Last week, I had the sweetest honor of photographing Ellie and Joe Simon with their two little ones, Callum and Lucy. This sweet family holds such a special place in my heart. I have taken Ellie’s photos for years, watching her grow up! Then I got to capture Joe and Ellie a few years ago when I photographed their engagement and wedding, and later I got to capture their Christmas photos. To now document this new season with baby Lucy, felt like the most beautiful next chapter of their story.
This session was especially meaningful because Joe gifted it to Ellie for her birthday. I love when photo sessions are given as gifts. They become more than just pictures; they’re a celebration, a way of saying “this moment matters.” We’d been planning it for months, and I couldn’t wait to see them again.
The night of the shoot, I hit unexpected traffic and watched my ETA creep later and later. With two young kids waiting, I could feel the stress rising… I didn’t want bedtime to bump too close or for the evening to feel rushed. I called Ellie, and with her usual calm and easy going spirit, we quickly pivoted to a closer spot. Ironically, it ended up being the very place my own family had just done our photos a few weeks earlier! It felt like such a gift, a familiar, beautiful, and perfect place for everyone.
As the sun sank lower, the late summer light draped everything in gold. Ellie moved with such carefree grace, holding Lucy with a gentleness that made me smile behind the camera. Joe was playful and steady, scooping Callum up and spinning him around, his laughter a testament to his joy in fatherhood. Baby Lucy was all softness and sweetness, perfectly content in her mama’s arms, while Callum raced and flew, thrilled to have his parents’ attention.
The whole evening reminded me why I love family photography so much. Life with little ones rarely goes according to plan… there are detours and delays, snacks and bedtime negotiations. But within the chaos are these golden slivers of beauty: a mama’s radiant smile, a dad’s joy in playing with his kids, a new baby’s tiny fingers curled tight.
Ellie and Joe, thank you for inviting me back into your story and letting me document this season. Watching your family grow has been the sweetest privilege.
Here are a few of my favorites from the Simon family session.
