A Friendship Rooted in Love and Faith: Fall Maternity Session at Buffalo Trace
December 8, 2024
Haley and I met in college back in 2014 when we were paired as roommates. Little did I know then that I was meeting someone who would become one of the most important people in my life. From late-night study sessions fueled by snacks and caffeine to endless laughter and heartfelt conversations, our bond quickly grew into a lifelong friendship. Haley is one of the kindest, most genuine souls I’ve ever met. Her unwavering faith and her love for others shine so brightly, and her marriage with Gabe is truly inspiring. Watching them navigate life with grace, faith, and so much love has been such a blessing to witness.
Over the years, Haley has been the kind of friend who always shows up, who listens, and who reminds you of your worth. She’s been my rock in so many seasons, and to now see her step into motherhood has been one of the most beautiful transformations I’ve ever witnessed. Her joy is radiant, her strength is steady, and her love for her baby boy, Jeremiah, is already so evident. I’m overjoyed for Haley and Gabe as they prepare to welcome their first child into the world in just a few short weeks. Jeremiah is already so loved, and I know he will be surrounded by the kind of grace and wisdom that Haley and Gabe live by every day.
A Timeless Maternity Session at Buffalo Trace’s Stony Point Botanical Gardens
When Haley asked me to photograph her maternity session, I was beyond honored. It’s always a privilege to capture these moments, but doing so for one of my dearest friends was an experience I’ll never forget. We chose Buffalo Trace’s Stony Point Botanical Gardens in Kentucky as the setting for the session, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The gardens exuded a serene and timeless beauty that matched Haley and Gabe’s personalities so well.
The setting was breathtaking, with its lush greenery, vibrant fall foliage, and peaceful atmosphere. As the golden hour light filtered through the trees, it created an almost magical glow that wrapped around Haley and Gabe, making every shot feel like it belonged in a storybook.
Why This Location Was Perfect:
- Natural Beauty: The gardens offered a combination of vibrant autumn leaves and rich greenery, creating the perfect mix of seasonal charm and timeless elegance.
- Golden Hour Glow: The soft, warm light added a sense of intimacy and magic, enhancing every moment.
- Seasonal Atmosphere: The warm fall tones made everything feel cozy and personal, complementing the season of new beginnings in their lives.
Capturing Haley and Gabe’s Journey
Haley began the session in a casual and cozy outfit: jeans, a tee, and a soft cardigan that perfectly reflected her down-to-earth personality. This look was so her—simple, effortless, and beautiful. Later, she changed into a stunning sage-green sweater dress that highlighted her glowing bump. The dress, paired with the warm tones of the surrounding autumn leaves, was an absolute dream to photograph.
Gabe’s calm and steady presence throughout the session was a testament to their love and their strong partnership. Together, Haley and Gabe exuded a quiet confidence and joy that was so easy to capture. Every laugh, every smile, and every tender moment was a reflection of the deep bond they share, a bond built on love, faith, and mutual respect.
One of my favorite moments from the session was when Haley and Gabe stood beneath a canopy of golden leaves, the sunlight streaming through as they laughed together. It was such a simple moment, but it spoke volumes about the love they share and the excitement they feel for this next chapter in their lives.
The Story Behind Baby Jeremiah’s Name
As Haley and I chatted during the session, she opened up about the journey to finding the perfect name for their son. She shared with me, “We had such a hard time settling on a boy’s name. We couldn’t ever agree on one we both liked—one of us always disliked it! Finally, we decided we wanted a strong biblical name and started reading from Jeremiah. That’s when we found the name we both loved.”
The name Jeremiah is so fitting for this little boy who is already so cherished. In Scripture, Jeremiah is one of the major prophets, known for his steadfast faith and obedience to God, even when facing great adversity. His life was a testament to hope, repentance, and God’s promises. The name itself means “The Lord will exalt,” which beautifully reflects Haley and Gabe’s deep faith and their desire for Jeremiah to grow up with purpose, strength, and a heart aligned with God’s will.
Hearing Haley share this story reminded me of how intentional and thoughtful she and Gabe are about everything they do. It’s clear that they have already poured so much love and prayer into preparing for Jeremiah’s arrival, and I know their son will grow up surrounded by a foundation of faith and unwavering support.
Tips for a Meaningful Maternity Session
Haley’s session is a perfect example of how to create a meaningful and memorable maternity shoot. Here are a few tips inspired by our time together:
- Choose a Location That Reflects You: Buffalo Trace’s gardens perfectly matched Haley’s elegant and grounded personality. Think about places that feel special or meaningful to you when choosing your session location.
- Time It Right: Scheduling the session during golden hour created the most beautiful, warm lighting that elevated every shot.
- Embrace the Season: Incorporating seasonal elements, like autumn leaves and soft fall tones, added an extra layer of charm and made the photos feel timeless.
- Bring Personal Details: Haley and Gabe’s love for simplicity and faith came through in every aspect of the session, from their outfits to the way they interacted with each other.
Gratitude and Joy
As we wrapped up the session, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s a gift to not only witness such a special chapter in Haley and Gabe’s lives but to be part of it in a small way. Capturing these moments felt like freezing time, preserving the joy, anticipation, and love they already feel for Jeremiah.
Haley has been my rock for so many years, always there with her unwavering love, kindness, and wisdom. Seeing her step into motherhood with so much grace and strength fills my heart with joy. She and Gabe are going to be incredible parents, and I can’t wait to see how their faith, love, and laughter shape Jeremiah’s life.
Ready to Capture Your Maternity Moments?
If you’re looking for more maternity photo inspiration, check out this dreamy session at Blue Mountain Lavender Farm. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, maternity photos are such a beautiful way to celebrate this season of life.
Here are some quick tips for planning your own session:
- Best Timing: Schedule your session when you’re 30–36 weeks pregnant for the perfect bump photos.
- Get Personal: Incorporate locations, props, or themes that reflect your story and personality.
- Relax and Enjoy: The best photos come when you feel comfortable and true to yourself, so let your personality shine!
Ready to book your session? Reach out here to get on the calendar! Keep up with my current work by following me on Instagram for updates, tips, and inspiration!
