I first got to photograph these two on their wedding day, so getting the call to capture another huge chapter in their lives was pretty special. There’s something about seeing people come back in front of my camera with a whole new reason to celebrate.

This time, we weren’t celebrating a wedding.

Their little family was about to grow.

We spent the evening wandering around Balboa Park, taking things slow and making photos in between the architecture, gardens, and little pockets of pretty light. It was relaxed, sweet, and really just about capturing the two of them in this tiny window before everything changed.

And, of course, she looked absolutely beautiful.

Being my nail girl, I probably should have known there would be a manicure worthy of its own photos. Soft pastel pink, tiny rhinestones, and “BABY AURA” spelled across her nails.

Obviously, we documented it.

It’s all in the little details.

Maternity photos are funny in that way. At the time, you’re documenting a belly, a nursery, a tiny pair of shoes, or even a name spelled out across a manicure. But before long, those little details become reminders of the time when you were still wondering what this brand-new person would be like.

There’s so much anticipation wrapped up in such a short season.

From wedding day to motherhood.

Getting to photograph someone once is wonderful, but being invited back for the milestones that come afterward means even more. I got to photograph the beginning of one chapter for these two, and now I got to preserve a little piece of the one that came next.

Soon enough, Aura would be here. But for one evening, we got to slow everything down and celebrate the waiting.