When my friend Christie texted me asking if I was available to capture a few maternity photos of her, of course I said yes! St. Louis County had just lifted some of the social distancing restrictions, so we planned a safe, distanced shoot out at Rockwoods Reservation.

Christie is one of the most magical people you will ever have the pleasure to meet. She runs her own crafting business, Lavender Leaf Designs, where she creates the most magical crowns, bows, cake toppers and other whimsical items.

Christie and her husband Ethan are going to make the best parents in August to little baby Brunk! This baby has no idea how much his parents already love him and what they went through for his maternity photos. We had a fantastic time adventuring through tall grasses, walking a hiking trail to find magnificent tree stumps (making sure Christie was okay along the way), and chilled by a creek as I waded into the running water camera in hand to capture a few images. We busted out laughing about avoiding snakes and ticks, and when the time came we gave each other air hugs from 6 feet away.

Here are some of my favorites from our session!