A Serene Botanical Garden Maternity Session to Begin a Motherhood Story
When I first photographed Kim and Tam’s wedding in 2021, I knew their love would only grow more beautiful with time. So when they reached out to begin their Motherhood Collection with a maternity session, I felt honored to continue documenting their story—this time at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, one of Virginia’s most peaceful and picturesque settings.
It was early March, a season that often carries winter’s quiet, but on this particular March day, the warmth arrived early—an unseasonably beautiful 70 degrees that bathed everything in golden light. While the florals hadn’t yet bloomed, the muted tones of the fountain grasses and soft golden light made the gardens feel more like a serene autumn afternoon—calm, romantic, and deeply intimate.
Walking the Garden, Hand in Hand
Lewis Ginter requires a photography permit—something I handle on behalf of my clients. Once we had our lanyards, we wandered slowly through the garden paths, focusing much of our session around the large pond and a striking installation of ornamental grasses just outside the main building. The light fell gently across the water, then filtered through the grasses, wrapping Kim and Tam in a warm haze that made every image feel quietly cinematic.
Our goal wasn’t a styled shoot—it was presence. We talked about life, their baby girl, and all the ways they’ve grown together since their wedding day. Kim, ever radiant and expressive, wore a earthy outfit that worked in harmony with the garden poised for spring growth. Tam, steady and grounded, matched her with a quiet elegance, his dark structured jacket acting as a geometric balance to her flowing fabrics. Watching them together, you can feel the balance: her spark, his calm.
From Bride and Groom to Mom and Dad
One of my favorite parts of photographing returning clients is seeing their love evolve. Tam, who had already looked at Kim like she hung the stars, now carries an added tenderness—the kind that only grows when a man is building a nursery by hand for his daughter. There’s so much intention in every part of their story.
The photos reflect that. We didn’t rush. We didn’t pose too much. Instead, we let the garden lead us. The session ended just as the late afternoon sun dipped behind the trees, casting a warm farewell glow that lingered even after we said our goodbyes.
This was just the first chapter of their Motherhood Collection. I already can’t wait to meet their baby girl—and to keep telling the quiet, powerful story of their growing family.
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