Blog | Page 3 of 23 | Olive Photography

Riverdale Park Engagement Photos | Frances & JP

July 28, 2018

Riverdale Park Engagement Photos

They waited until the month before their wedding to do their engagement session for a special reason – their braces were coming off! Both of them had braces and they wanted to show off their newly straight (and we joked, slippery-feeling) pearly whites. Gotta hand it to their orthodontist, their smiles were ACE!

There are some areas of the city where the sunset glows extra bright, and Riverdale Park is one of those places. There’s also a skyling view of the city above the park, and a trail tucked away off the vast green grassy field. It’s a rad place in the almost heart of the city to take some nature-y engagement photos.

We explored, goofed around (including throwback to their youth, striking a Power Rangers pose!), and they introduced me to a game I might have to share with other couples!
The game: Stand with feet planted – they can’t move. Hands out, pressed against each other’s. Goal of the game, throw the other person off balance. The results were super fun & adorable.

I had a tonne of fun with you two – can’t wait for your wedding in less than a month!!

And from the couple themselves!

Love Story:

We met almost 7 years ago at a weekend retreat! 7 years seems like a long time when we put it in writing, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way. Early in our relationship, we actually found out that we “met” each other years ago in 2003 at a summer camping trip because that was the year of the massive Toronto blackout. We’ve experienced most of our twenties together, so it’s been a wild ride navigating through everything as a couple from travelling, to first jobs, to making new friends and losing loved ones, to moving out and also moving in together, to even getting braces at the same time. (Thankfully, we were able to take off in time for the wedding – thank you, Dr. Cho!).

Engagement Story:

In lieu of a proposal, we threw a surprise party for our immediate family and close friends to announce our engagement. (A big shout out to our siblings and parents for helping us plan and document the majority of it!) To be honest, we don’t know that it was much of a surprise. We both live downtown but made everyone drive out to Richmond Hill (where Frances‘ parents’ home is located) and we also asked everyone to dress in “garden attire” (because, pictures). Suffice it to say that “garden attire” is not a real dress code. We did, however, manage to record some great reactions (with a secret GoPro) of a few unsuspecting friends when they showed up and realized it wasn’t just a regular BBQ!

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In-Home Newborn Session | Baby Margot

July 9, 2018

In-Home Newborn Session | Margot

I always find it so exciting to photograph the baby of couples whose weddings I’ve photographed!

This one was no exception to that – I was *so* thrilled when Shelley reached out!

Shelley had what looked to be the most chill pregnancy, birth and post-birth experience. From our conversations, she and Dave were so calm, cool and collected, and they slipped right into their role as parents so naturally. It looked like they were seasoned pros.

We spoke about how Margot has tonnes of amazing facial expressions (including one where she looks like Popeye!), and it was endearing how they spoke to her as though she’s a pal who gets their jokes and is totally on their level. I wonder if that’ll translate into amazing communication skills as she grows?

In any case, we spent some time hanging out in the various zones they usually spend time in, and I got to document them doting on sweet li’l Margot. It was the sweetest.

So amazing seeing you both and meeting Margot, you two! Congratulations again!

Toronto Newborn Photography | Baby Carmen

July 9, 2018

Toronto Newborn Photography | Baby Carmen

Wow, time flies.
It seems like just last season that I photographed Catherine and Alex’s wedding.
Then I remember they had a baby named Simon 2 years ago!
And now, they welcome their second baby Carmen.
It’s been so amazing being there to document each of these milestones for them.

When I arrived I was so excited to see how much Simon had grown! Catherine and Alex mentioned that Simon is usually really shy with new people, but we got along famously. He handed me toys, wanted to check out my camera, held onto me as he tried to take off his shoes – and he kept flashing the most heart-melting smile.

Carmen was super chill. At this stage her personality hasn’t come out just yet but her family sure does love her. Including her big brother who thoughtfully brought a blanket to her from across the room when she lay down to nap – so, so sweet.

And Frank, the family’s pup, followed them everywhere they went. This is a tight-knit love-filled fam.

Here are some photos from our time together <3

Toronto Surprise Proposal Photography | Anthony & Allie’s

July 8, 2018

Toronto Surprise Proposal Photography | Anthony & Allie

Anthony got in touch with me 7 months ago! He was looking for a Toronto proposal photographer and had plans to propose to his girlfriend Allie on a trip they were planning from Cleveland, Ohio, USA to Toronto.

