Some sessions are more than just portraits—they’re reunions. I’ve had the honor of photographing the Sayer family for years, beginning with their wedding and continuing through each chapter of their growing family. This winter maternity session in Chesapeake, VA was our third together as they prepare to welcome baby number three, and it was full of warmth, playfulness, and genuine love.
We met at the Backyard Wildflower Patch, a location that offered the perfect blend of natural beauty and seasonal flexibility. With its cozy sun porch and soft morning light, it created the perfect atmosphere for a winter maternity session—especially one with two little ones already full of energy and excitement.
I was on the road before sunrise, heading to the coast with coffee in hand and excitement in my heart. These kinds of sessions—ones with history and deep connection—always feel a little extra special.
From the moment we started shooting, the energy was joyful and real. With two littles already running around, this session leaned into playful moments, snuggles, giggles, and a bit of chaos (the best kind). Their bond as a family was undeniable and so easy to capture.
Getting to photograph this family through so many life moments has been such a gift. From their beachside wedding to each of their maternity sessions, they’ve trusted me with their most cherished memories—and that trust has built a beautiful friendship.
By the time we started this session, everything felt familiar. The kids knew me, the flow was natural, and their ease in front of the camera made every photo glow.
Finding the right spot for a winter maternity session can be tricky, but the Backyard Wildflower Patch offered just what we needed. The outdoor spaces gave us that natural charm I always love to incorporate, while the sun porch added warmth, light, and comfort—making it ideal for the season.
Whether we were playing in the garden or snuggled indoors, the entire morning felt effortless.
True to form, the Sayers brought their soft, timeless style. Amanda wore pale tones of blue and blush, a subtle nod to their tradition of waiting until birth to learn the baby’s gender. Their session was filled with gentle, intentional touches—including a sonogram of their soon-to-arrive little one, who will complete their party of five.
No over-the-top props, no pressure—just a family savoring these final moments before their next big adventure.
Sessions like this one are such a reminder of why I offer the Motherhood Membership—a way to document your journey from bump to baby and beyond. When families return again and again, we build comfort, trust, and a rhythm that creates truly meaningful images.
For the Sayers, each maternity session has been its own unique story. This one was quiet, cozy, and playful—a reflection of who they are right now, and what’s to come.
Whether it’s your first baby or your third, your story deserves to be preserved with warmth and care. I photograph maternity sessions across Virginia, including Chesapeake, Richmond, Charlottesville, and the coast. If you’re looking for a peaceful, personal experience that’s anything but cookie-cutter—I’d love to work with you.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
MORE MOTHERHOOD STORIES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
📍 Backyard Wildflower Patch, Chesapeake VA
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Erica Harrison is a Northern Virginia Photographer, living in Charlottesville while photographing wedding and families in Old Town Alexandria, Washington D.C., Fairfax, & Leesburg.