CAITLIN & ETHAN | BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS MATERNITY SESSION | NELSON COUNTY

At the start of their relationship, Caitlin and Ethan shared their first date in the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now they have a nursery decorated with the same beautiful mountain range and are awaiting the arrival of their first child. It seemed only fitting that their maternity photographs also spotlight the mountains they love.

On the evening of their maternity session, we trekked to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in verdant Nelson County. Summer was in full swing, the air warm and moist, yet our surroundings remained beautifully green and lush. While it had been nearly seven years since I had last seen the couple, Caitlin and Ethan were exactly as I remembered them—fun, loving, and quick to laugh. Their easy laughter and obvious admiration for one another made for a joy-filled evening. We chitchatted as I shot, catching up on life and reminiscing about earlier adventures together. Caitlin radiated light as only an expecting parent can, her belly perfect and round. Ethan’s love for his wife and growing child was evident, his gaze rarely leaving Caitlin’s face and his arms always ready to embrace and support. Their baby is already so lucky to have such wonderful parents and to be so loved.

One quick little backstory before I get on with the photographs of these gorgeous beings… Eleven years ago, the three of us—at the time, complete strangers—journeyed across the globe other a handful of others to spend the summer studying abroad in southern Africa. While I gained new friendships, these two took things a bit further and fell in love. As a lover of romance myself, watching their story unfold has been pretty amazing. Photographing them at this stage of their life together was incredibly special for me. Now on to the good stuff! Check out these beautiful parents-to-be!

…and just for fun, here they are rescuing me after I sliced my foot open on coral while at a beach in Mozambique. From day one, Caitlin and Ethan have made an incredible team. I know they will be—correction: that they already are—amazing parents.