The only caveat: While he wanted the proposal to be a complete surprise, he knew she’d want to change for a photo session afterwards. So, I helped him develop a plan.

The plan: They would check into their AirBnB, and as they entered the living room I would come out of hiding and photograph the big surprise! (Then they could change for more photos outside.)
You can tell from the photos that she was totally caught off guard – he got her good!

Apparently he threw her off completely just 3 days prior when he said he didn’t think they’d be getting engaged for at least another year – she believed him!

After a tearful & super joyful ‘YES!’ they called their parents who were in on the secret. Anthony’s mom had been so excited she emailed me before the session to ask if she could do something special for them. I suggested the idea of ordering a gift basket that could be delivered to my home and I’d bring it over for them. It was so thoughtful of her. And Allie’s mom worked extra hard to keep the surprise a secret (apparently a big feat for her!) and somehow managed to convince Allie to go with her for a manicure before their trip, even though Allie wasn’t into the idea at first. I how excited all their parents were!

This was super duper fun to be a part of, and I’m so happy for them!

Congratulations again, Anthony & Allie!

Grandfather First Look – Special Wedding Moments – Maria & Her Granddad

June 8, 2018

Maria reached out the week of her wedding and told me her 99 year old grandfather, who she hoped would walk her down the aisle, had fallen ill and would not be able to attend the wedding.

Because of his condition, she wasn’t even sure if he would make it to the wedding day, but if he did, she said she wanted to visit him in her dress so he could still be a part of the day.

My heart leapt. Of course I wanted to capture those precious moments.

Documenting memories with loved ones is why I became a photographer.
Weddings aren’t just about the pretty. They are about the connection and love between people.

I thought it was so beautiful that Maria set aside time in what can otherwise feel like a packed, chaotic day, and prioritized what was important to her.
Sure – we could have had more time for detail and portrait photos, but honestly, this was a million times better and more important.

I didn’t think about the hour long commute each way to and from the hospital – whatever needed to be done to make this happen, we would do.

The events of this day felt like they effortlessly flowed into one another. When something happens to a loved one, things get thrown into perspective and there’s a grounding sense of clarity that comes over you.

In the moments leading up to entering the hospital – as Maria and her parents were en route – I wanted to call my grandparents to tell them how much I love them. Thinking about it put a lump in my throat and I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep my composure, so I focused on what we were about to do and resolved to call them after.

As we went in I knew it was important to be unobtrusive when documenting these memories. I decided on no flash, as I felt it would distract from the moment in the intimate hospital room.

Immediately, when he saw her he lit up. They hugged each other and shared an emotional embrace. Writing this I am choking up. It was beautiful.

He quipped, ‘You haven’t changed your mind have you?’, prompting everyone to laugh. He told her not to change her mind – he likes Keegan.

I stayed in the periphery as Maria, her grandfather, and her mother spoke for a while, with held hands and forehead kisses and embraces – fleeting moments I felt so honoured and humbled to capture.

This was absolutely a highlight of my wedding photography career. I am so grateful Maria felt comfortable to share this memory with me, and I hope it brings her and her family a sense of peace and warmth through the years.

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From Maria:

Tell us a bit about you and your now husband!
My name is Maria Donaldson (now Maria Galea) and I’m 28 years old. I was born and raised in Oakville, Ontario and currently live in Toronto. My husband’s name is Keegan Galea and he’s 32 years old. We have been together for almost 8 years! We got engaged in the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway just under a year ago and got married on June 2nd 2018 in Caledon, Ontario. We love to travel and our next big adventure will be moving to Edmonton, Alberta in August for me to attend school at the University of Alberta. I am a registered nurse working in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Hospital forSick Children. I will be taking a program at U of A to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. Very exciting!

Would you be able to describe your relationship with your grandpa?
Mygrandfather’s name is Kjell Renstrom. He is such a kind, loving, and giving person and has always been a huge part of my life. He has lived in Oakville close to my parents for many years and I see him on a very regular basis. When I don’t get to see him, he sends me emails (yes, he is quite computer savvy!) Even at 99 years old he is sharp as a nail, and probably has a better memory than I do! In the last couple of months we have noticed a bit of a decline in his mental sharpness and he has become very frail, so I was constantly worrying if he would make it to the wedding.

