Our Family Photo Shoot at Waveny Park

Photo: Erica Carryl | Vine & Branch Photography

It's been a long time since we've had professional photos taken of our family. The last time we did a family session, we had just celebrated one month with J at home, after his early arrival and stay in the NICU. 

So much life has happened since that first photo shoot. And I didn't want even more time to pass before we had more photos taken of us as a family... especially since the kids are growing up so quickly! 

That's why I put "Schedule another family session with a photographer" on my 40 Before 40 list. To make sure I actually followed through it. When a window opened up for us to schedule a session, I had no trouble finding a photographer to work with. I immediately reached out to my friend Erica to see if she was available. Erica and I were high school classmates and I've admired her work for a long time. Lucky for us, she was free!

It was early March when Erica and I started talking about dates for the shoot. After a bit of back and forth, we finally settled on April 18. 

But then everything changed as we saw the number of COVID-19 cases rise in Connecticut. We shifted almost immediately into lockdown mode. When April rolled around, we realized that the situation wasn't getting any better. To err on the side of caution, we pushed the date of the shoot to April 25. And then to June 27.

It looked like we were finally going ahead with our plans. Then our 5yo woke up with her left eye swollen shut thanks to an insect bite... And June 27 became July 25. 😔

Did we like having to reschedule multiple times? 

No. 

Was Erica a saint for being so patient with our family? 

For sure. 

Were the delays merely divine intervention? Part of a master plan to line us up with the absolute perfect evening to take photos? 

Highly likely.

If you saw the sneak peek previews, then you got to see how beautiful Erica's photos turned out. I still can't get over how well she captured our family and the love we have for one another. After being home for months, it was great to see the kids smile as they ran around the park between shots.

I could gush forever about Erica's work, but I'm going to let it speak for itself. It was hard to choose which photos to feature here. There were so many wonderful shots! 

So allow me to indulge a bit [more] as I share some [more] of our favorites.

Do you see this blanket we're sitting on? My mother made this quilt for me. It's one of the last gifts she gave me before she passed away. When Erica suggested we bring some props, I knew instantly I wanted to use Mom's quilt in some shots as a way of having her there with us.

It turns out, Mom's quilt also makes a fun "parachute". The kids squealed with delight as they ran underneath it. I could definitely feel my mother's spirit there... I could hear her in their laughter.

Erica, THANK YOU, for helping me cross that 40 Before 40 item off my list. These photos are priceless and we will cherish them forever.

Friends, if you're in the Fairfield County area of Connecticut (or within a reasonable driving distance), then please consider working with Erica. I can't recommend her enough. She demonstrated a high level of professionalism and understanding from the start. And time positively flew by as we took photos right up until dusk.

Our kids still talk about how much fun they had with "Ms. Erica" that day. We can't wait to work with her again!

Photos: Erica Carryl | Vine & Branch Photography

Location: Waveny Park, New Canaan, CT

PS. Our photographer extraordinaire also took some headshots for the adults. I'm still trying to decide which one(s) to use on the blog, so I may have to put it to a vote on Instagram... Stay tuned!

PPS. Happy 8th Wedding Anniversary  (today!) to this guy, the love of my life and the best partner I could ask for. Thank you for helping fill my world with joy and laughter. Thank you for being an incredible father for our children. Thank you for everything you do to provide for our family. Hopefully, next year, we'll be able to celebrate with something more than take-out.

I love you. 💏

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