scary that these pics are over 20 years old.

And on to the baby shower which came out amazing due to some super talented friends of hers. I am not that crafty but I will happily take photos of crafty things.

Shot some indoor maternity pics at 34 weeks at her house. I am so in love with her wall color. Oh and of how gorgeous she is. Seriously at 34 weeks I was as wide as I was tall and had at least 4 chins. It’s not fair.

She’s always had these amazing blue eyes and horse hair thick locks. No, I’m not jealous at all.

Oh and perfect teeth. Like I said. Not fair.


These guys are my friends. Lucy The dog too I guess if I enjoy being snarled and nipped at.

Seriously please stop being so gorgeous.

We were planning on going and doing some outdoor maternity shots and surprise! A month early…a few days after the above pics were shot, this happened…

I will always remember the moment when dad came in the waiting room and told his own dad it was a boy. Two grown men slobbering and hugging crying about their 3rd generation of boys. It was pure awesomeness.

A few before and afters.

Since baby was a month early and new flooring and nursery prep was to occur in those last 4 weeks, we got creative shooting lifestyle shots in and around their home. Hello little friend…I get to watch you grow up!

Father and son.

Do you see how close she is to biting me here???

The thinker.

My heart is full.

Maybe my favorite picture ever.

I think I’ll end this post now so I can pour a cup of coffee and call my friend. Congratulations on making it through the first few months of motherhood. I can’t wait to be by your side for the next 31 years. I love you guys!

  • Wow! This post left me in awe! I love the story… I love love the shower and she is one hot momma! AMAZING job and gorgeous family!ReplyCancel

  • What a gorgeous family. Your story of friendship is so touching and inspiring. Congratulations to this family on such a handsome son!!ReplyCancel

  • Oh my – what a journey you guys have shared together! The photos are beautiful. Your guys’ friendship really shines through. Love!ReplyCancel

  • I loved reading this post from top to bottom. Friendships like these don’t come around often. Beautiful words and images, Jo! Also, she looks AMAZING for just having a baby. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

  • oh my goodness, fabulous images, all of them!!ReplyCancel

  • These are simply stunning! She is lucky to have a friend like you and best wishes to their family in the future!ReplyCancel

  • What a beautiful family and such gorgeous images!ReplyCancel

  • Jo, these are gorgeous!!! Luv mama with bangs post-birth!ReplyCancel

  • these are seriously gorgeous! the little guy is sooo cute!ReplyCancel

  • Robin

    As beautiful as ever!ReplyCancel

  • Wow! Gorgeous gorgeous mama, baby and family! Love these so much Jo!ReplyCancel

  • Tara

    This is absolutely darling! So made me teary eyed! You captured it beautifully:)ReplyCancel

  • What a gorgeous family! Beautiful pictures!ReplyCancel

  • Oh my goodness! These pictures are so incredibly beautiful! What lovely family and she not only looked amazing in her maternity pictures but she looks amazing for having just had a baby! These pictures are too precious and too beautiful! She is so blessed to have such a talented friend to capture these precious moments ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

  • These are beautiful maternity and newborn portraits! I love the airy feeling throughout. What an alert cutie pie he is too!ReplyCancel

  • Oh my goodness, what amazing, wonderful, images! And how special that it was with such a great friend. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

  • […] set of images was taken in a span of like 6 minutes. No joke. You may recognize this family from HERE not only because they are drop dead gorgeous, but also because they are our dear friends. What an […]ReplyCancel