Can you tell me us little bit about the circumstances around him not being able to make it to walk you down the aisle?
Six days prior to the wedding my dad called me and said my grandpa had to be hospitalized for what they suspected was pneumonia. I went and saw him the following day at the hospital and his condition was very poor. I was devastated; I had been planning on asking him to walk me down the aisle alongside my dad. I am his final grandchild to get married, and we all knew he would be so moved to walk me down the aisle. At one point, we weren’t sure if he would even hold on until the wedding day, and it was really hard on all of the family.

Describe your visit with him on your wedding day. I can imagine it was emotional for everyone involved.
As soon as reality hit that my grandpa would be unable to attend the wedding, I knew I needed to find a way to see him on my wedding day. My friends and family did such a wonderful job in making this happen. I got up really early to have my hair and makeup done, and then my dad drove me an hour to my parents’ house. I put my dress on with my mom and then we drove to the hospital. My photographer Anastasia Giaouris (Olive Photography) joined us at the hospital and we all walked to my grandfather’s room. I thought I could stay composed, but as soon as I saw him and he saw me we were both reduced to tears. It was such a beautiful moment and you could see it meant just as much to him as it did to me. I was so glad he was completely coherent, and knew exactly who I was and why I was there. I later found out he had been telling people “my granddaughter is getting married today”, so I know I made the right decision.

What did he say to you when he saw you in your wedding dress?
He was so funny, he looked me over and then with a smile said “so you haven’t changed your mind?”. I said absolutely not, and that I loved Keegan so much. He replied “me too”

Is there anything in particular you would like to say about your grandfather or that moment?
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the support and love of my grandfather. He cares so deeply about his grandchildren, and we all love him so much. Going to see him may have made my day a lot more hectic, but it was so important to me, and I am so glad that I did it. I am also incredibly grateful for Anastasia, who went above and beyond as a wedding photographer to capture this incredibly important moment in my life.

Airship 37 Wedding – Kwan Yu & Jimmy

June 8, 2018

This stylish, fun, sweet pair has been together almost a decade.

They had a relaxed, totally awesome downtown Toronto wedding at Berkeley Events’ Airship 37.
The vibe of the day was totally chill, yet somehow still refined.

So many smiles, so much love, including during their first dance when everyone started chanting their names. It was a glorious day!

Here are some highlights, and you can read more about their special day from the couple themselves at the bottom of the post 🙂

From the couple!

What is your wedding theme / style / colour palette? Why did you choose this?
Our wedding theme is very clean, fresh and classic with our colours being light grey, white, and green. We were inspired by our venue to go with this theme and it really suits our personalities since we’re no fuss people (for the most part!) We wanted a very simple, and classic wedding one that we could look back and remember as being timeless.

What were you looking forward to most?
We’re most looking forward to getting married! We’ve had about a year and a half to plan, and we are ready! I’m also excited for the first look and to be able to call Jimmy my husband 🙂

Venue: What made this venue the one for you?
We knew this was our venue as soon as we saw the white walls, cement floors and simplicity of Airship 37. It’s simple yet unique and gave us some really great vibes. I also love that they have the airbus, and the outdoor area that we can incorporate into our wedding details.

Photographer: How did you know you had found the right photographer?
I first heard of Anastasia when she was the wedding photographer for my friend Olivia’s wedding. I fell in love with Anastasia’s photography style and her laidback and easy going personality. I started following her on Instagram and just loved all of her photos and knew that we would have to ask Anastasia to photograph our wedding. She was the first vendor we booked!

Any words of advice for couples planning their wedding?
We had about a year and a half from our engagement to our wedding day, we booked vendors, figured out details little by little and so the task of planning a wedding didn’t seem as daunting. Have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff, try to remember big picture the day is about the two of you getting married!

