Newborn Sessions

Congratulations on your newest addition! We absolutely love doing maternity and newborn photos. These photos mean more to us then any other photos we take. We know that these moments may feel like a lifetime but are some of the quickest moments in our life.

Please take a minute to read these tips to help your session go as smoothly as possible.

When Should I book my newborn session?

We recommend booking your session when your baby is around 5-10 days old. Babies tend to be easier to get into a deep sleep at this young age making them easier to get all those snuggly shots. We also found that around 2 weeks old baby’s skin tends to break out and peel, this is totally normal but makes for longer editing time and can delay when you get your photos back.

If your baby is older then two weeks don’t worry newborn photos are not out of the questions just know it might take a bit longer to get them to relax or consider getting our mini session where baby can be wrapped and comfortable.

How do I book a session when I don’t know when baby will be here?

Babies are unpredictable. Not a problem keep in contact towards the end of your pregnancy and let us know how things are going. Once baby is here and you guys are comfortably at home reach out to us again and we will get you on our schedule. We have found that babies tend to sleep best in the mornings which makes it easy to get you in, even if we have a session already on the books.

How to prepare for your session

Before your session we recommend keeping baby awake for at least an hour. We know this can be tricky but this is the most important thing you can do to make your session as successful as it can be. Dress baby in a warm but loose fitting outfit that wont disturb them too much when removed. If possible place baby in a size up diaper to help keep their skin smooth and make it easier to remove when necessary. Plan to feed baby once you arrive to help them settle.

What do I need to bring?

Nothing! We provide hats, headbands, wraps, buckets, baskets, and outfits for you to choose from. But you are more then welcome to bring anything you would like to incorporate and make your session special.

What if my baby poops?

We are fully prepared for all the events that may happen when you remove a diaper from a newborn. Everything that touches your baby’s skin is washed before and after every session. When possible we will keep a diaper on baby just to keep them comfortable. When it is not possible we prepare with extra steps to keep your session going. Between our backdrops we have barriers to keep under layers dry if necessary. Within arms reach at all times we have wipes, extra diapers and rags to clean up any messes.

Things to know before your session

All our sessions are done inside our home studio. Depending on which package you choose plan to be here anywhere from 2-4 hours. We keep our studio in the 80s which can be warm for mom and dad however this is extremely important to keep baby comfortable. Feel free to dress in layers and take breaks when needed. We have water available and you are always welcome to bring snacks and food. This is a great time to sit on our couch and take a break, you have had a long week but we will take care of your little one so you can relax knowing they are in good hands.

Skagit Valley Wedding: Kathryn and Aaron

Kathryn’s love for the outdoors started young when her mom began a Girl Scout troop. Her mom’s friendship with my mom, my scout troop leader, later lead to our very own friendship. Little did Kathryn know that our friendship was not the last relationship her outdoor adventures would lead her to. Years later Kathryn followed her mom’s example and became a camp counselor at Camp Kirby. While working in the kitchen she would start small talk with another counselor there named Aaron. Kathryn and Aaron could think of no better location to say I do at then the exact location where their love began.

 Kathryn and Aaron knew the wanted only one thing for their wedding, for it to be fun. They invited their guests to be a part of the camp experience. Aaron began the morning sharing his favorite camp activity with his groomsmen, archery.

Though the two now live up above the camp they spent their wedding night in the same cabin that Kathryn had spent every summer in as a counselor.

No camping trip would be complete without S’mores by the camp fire. The couple made sure the guests were taken care of with multiple types of marshmallows and gourmet chocolates. And after they had roasted the perfect marshmallow guests were asked to take their roasting sticks home as a thank you for being a guest at Kathryn and Aaron’s wedding.

Despite the chilly sea air and the overcast skies, the day remained dry enough for everyone to enjoy the reception underneath a giant white tent along the beach. Guests were eager to jump in and join Kathryn and Aaron on the dance floor. As if the night wasn’t already one to remember those who chose to stay at Camp Kirby for the night enjoyed a spectacular lighting storm from the comfort of their cabin.

Kathryn, I have had the privilege of knowing you for 25 years but it only took me 5 minutes with Aaron to know you are perfect for each other. Your life has always been full of adventure and you were able to find someone who wants nothing more then to be by your side for it all. Congratulations you two on this new adventure we call marriage. Your day was beyond memorable in a location that means so much to so many people. I think we all would agree that out of all our memories at Camp Kirby watching you two say I do there will always be our favorite.

