I met Allison while working out at a local gym after moving home. I had lived in Richmond for five years and was unsure if I would meet any like-minded people in our home town. We both went to the 9:00 am class at Oceanview Fitness and quickly became good friends. I remember how sweet she was upon first impression and was happy to have met someone with a positive perspective.  It’s actually quite funny but I have to admit that when I began writing this blog post, I could not remember where I first met Ally! I knew that we went to the same gym and we worked at a local clothing store called Lucys. We had a lot of interactions but I could not remember where and when I first talked to her. She’s just one of those people that I feel like I have known my whole life.

The reason I feel like I’ve known her my whole life is her complete openness and friendly personality. She is the type of person that when you haven’t seen them in months, they still have the biggest smile on their face and take the time to hello, no matter how busy they are. Allison is a genuine, kinda-hearted person from the core of her being. To all people who know her, she is an absolute sweetheart. She always seems to always be in a good mood, with a smile on her face. Her cheerfulness radiates out to everyone around her. If you know Allison, you are truly blessed.

Allison and I had been in contact for a couple of months before her scheduled maternity session. She knew she wanted a quieter location, so I suggested a couple of my favourite private beaches. We discussed wardrobe, the style of the shoot and any props we would like to include. I asked her if she liked flower crowns, and she suggested pink flowers with greenery. I wanted the flowers to match Ally’s cheerful personality and natural beauty. It just so happened that my mom had pink magnolias and other beautiful flowers in bloom and was willing to help me put the crown and a bouquet together. On the morning of the shoot, my mom and I crafted some beautiful flower crowns and a bouquet for Ally. I drove down to pick her up and we shot her gorgeous maternity session at a private beach not far from my house.

I had so much fun capturing this beautiful moment in Allison’s life. She is going to be a fantastic mother, I have no doubt about that. It was such a pleasure photographing her and spending time with her! I am so excited to be photographing her beautiful daughter, Paisley Mae soon! Stay tuned!