One of the greatest joys of being a family photographer is getting to walk alongside clients through so many seasons of life. For some families, I get the privilege of documenting a single milestone. For others, I get to tell their story over and over again as their family grows. Marisa and Travis are one of those families.
This spring, I met them at Rice Creek Park Reserve in Shoreview, Minnesota, for a maternity session as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of their baby girl. Having photographed their engagement session, wedding day, and newborn session with their first son, it was incredibly special to reconnect once again and celebrate this exciting new chapter.
May in Minnesota can be unpredictable, but we were blessed with a beautiful spring evening. The trees were just beginning to leaf out, fresh green growth was appearing everywhere, and the park felt full of anticipation much like the season of life Marisa and Travis are currently experiencing.
Rice Creek Park Reserve is one of my favorite locations for maternity and family photography sessions. While it’s conveniently located close to the Twin Cities, it feels like you’ve escaped far beyond the suburbs. The tall prairie grasses, winding trails, and towering pine trees create a stunning backdrop in every season. Whether you’re looking for golden summer fields, vibrant fall color, or the fresh greens of spring, this park offers a little bit of everything.
As always, spending time with Marisa and Travis was a joy. They have a warmth and authenticity that immediately puts everyone around them at ease. Every session feels less like work and more like catching up with friends. Their excitement as they prepare to welcome their daughter was contagious, and it was easy to see how much love is already waiting for her.
Watching families grow over the years is one of my favorite parts of this job. Being invited back to document milestone after milestone is something I never take for granted. These photographs become part of a family’s legacy, preserving not only how life looked but how it felt in these fleeting moments.
As we wandered through the pines and open fields, I couldn’t help but think about how quickly this season would pass. Before long, they would be holding their baby girl in their arms, introducing her to her big brother, and beginning a whole new adventure together.
At the time of this session, we were still eagerly waiting to meet their sweet daughter, and I could not have been more excited for them. If this little girl is anything like the family she is joining, she is already surrounded by endless love, laughter, and support.
Marisa and Travis, thank you once again for trusting me to document your family’s journey. It has been such a gift to watch your story unfold over the years, and I can’t wait to share the next chapter when your baby girl arrives.
If you’re expecting a baby and looking for a Minnesota maternity photographer, maternity sessions are a wonderful way to celebrate this unique season before your little one arrives. These months pass quickly, but the memories and photographs will last for generations.