Vendors:

Bride’s Dress Designer: custom made dress!
Bride’s Shoes: Karl Lagerfeld
Stationery: designed by bride
Groom’s Suit: London Bespoke Club
Groom’s Tie: London Bespoke Club
Bridesmaid’s Attire: Lulus
Wedding Planner/Stylist: Day-of-coordinator Meagan Holden from Siren Designs
Venue: Airship 37
Flowers: Cool, Green and Shady
Hair: Jessica Berswick from Daughter of Oz
Makeup: Sarah Sumnauth
Photographer: Olive Photography

Miller Lash House Wedding | Neha & Jeff

May 2, 2018

This was my very first time photographing an Indian wedding – little did I know I was in for such a treat. So many vibrant colours and beautiful traditions! Because Jeff comes from a different background, the symbolism of each step of the ceremony was explained which helped to really appreciate how beautiful the rituals truly are.
Also truly spectacular is the warmth and deep sense of love and gratitude this couple exudes. There were of course many smiles, but also many tears as their hearts flowed openly from the joy of the day.

Miller Lash House was the perfect choice for their wedding – the front courtyard was ideal for the pre-ceremony events (when the families embraced each other – ugh my heart!), the back lawn that faced the vine-covered Miller Lash House main building was so great for the ceremony, and their outdoor tent was fantastic for their al fresco reception. And, as if the venue wasn’t already perfect, the surrounding nature was the icing on the cake for portraits.

I won’t say more since they open up about their special day at the bottom of the post – so here are some highlights from their wonderful multicultural wedding day!

So, so beautiful, wasn’t it?
Here are some words from Neha & Jeff!!

Your Love Story: How did you meet? Do you have a sweet proposal story?
We met at work, dated on the down low for 2 years and then got engaged in Berkeley, California during my 2nd year of MBA. Jeff flew down to my student house secretly, coordinated with my roommates so that he could be in the house to light it up with candles and created a beautiful scrapbook album full of photographs of our favourite memories. He proposed when I got home from a long day at school, running on 2 hours of sleep from the previous night. It was deeply touching.

What is your wedding theme / style / colour palette? Why did you choose this?
It’s an Indian wedding. Living in North America, I appreciate my Indian heritage and am really holding on to what I know since I know so little. That said, I don’t identify 100% with indian culture, so the wedding is our best attempt at representing all the aspects I know and love as well as the western traditions that we both identify with as Canadians. We have left the colour up to the guests and wedding party since Indian weddings are so colourfully celebratory. The florals/background will feel very fresh and green with white, fragrant flowering. The flowers are mainly jasmine as a nod to what its like to walk through an Indian market where they sell strings and strings of jasmine that women buy to wear in their hair daily.

What 3 words best describe your wedding?
Authentic, Warm, Chic

Venue: What made this venue the one for you?
There are no other venues that have such beautiful greenery and such an understated elegant décor in the GTA. The house format is really welcoming and warm and we love greenery and florals and wanted to be surrounded in it. Also, if it were possible, we would have gotten married out of our families houses, which is what this invokes.

Photographer: How did you know you had found the right photographer?
She was really down to earth and genuine and a warm person herself. She also prioritized moments over poses and overly planned compositions which felt like perhaps we could come across like our real selves in the photos. The photos also looked warm and had a good design aesthetic despite the lack of overt posing.

Any words of advice for couples planning their wedding?
Start with at least 3 to 5 days of planned “think” time with your partner. So that you “plan the work, then work the plan”. Also avoid having your engagement be spread over life changing times (i.e. school, while geographically separated, a big move or a career search < we had all four!!!). Try to plan your proposal/engagement so that it’s the only big thing you’re planning and then enjoy that process – it’s actually super fun.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Warning: It’s going to be chaotic (re: Indian weddings) but super super fun. ☺
Thank you!

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Loved this outdoor wedding? You may like this one too!
Interested in chatting about your own wedding? I would *loooove* to hear from you! You can contact me here!

Berkeley Church Wedding | Irini & Marshall

April 17, 2018

Berkeley Church Wedding – Irini & Marshall

To say that photographing this couple has been so much fun would be un understatement.
From the day we met, I knew we’d get along famously. They are so much fun. And just such great people.
I photographed their engagement session at their epic Muskoka cottage, and their wedding was held at the beautiful Berkeley Church in downtown Toronto.
A beautiful Winter wedding that warmed my heart right up.
Here are some highlights from their special day, along with some insights from the couple themselves at the bottom of the post!

Here are some super awesome reflections from the newlyweds!

Your Love Story: How did you meet? Do you have a sweet proposal story?

Ri says:

Marshall and I went to Western together and finished the same business program. We knew each other in university but we only really connected about 3 years ago when we both moved to Toronto post graduation. We were both newly single and both swiped right on OK Cupid. We are an OKC success story! I thought it was all hilarious.

We went on our first date and I thought Marshall remembered me from university (like I remembered him from class) and about 30 min into our date I realized he had NO idea who I was. 3 bottles of wine into our date we sorted it all out. 3 months into dating I went up to Muskoka to his family cottage, met his family, and on our drive back in his 1990s bright yellow mustang I decided I’d marry this guy…as he was singing John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ from the top of his lungs. 3 years later Marshall proposed and we started planning our wedding.

Marshall says:

When thinking back, I do remember Irini from class together, but I will admit, I had no clue who she was on our first date. But when a cute girl “hearts” your profile, it can only mean good things! After realizing we had mutual friends, I couldn’t help but bring it up on our first date… only to begin the journey down the rabbit hole of what was the origins of our modern love story!

Irini says she fell for me when we were driving back from the cottage later that summer, but the truth is, she first fell for me at the end of our first date together. We were walking back to her apartment at Church and Wellesley (the heart of the village), and there were a lot of unsavory drunk individuals wondering the streets. I turned to her and grabbed her hand and said “I’m never letting you walk home alone again”! From there our adventure took off together as we began to discover what made each other tick.

For me, it was the moment I fell in love with her baby cows (little dogs, Milo and Elsa). You see, I’m not a Dog person. In fact, I’m not an animal person in anyway. When Irini first told me she had dogs currently staying with her mother, I was skeptical to say the least, putting that emphasis on “her” dogs. I thought maybe they were just her childhood pups who I’d only have to see when visiting the in-laws. When Milo and Elsa finally moved back in with her a few months later, I realized how wrong I had been and that one of my worst nightmares was coming true… falling for someone with dogs! But that was also one of the best moments of my life too. For one, it’s the day I met my amazing puppies! But more to the point, it’s the day I decided that this was the girl to conquer my fears with; that this was the person who I wanted to go on life’s adventures with, and this was the soul that I wanted to share a family with.

What is your wedding theme / style / colour palette? Why did you choose this? The wedding theme is whimsical. We didn’t specifically choose it- we started building a wedding that felt authentic to who we are as individuals and to our relationship and it evolved into a very romantic whimsy affair. We wanted our guests to feel the love in the air and to be relaxed and enjoy the celebration and love in general. The color palette we selected is steel blue with raspberry accents to compliment the time of the year but also bring in some warmth where possible (because we don’t want the whole wedding to be focused on the snow outside).

What 3 words best describe your wedding? Whimsical, romantic and chic.

What have you been looking forward to most about your wedding day? Oh my god- everything! Getting ready with the girls, seeing my whole outfit come together (finally), the reveal (!!!), the ceremony! And the party…but we’ve thrown parties before. I’m excited for everything before. Marshall is pumped to get ready with the guys at the barber shop, to see me (duh), and for the party (couse he lives for hosting and loves seeing people enjoy themselves).

Venue: What made this venue the one for you? I found the venue online and I KNEW it was the one for us. It has so much character and charm I fell in love with it right away. I wanted something that could speak on its own and didn’t need decorating and pretty’ing up. The lighting in Berkeley is incredible, the acoustics as well and the space is just so magical that we knew getting married there would capture the essence of what we wanted our wedding to be.

Photographer: How did you know you had found the right photographer? We looked far and wide for a photographer and we wanted someone who would take an interest in us as a couple and as individuals, someone that was passionate about the craft and someone who’s photo style we liked. This proved to be quite a difficult feat. After meeting with approx. 15-20 photographers in the city we shot an email to Anastasia and hoped for the best. As soon as she welcomed us in her kitchen and we had a quick chat (and by this time we were just about ready to start looking at photographers in different cities) we looked at one another and knew she was the one for us. We could tell right away that photography wasn’t just a job to her- it was her passion, and that translated clearly into all of the photos we had seen in her portfolio. Our conversation with her was easy and carefree and we agreed that she not only understood the direction we wanted to take our wedding and memories, but also that we could entrust her with the job and that she would be a calming guiding presence on our wedding day (when spirits are high all around).

Any words of advice for couples planning their wedding? Have a short engagement period – the longer it is, the more choices and obstacles will come up (in all aspects- family, logistics, etc.) that you will have to address. And enjoy every part of it because it flies by and you don’t get to do it again!

Anything else you’d like to share? A wedding is a LOT of work.

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VENDORS:
Photographer: Olive Photography
Ceremony Venue: The Berkeley Church
Reception Venue: The Berkeley
Videographer: Elle&Be Films
Bride’s Dress Designer: Theia Bridal
Bride’s Dress Shop: Sash & Bustle
Veil: Etsy- Rebecca Walker Designs
Bride’s Shoes: Christian Loubutin
Other Accessories: Fur Stole- Luxury Vintage Girl (Etsy)
Stationery: Captain Printworks
Groom’s Suit: Indochino Groom’s Tie: Tie Bar
Groom’s Shoes: Steve Madden
Bridesmaid’s Attire: Etsy- Ren’s Bridal
Church Planner: Kathy Lee (day of)
Flowers: Hello Midge
Cake: The Rolling Pin
Hair: Studio 67
Makeup: Makeup by Olena

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So much love,
Anastasia
Anastasia Giaouris

olivephotography.ca
@OlivePhotoTO
facebook.com/olivephotographyTO

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Love downtown weddings? You may want to check out this one and this one!

Looking for a Toronto wedding photographer? Getting married? Get in touch! I’d love to hear from you!

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Wedding | Matt & Kathleen

April 13, 2018

Kathleen and Matthew got married at a unique downtown Toronto wedding venue: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse. It was a lovely intimate Winter affair – about 60 of their nearest and dearest gathered to celebrate their nuptials – and play some board games! Such a fun idea for cocktail hour.
Here are some highlights from their day, as well as some word from the newlyweds at the bottom of the post <3

Some words from the couple themselves!

Your Love Story: How did you meet? Do you have a sweet proposal story?
We met in high school and didn’t really talk to each other until 2nd semester. I was attending a new high school for a fifth year to improve my marks. We hit it off at a Stars concert in 2nd semester with some friends. The irony was, we were invited to the concert by people who were interested in us. However, we were the ones that ended up together. We dated long distance during our university career and have continued to work on our relationship until deciding to make it official with the wedding. We do not really have a sweet proposal story, we sort of just decided this past fall to make it official.

Wedding theme/style: rustic

Wedding colour palette: green, brown and white

What 3 words best describe your wedding? Fun/celebratory, easy-going/casual and DIY (where possible).

What have you been looking forward to most about your wedding day? Getting married and celebrating with our friends and family

Any words of advice for couples planning their wedding? Be prepared to spend more than you think. Listen to others who have been through the process

VENDORS:
Bride’s Dress Designer: Vintage Bride
Bride’s Dress Shop: Vintage Bride
Bride’s Shoes: Long and Tall Sally
Groom’s Suit: Indochino
Groom’s Tie: Indochino
Groom’s Shoes: Sears
Ceremony Venue: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
Reception Venue: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
Flowers: Sheridan Nurseries
Cake: Jackie Mahoney
Hair: Taz Kassam
Makeup: Taz Kassam
Photographer: Olive Photography

Toronto Newborn Photographer | Baby Sophia

April 12, 2018

Toronto Newborn Photographer – First Days With Sophia

I received a phone call from Nick and Steph – They were home with their beautiful new baby Sophia and realized they really wanted to have photos of their first days with her. Luckily, since it was a less busy time of year for photography (Winter – brrr), I was able to visit them in their home two days later.

They had been home with Sophia for just over a week. They mentioned they were quite tired, but you could also see how much love they had for this journey they’d embarked on.

They held her gingerly, kissed her forehead, booped her cute li’l nose and marvelled at how small her hands and feet are.

During the first while as new parents I know there’s a lot to adjust to, so I’m glad I could visit them at home and help make getting photos of this time easy for them. And in the future I know it will be nice to have photos taken where they spend most of their time during these days.

Here are some frames from our sweet session together. Welcome to the world, baby Sophia!