Venue: Camp Kirby
Coordinator: Lacey Larsen
Florist: Floral Smith
Hair and Makeup: Bubbles and Blush Beauty
Dress: David’s Bridal

Snohomish Wedding: Taylor and Tyler

Earlier this year Taylor and Tyler began planning their wedding for the summer of 2020. Not long into the process, they quickly found that everything and everyone was telling them that there was no need to wait, and that they were meant to be together forever, so why not start their new life as a married couple now.

One of Taylor’s closest friends owns and operates Machias Meadows located in beautiful Snohomish, Washington. As luck would have it, she had just one weekend available for the rest of the 2019 wedding season. With her venue and her dress chosen, Taylor and Tyler quickly began planning for their wedding which would be in just a few short months.

Every detail was absolutely perfect! Including Taylor’s stunning fitted lace dress from Lainee Meg Bridal.

One of life’s most important jobs is being a parent. That’s why it was so fitting that Tyler’s father officiated Taylor and Tyler’s wedding. By the end of the ceremony there wasn’t a dry eye in attendance.  

There was no better way to complete this magical day of celebrations than with an amazing BBQ spread from J&L’S BBQ, Cupcakes from Stanwood Cupcakes, and even a mobile Ice Cream truck from Ben & Jerry’s.

Taylor and Tyler you two have already gone through more then most will go through in a lifetime, and your love has only grown stronger because of it. It’s obvious to everyone near you, you are meant to be together. Taylor, as you said, “he gets you” and you clearly get him, and that is something that is so very rare to find in a partner. Congratulations you two!! We look forward to your new life as a married couple!

Venue: Machias Meadows
Dress: Lainee Meg Bridal
Bridesmaids: AZAZIE
Hair and Makeup: Olive and Opal
Floral: Fragrant Designs
DJ: Ottomatic
Cake: Standwood cupcakes

Lairmont Manor Wedding: Makenzie and Tommy

Despite the rain outside, the feeling inside of Lairmont Manor was nothing but joyful. As luck would have it though the rain clouds quickly passed and, the blue sky wasn’t far behind as these two put the finishing touches on.

From the moment we met Makenzie she was planning her dream wedding. Complete with the big princess dress, the floor length veil and, surrounded by everyone who cared and loved for her and her prince charming. Lairmont laid the perfect fairy tale backdrop for her Disney inspired wedding.

Tommy surprised his bride with a hidden love note for her to wear around as they danced the night away.

Tommy and Makenzie’s large wedding party was there every step of the day to make sure everything was perfect for this couple.

What better choice to walk down the aisle to then the classic Beauty and the Best song Tale as Old as Time.

Each reception table was decorated with custom Disney inspired centerpieces, each one different but just as elaborate as the next.

Makenzie and Tommy we know that as spectacular as your wedding was it is just another day in your love story and we can’t wait to see your happily ever after.

Venue: Lairmont Manor
Dress: Eve of my Lady from Biancas Bridal
Hair and Makeup: Salon Tryst
Florist: Laurie Mitchell
Bridesmaid dresses: Renz Bridal

Arlington Wedding: Tyler and Daniele

Daniele and Tyler's love for the fire service brought them together. Even they didn't know that their friendship would lead to forever. 

Daniele and Tyler said their vows under tree canopy in front of only their closest family members. The rain sprinkled through out the ceremony but not enough to scare anyone off. However not long after family photos ended the sky opened up and we took cover in the party bus. no one would have guessed that the clouds would roll away and the sun would peak out. 

Though I have to give props to this wedding party. Not only were they so sweet and helpful they also didn't complain once. They graciously braved the rained and I can't thank them enough for all their help during this caotic time. 

Daniele and Tyler's ceremony was just for them but their reception was for everyone and just as they planned it went all night long. 

Daniele's mom spent months hand crafting paper bouqutes for every bridesmaid and every table in the reception. 

Dress: Romashka Bridal
Hair: Natasha Drake
Makeup: Ilona Osbourn
DJ: Sounds Unlimited

Washington Wedding: Juliana and Cody

If I've learned anything from being a wedding photographer it's that weather men lie. Monday I get a message from Juliana saying that the weather report says rain. I assure her it will change, it always does. From LOTS of experience I know this to be true. You will drive yourself crazy watching it only for it to be wrong anyways. Though I must admit in the back of my head all I could think was we have yet to have 1 wedding this year where it didn't rain, which is pretty unheard of. It also had me thinking back on their engagement session where it was a lovely 18 degrees with freezing fog. 

I am happy to report though that all that worrying and it was a beautiful sunny day in Sequim when Juliana and Cody said I DO. In fact it was a hot day and they were our first official wedding with no rain. Who says rain on your wedding day is good luck? Because these two are two of the luckiest people I know. 

Juliana was the first of many grandkids to hopefully get married on their Grandparent's property in Sequim. After many months of planning these families turned an old barn into a wedding venue of any bride's dream. 

Guests came from miles away ready to have a good time. As soon as that dance floor opened up there wasn't a single person still in their seat even late into the night. 

Congratulations Juliana and Cody your wedding day was beautiful and elegant the perfect combination of the two of you. We couldn't be happier for you both and were honored to be a part of your special day. 

Venue: Rock Hollow Farm
Dress: David's Bridal
Hair: Kris Morrison
Florist: Amie Garden
Cake: Sugar Coat & Co
DJ: Blake Owen

 

Arlington Wedding Photographer: Caitlyn and Tyler

Caitlyn and Tyler had just spent every day for the past 2.5 years planning their perfect wedding. Though one thing no one expect in those two years...rain in June, and lots of it. But as the rest of us watched the never ending clouds all Caitlyn and Tyler saw was each other. 

Though it would appear that Caitlyn and Tyler's wedding party was bursting at the seams it just didn't feel complete since one of Tyler's dear friends couldn't make leave for the special occasion. The whole place was brought to tears when he walked through the door. 

The rain might not have stopped but neither did the party. No one seemed to mind either. I'm pretty sure everyone would agree that the day in the end was just perfect for this amazing couple. 

Venue: Marionfield Farm
Dress: Justin Alexander from Alicia's bridal
Bridesmaid dress: Azazie
Hair: Three little birds
Make Up: Ashley Metcalf
Videographer: KMZ Videography
DJ: Kim Hargrove

Washington Wedding Photographer: Kyle and Jamie

If Jamie and Kyle knew one thing they wanted for their wedding was that it needed to be a party. Guests drove across the mountains to spend the entire weekend celebrating this amazing couple and a week of unsure weather reports ended with a potentially warm sunny day in Twisp.

Kyle and Jamie decided that instead of exchanging vows at the alter that they would privately give each other hand written notes. 

Kyle could hardly hold back in anticipation of seeing his bride for the first time. With their wedding party standing by for support Jamie made the walk across the bridge to her soon to be husband. 

As the wedding party lined up for photos the sky quickly changed from blue and sunny to lightening, thunder and a whole lot of hail. With only 30 minutes until the ceremony everyone huddled into cabins hoping the clouds would quickly roll away. With the help of many people chairs were dried, cakes were saved, flowers were reset and it was like the strom never happened. And as luck would have it the blue sky and sun came back just in time for them to walk down the aisle. 

Guests were happy to give Kyle and Jamie the party they hoped for and they danced the night away. The party even included a few songs by a bag piper.  

Venue: Methow River Lodge & Cabins
Florist: Chelan Florist
Cake: Wendy Ringhouse
Pies: Karissa Serna
Dress: David's Bridal
Bridesmaid: Show me your Mumu
Tux: The black Tux
Tent: Methow Moments

Skagit Valley Wedding: Jenny and Phillip

Jenny and I first met when I was just in middle school. We both attended the same small church. Her brother and sister and I were in youth group together and had many meetings at their house. The day I toured my potential college Jenny was one of the first faces I ran into in the parking lot. Knowing I already knew someone there made the transition across state a tiny bit easier. Fast foward many years to the first week in January. Jenny was excited to announce that she met the love of her life while in the Peace Corp and they couldn't wait to get married and were planning to do so in just two short weeks.

We didn't actually get to meet Phillip until the actual day but his sweet, quiet personality was a perfect match for Jenny. And it was no surprise to us why Jenny and her family just adored him.

Against all odds an hour before photos the rain stopped, the puddles dried, sun peaked through the thick clouds and for the first time in a long time we saw blue skies.

Jenny and Phillip were married in front of just a handful of their closest family members. The intimate ceremony was the perfect way for them to celebrate this next step in their lives.

Phillip's family was unable to fly in for the ceremony but they were able to still wittness the couple say their vows thanks to Facebook Live.

Skagit Valley Engagement photographer: Caitlyn and Tyler

What would a co-worker know about finding her perfect match? According to Caitlyn there was no way she could be right and she didn't have time to waste on blind dates. Despite her hesitation Caitlyn's coworker insisted that Tyler was perfect for her and secretly sent her number to him anyways.

Tyler was bound and determined to win her over for the chance for at least one date. Wasting no time he sent her a text that night, and another the next and the next night. Until he finally worked up the nerve to surprise her at work with lunch.

Who would have guessed that their friend was right all along, Caitlyn was instantly swept off her feet by his charm.

After almost 4 years of dating Tyler took Caitlyn to a local pumpkin patch where they spent the day enjoy the fall activities. Caitlyn was enjoying herself so much she just about missed the pumpkin carving display against the wall with the words "Will you Marry me" illuminated.

Caitlyn saw an engagement session we did this Fall where the couple bravely waded through the chilly Pacific Northwest waters for some amazing photos. She quickly responded that she wanted those photos.

You never know how a groom is going to react when you ask him to go up to his knees in mucky waters, all while fully dressed. But Tyler was not one to complain, knowing it was important to his bride. That is nothing short of true love.

Caitlyn and Tyler I hope you believe it was worth the few minutes of cold for these amazing photos. Congratulations you guys we can't wait for your Snohomish wedding in June.

Skagit Valley Wedding: Heather and Kenny Lafayette Gardens

"Distance means so little when someone means so much" (Unknown) With Kenny's job separating him from his beautify bride for months at a time the couple wasn't about to waste a minute apart on their wedding day. After breakfast surrounded by their close knit wedding party the two only went seperate ways long enough to get changed.

Heather's mermaid fitted dress with detailed emboridery and beading from David's bridal fit her to a tee.

Heather was not about to say her vows without all four of her sisters standing beside her.

Despite early morning grey skies with sprinkles by the time came to walk down the isle the clouds had rolled away and the sun was shining bright.

From the minute we met Heather we knew we wanted to be a part of her special day. She is just one of those people who you want to go above and beyond for. It was clear that everyone surrounding these two feel the same way from the vendors to their family and firends. Thank you Heather and Kenny for trusting us with capturing your specail day we couldn't be more thrilled for you both.

Venue: Lafayette Gardens
Photographer: S&J Photography
Hair: Once upon a time hair design
Makeup: Angela Pearson MUA
Dress: David's Bridal
Florist: Lafayette Gardens
Coordinator: Events with Kendra
 

Snohomish Wedding: Rachael and Landon Belle Chapel

From the lavender tulle, to the candle lit alter Rachael's elegant inspired wedding was a vision. She looked stunning her in princess styled tulle David's Bridal gown. Landon and Rachael were married in Snohomish at Belle chapel surrounded by 100 of their closest friends and family.

The bouquets were filled with lavender roses and hydrendreas perfectly put together by Haggen's floral department.

After hours of dancing the night away Landon and Rachael made their exit through a constant stream of bubbles and cheers. Have a wonderful honeymoon in Kona you guys! You've earned a few weeks off.

Venue: Belle Chapel Snohomish WA
Photography: S&J Photography
HAMU: Nadia beauty bar
Flowers: Haggens
Gown: David's bridal
 

Wallace Falls Wedding: Nick and Abby

NIck and Abby were married at Wallace Falls Lodge in between rain clouds and bright blue skies.

The paper bouquet purchased off Etsy fetured a heart necklace and diamond ring in memory of Abby's grandmother.

Abby hand crafted her own custom cathedral length veil.

As if the day wasn't special enough Nick's grandparents were also celebrating their anniversary.

Anacortes Wedding: Nik and Karen

Nik and Karen were married on a cliff side surrounded by those who love them.

Karen's bridesmaids flew in from all over, some even just for the weekend, to see one of their lifelong friends get married.

Nik and Karen's ceremony took place at the top of Roasario beach over looking the beautiful Puget Sound.

Skagit Valley Children's photographer: Floral Cake smash

Hard to believe just a year ago I finally got to meet this sweet little girl. It was an instant love at first site during her newborn session. Watching her grow this past year shes still just as sweet and calm as the day I met her. Can't wait to see what a beautiful woman shes going to become right along side her sisters.

Miss L's adorable knit sweater and hand emboridered shirt are hand me downs from her own mama's baby clothes collection.

This custom naked cake with sugar flowers were made by the talented Frosted Cakes and bakes. Contact us on how to get your own custom cake added to your session!

She definitely put the splash in her Smash and Splash session.Continuing with the floral theme we decided on a milk bath instead of a bubble bath and it was a hit.

Happy 1st Birthday little Miss!

Skagit Valley Children photographer: Boy blue smash cake

This little man's mom and I have been talking about photos since before he was born. A year later we were able to finally make our schedules work together. And I'm so glad we did. His session was full of fun but when there's cake how can it not?!
 

Cake by Frosted Cake and Bake
Contact me on how to get your own custom cake for your session!

Happy 1st Birthday big man!

Bellingham Engagement photographer: Ann and Erik

We first met Ann and Erik at a wedding we did this past fall. Just like at that wedding we knew that their wedding was going to be nothing short of a party and we had to be part of it.

Erik and Ann make sure to do everything together including work. And no matter what they do together they make sure they have a blast doing it. This made their engagement session so fun. They were naturals in front of the camera and it was easy to capture the organic true love they have for each other.

Ann wanted her photos to be at her favorite spot in all of Bellingham, the Bellweather Hotel, and I am so glad she did because the spot was just beautiful.

Erik proposed on the first snow fall of the season, and even though the sun was warm and shining during their engagement photos we are praying that the snow falls on their upcoming November wedding.

Skagit Valley Maternity Photographer: Jill

It takes a pretty amazing woman to get up early to stand in the snow and look this good doing it and lets not forget she's pregnant. Best part is I only gave her about an hour to get herself ready with four little ones begging to go play in the freshly fallen snow. 

Not even a week before this impromptu session Jill and I were talking about how we were going to top her last maternity session, taken in August with one of the most beautiful skies I have ever had the privilege of photographing. I joked that we would have to drive a few hours to find snow. Little did we know that the snow would come to us. 

I called Jill to tell her to get up and get dressed as we were taking photos in 30 minutes. She walked out with her make up done, hair curled and in this beautiful gown, from Picture Perfect Bowtique, and everyone's jaw dropped. I knew she was going to look great but she was nothing short of stunning. 

Thanks Jill for being so adventurous with me. 

10 years and counting

Photo credit Mike and Gina Photography

I often think back to being in high school and beginning of relationships when you celebrate every little milestone every month is an anniversary. Anything over six months feels like such a long time together. Fast forward to now when you've been married for years and compared to forever a few years seems like such a small victory. 

Jimmy and I met so long ago that neither of us know exactly when it was but we can guess that I was about 12 and he was around 15. But we know that it was at church, and I can very distinctly remember saying I would love to marry someone just like him someday, though he was not as quick to make that decision.  
My freshman year I asked him to be my date for homecoming, he conveniently "had to work". I now know that was probably the truth as I have heard that a lot through out the years. We only talked a few times over the next few years. Until my senior year I worked up the courage to ask him to go on a double date on valentines day, well to have someone ask him for me, and he once again "had to work"... 
It would be another month before we started hanging out regularly. This time I had learned my lesson and he was going to have to ask me. And just because I could when he finally asked me to be his girlfriend I made sure to tell him no but, then quickly changed my answer.  

He made up for missing my freshman homecoming by taking me to my senior prom, being part of my high school and college graduations and every big event since. 

Photo credits Mike and Gina Photography

It's hard to believe its been 10 years since we made the walk up Mt Erie and he asked me to be his girlfriend. We've been through a lot and I can't imagine anyone else by my side on these ups and downs. I'm pretty sure neither one of us would have ever imagined we'd be where we are today nor can we guess what the next 10 years have in store but all I can say is I can't wait until we are celebrating our 50th. 
Love you Jimmy Lyons thank you for being by my side through it all, you really are the best. 

S&J Photography would like to thank Mike and Gina Aquino with Mike and Gina Photography for our latest family photos used in this blog post. 

Skagit Valley Engagement Photography: Kelsey and Anthony

Anthony may have been at a graduation party for Kelsey's brother but he became more interested in spending time with her. They quickly became inseparable. So lucky to have found each other at such a young age they were able to celebrate many life events together, senior year, prom, high school graduation, and everything that has happened since. 

At the end of a perfect Christmas day Anthony took a minute to sneak away to talk to Kelsey's parents. Though they were not surprised he was still nervous to ask for their permission to give Kelsey one final Christmas gift. With their blessing Anthony returned home to his unsuspecting bride to be. 

We can't wait to celebrate with this adorable couple as they say "I do" after all these years.