In May of 2014, Brett and I woke uo at 5:30am and ran out to one of our places, Botany Bay, a plantation on Edisto Island, South Carolina. We sat mesmerized, watching as the sun rose and the world was painted in pastels. We commented on how perfect it would be to do a session there–specifically an engagement session.

This April, we received an email from a sweet girl. To my surprise she asked if we could photograph their engagement session…in Edisto Island, South Carolina. It just so happened we were headed back there in May, and so you see, we got our wish. :)  The only time they had available was a morning session, and I assured them I knew a great place to do the sunrise shoot!

We met up in the wee hours of the morning. We were honored that they traveled in from Columbia, SC (over 2 hours away) for the session! Caitlin is a biologist, and I knew there couldn’t be a better setting than the wild terrain we so loved.

The weather worked out beautifully for us. We had the most gorgeous soft hues as the sun rose up behind them. Their sweetness was just the icing on this whole thing! Caitlin and Eddie have a precious love, which was so evident every time they looked at each other.

Caitlan and Eddie–We’re so excited for you and your upcoming wedding! Many blessings to you both.

I had the great joy and honor of attending my sister’s second birth. You may recall her first child entering this world, and the epic four-day long labor we spent at the hospital.  This pregnancy, there were many hours lifting my sweet sister and this new baby up in prayer–praying that the Lord would grant her grace, strength, and a much more “simplistic” labor experience. To be honest, my sweet sister was worried. Her first pregnancy she was near fearless, and I’m certain that attitude got her through those extreme four days. But then that first experience caused emotions that really needed to be sifted through. She realized she was afraid this round. We talked through those fears on a rational level. I encouraged her—she’s a machine! Her body performed more amazingly than I imagined humanly possible with her first. We all assured her that this pregnancy would be different. She is not a birthing anomaly! And then there was the conquering of fears on a spiritual level. The Lord was so so good to her…He held her up during that first labor experience (He supported me and Adam as well!) and He brought Lilah safely into this world. He is there. She could could let go of fear, and put it in His hands.

I received the call that she had been laboring perfectly and beautifully for a few hours one Saturday afternoon, and then I received another call that night. Things were really picking up. We were thrilled that her body was doing what it was made to do! The Lord was answering our prayers already. We made it to the hospital around midnight, and my sister beautifully worked to bring her little one into the world. After a couple holdups and bumps in the road, he arrived that next afternoon. It was a long labor, but hey, it was shorted by about 3 days! Praise be to God! Levi shocked us all weighing in around 10 pounds…and what a handsome guy.

Being with my sister and her husband during those long and intimate hours was such a gift, and I will treasure those first moments face-to-face with my nephew. He looked me right in the eyes, and I thanked God for His great mercy that He extended upon us.

Ashley had a certain song on repeat through her pregnancy; a song that brought her comfort and peace as she prepared to face her fears. She requested this song for the slideshow below: