This maternity session blog post is a long time coming – we actually photographed this back when I was pregnant in the Spring of 2021. Elyse and I were able to bond over experiencing pregnancy for the first time which was so special.

I photographed Elyse and Julio’s wedding in 2020, which was a beautiful Catholic wedding at St. Veronica Catholic Church and backyard reception at Elyse’s childhood home. It was one of my favorite weddings I’ve photographed in no small part because Elyse, Julio, and their family are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met! I am always so honored when my wedding couples ask me to continue capturing special moments in their lives after the big day.

We chose the Van Gogh Bridge in Reston for their maternity portraits because it’s stunning during the spring. It’s also very close to where Elyse and Julio lived at the time, so it was the perfect location. Around the bridge there are beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom in the early spring. They turn a beautiful and romantic light pink color that I love for photos. We walked around the connected pathways in the park where Elyse and Julio would regularly take walks together through their neighborhood. It was extra special getting to take these photos in a sentimental spot to them.

We ended the session by driving just a couple of minutes away to where Elyse had spotted a large patch of stunningly yellow foliage and flowers. I honestly think I love these photos even more than the pretty cherry blossoms! The contrast of bright yellow leaves against Elyse’s blue dress is so eye-catching. They were able to get so many beautiful blooms and spring colors for their photos with these two locations.

Elyse and Julio welcomed their little boy Mateo a couple of months after their maternity session. I was able to photograph his baptism a few weeks later. It was so special to get to return to the church where Elyse and Julio had said their vows and capture this new chapter of their love story in the same place.

These two are now expecting their second little one due in January, and I’ll be photographing a little family/maternity session for them featuring baby Mateo this fall, and I’m so excited to see them again! Be on the look out for more photos of this sweet family soon!