Maternity Photoshoot with ELMPhotography

When you envision your dreamy maternity photoshoot and it comes to life before your eyes, holy cow. Edith Liera of ELM Photography knows how to make a pregnant girl feel good. Even in her third trimester, when she can barely cross her legs. And that’s no easy task!

This pregnancy was not easy for me, psychologically. I’ve mentioned it before, but pregnancy after a miscarriage is kind of a crazy thing. You want to get excited about it, but every fiber of your being worries. What was that cramping feeling? Why am I spotting? And the ever present question in my mind: What if I lose this one too?

I tried SO hard to take in every second of this pregnancy with our rainbow baby, but admittedly my heart refused to let me get too attached – even after the first trimester passed, even after viability date passed, and even when my due date passed. I felt scared and excited and wanted to cry and shout with joy. There were, and still are, so many conflicting emotions. 

Because we wanted to keep the sex of the baby a surprise for this rainbow maternity photoshoot, we went with a very dramatic yet classic look.

The Celine Gown from Sew Trendy Accessories was the perfect maternity dress. From the sweetheart neckline, to the lace bodice and tulle detailing, this mermaid gown made me feel like a glamorous movie star walking the red carpet. Because we wanted the gown and my bump to stand out, I kept my accessories to a minimum. For a little nod to my family, I wore the silver bracelet my grandfather specially made me on my 18th birthday, as well as a birthstone necklace. The Mom Birthstone Necklace paid homage to all three of my babies with a birth stone for each: January, July and September. 

Edith finalized the simple yet stunning maternity photoshoot look by giving me the most beautiful retro curls and a dark, vampy lip. I was so honored to have her not only take my photos, but also do my hair and makeup as well! 

The setting could not have been any more perfect.

Idaho Botanical Gardens is a dreamy location with so much to offer. We were surrounded by lush greenery, beautiful flowers and perfect garden structures. I remember it was unseasonably hot, but there was just a “glow” about as we walked around. The sun was setting later than normal, my husband and son were both at home, and it was the first time I really got to focus on my growing belly and the life my husband and I had created. 

A BIG. HUGE. Monumental thank you to Edith for capturing these moments for me. For making me feel beautiful when I didn’t. And for always being willing to work with my crazy schedule. If you are in the Idaho / Oregon / Washington area and looking for a maternity photographer, please get in touch with ELMPhotography! And make sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook to see sneak peeks of her work and to be kept up to date on her availability.