a super mario brothers inspired one year milestone session

Milestone sessions are an amazing opportunity to capture the interests and personality of each person, no matter their age. One of my favorite parts about these sessions is getting to celebrate the different styles of each Expressions client. For handsome little Maximus, that meant a bright and fun Super Mario Brothers themed one year old milestone session!

I joined Max, mom Janice, dad Ray, brothers Colton and Graydon, and family dog Madison at Carroll Valley Park in Fairfield. Janice has been following my work since the beginning and was so sweet and amazing to work with. Prior to our session, she emailed me all the details so we could both be fully prepared for the day. In addition to capturing Max and his family, she had one special request. Janice successfully breastfed Max for a full year and wanted to celebrate that milestone as well as highlighting the special bond that a breastfeeding mother and child share. I have never done breastfeeding shots before and was excited for the opportunity. I am beyond humbled and honored that Janice trusted me to capture this intimate connection.

We began the session with the whole family together. The boys were in their birthday party attire dressed in Super Mario Brothers ties and hats. Colton and Graydon were so excited to show theirs off! Janice dressed accordingly as well wearing a bright pink skirt with characters on it and a hair clip inspired by the game. I love how the whole family was theme ready.

As with every milestone session, Janice brought along a couple of Max’s favorite things, his Clifford dog and xylophone. He was so excited when it was time to play with his xylophone banging the keys and concentrating on his song. Janice and Ray might just have a future musician on their hands!

After capturing Max playing with his toys and his brothers, we moved riverside under a large tree for Janice to breastfeed Max. I was looking forward to this portion of our session since Janice first emailed me, but I had no idea it would touch my heart as much as it did. It brought back such amazing memories of breastfeeding my own girls just a short time ago. Breastfeeding and pumping take an extreme amount of time and commitment, but is undoubtedly rewarding creating this amazing bond.

The tree at our location spot had large exposed roots giving it life. With the sun filtering in behind it, this tree and it’s roots were the perfect representation of the light, love, and nourishment Janice gives Max. Throughout this time together, I was in complete awe of Janice and what she has been doing for her son this last year. It was truly a beautiful moment that I’m so glad I got to be a part of.

We finished the session at golden hour by grabbing a few more shots of Janice, Ray + Max. It was a gorgeous day and session that I will truly always cherish.

Janice + Ray, thank you for trusting me to capture not only your beautiful family but the intimate moments of breastfeeding. I (again) am getting tears in my eyes just thinking back. I loved your colorful, fun personalities and can’t wait to see what the future holds for sweet little Max.

-xo-

Jamie