We met Adria & Shawn in Sundance Square for their engagement session and sweated our faces off.
I shot Adria’s sexy session to give her soon-to-be hubby… and sweated our faces off.
We shot the wedding at dawn on a beach in the Dominican Republic. Guess what? SWEAT.
And since then, a couple family portraits, a TON of nights on the McG patio, parties, and fairly constant communication.
Basically, this is another example of my job bringing me a bestie.
Adria & Shawn became parents to Alexander Thomas last week, in a room that was actually COLD most of the day, which was a welcome change in our relationship. đ
I was so glad I could be there not only as a friend for support, but as a photographer. And I was beyond honored that when it turned into a c-section delivery, I got to capture every second of that, too. His first breath, when his parents held him for the first time, when he met his big sister… So special.
I don’t get the chance to photograph many birth stories, because it’s obviously a hard thing to plan in advance, and the McGÂ schedule is BANANAS. But when my dear friend checks with me before picking an induction date, even though I call the kid Xander instead of Alex… well, I wouldn’t miss that for the world.
I can’t “talk” through the whole set, because I’ll cry my face off. Suffice it to say, this is how I saw Xander’s birthday.
Adria, you’re a beast. Carrying that HUGE healthy baby, being so healthy yourself during a pregnancy that kept you from being very active, making hard decisions on D-Day… you’re crushing this mom thing. And Shawn, you’re an adorable first time Dad. And Emily, you’re already an awesome big sister. I have no doubt you’ll make sure Xander knows all about our magical world.
Xander, I love you already. I’m your Aunt Chelsea, and I will always have gum.
Perfect, perfect, perfect. The photos of Emily meeting her brother and holding his hand smash my soul into pieces in the best way. Thank you again for loving me and for capturing this magical day.
Oh my goodness – these are so beautiful! Congrats Adria on your precious baby. And way to go Chelsea… I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these birth pics on the blog!
Congrats to Adria and Shawn! Can’t wait to meet him! Thanks a lot Chelsea! Now I’m at work crying because I looked at these. Will I ever learn to check your blog in the comfort of my home so I can cry in peace?!?! Probably not!
I’m glad you didn’t put any words between the pictures, because it would have sent me over the edge in tears. Even though this isn’t your niche, you KILL birth sessions! I’m a little bias, but your work is amazing Chels. Congrats Mom, Dad and big sister!
Stunning.