A Blessing To Behold
I am giving this blog thing a shot and thought this session would be the perfect one to start with!
I got to know the Riley Family in 2023! Our kiddos attend the same class at daycare and I learned of Taylor's brave fight with Breast Cancer through a fundraiser that the school held for her! I also held a fundraiser for her to show support and raise funds! Taylor has been through so much and as a result of the Breast Cancer treatments, unfortunately lost her hair.
I held a Session Giveaway in the fall of 2023 and Taylor was selected as the winner! I felt she not only needed this, but DESERVED THIS after everything she had been through. We had originally selected a session with the Sunflowers at Fausett Farms in Dawsonville! A beautiful location and with the sunflowers having a symbolic meaning as well! Sunflowers always point towards the sun! No matter the location, the sunflowers will turn towards the sun until it sets! I thought this was fitting for Taylor! Although she was going through a difficult and dark time, her positivity and light shined through! She always kept looking toward the light! Unfortunately, we weren't able to have the session with the sunflowers, but boy am I so glad that we didn't!
Spring 2024 rolled around and I had been offered the opportunity to shoot the Peach Blossoms at the beautiful BJ Reece Orchards in Ellijay, GA! The Peach Blossoms only bloom once per year and it is a HIGHLY sought after opportunity by photographers and their clients! I was so thrilled to be offered the chance to capture the beautiful blooms! I shared the opportunity with the hopes that Taylor had the same excitement for this location as I did! We must've been on the same wave length, because she reached out immediately for this session! I was thrilled at the opportunity to capture her story and her adorable little family! We began the styling process of selecting outfits for everyone from my Complimentary Client Closet! I was over the moon that she selected one of my new gowns, Flora! A beautiful blush floral gown with elegant puff sleeves! The perfect dress for Spring!
The date of their session comes and it is a GORGEOUS spring day! The sun is shining, the sky is a stunning blue, and there is a slight breeze! Absolute perfection for a session! As my first styled session of the year, I will admit, I was nervous. I felt the pressure of this session and more so, capturing this beautiful warrior mama as she once saw herself. I wanted to capture her grace, strength, and resilience along with her role as mama. Taylor and her family arrive and all of my nervous jitters disappear! I am in my element! We get outfits changed and head off to the orchard! The second that Taylor put the blush floral dress on, I immediately saw her confidence shift. She felt beautiful and it showed! Their session was so natural and so easy!
As I'm shooting this lovely family, the symbolism overpowers me. Although we had a session scheduled in the Sunflowers the previous fall, the session being held in the Spring in the Peach Blossoms holds so much more power!
- Spring is symbolic of new life, rebirth, new beginnings, and new blessings. A new beginning for Taylor in her cancer recovery.
- Pink Peach Blossoms to honor Taylor's fight with Breast Cancer.
- A Sunset session signifying that each day, despite the hardships, can end beautifully!
I held it together until we made our way back to my car to change outfits. Taylor shared some very kind words with me that I truly appreciated. Although I myself have struggles, I try so hard to be a good person and bless those as I'm able, that also are falling on hard times. Once we parted ways and I was alone at the orchard, I walked through the Peach Blossoms just soaking in the blessing that I had just received. One of grace, rebirth, and strength. I have a great appreciation that I am able to bless others and capture their powerful story!
