A Summer Family Session at Longwood Gardens | The Gillingers | September 1, 2022
Like many of the families I photograph, Ashley and John have been with me through their engagement and marriage at The Barn at Stoneybrooke in 2019 and now as they gain the title Parent. It was wonderful to see them after 3 whole years!!!
Through my experience with John, I can confidently say he is not exactly what people would call a “picture guy.” He’s one of the best of really great guys…but pictures? — Not one of his favorite things.
I don’t know if he’ll remember, but at the end of the night on their wedding day, after the sparkler exit, as people were laughing and hugging goodbye after an evening of fun, he gave me the biggest hug and thanked me for making taking pictures painless for him. It meant the world to me.
Going into their family session I knew that, while he appreciates what I do and he loves his wife enough to smile nice and go through the motions, he still wouldn’t be “excited” about the shoot. This was, of course, true. But, what was different, was the extra *real* sparkle in his eyes when he smiled in the presence of his son, Chase and Ashley, the mother of his child.
Seeing John as a doting father and Ashley as a confident mom, was something *extra* special.
As I culled through the images after their shoot at Longwood Gardens last night, I got a little teary seeing that sparkle in John’s eyes when he looked at his son and his wife. I could see the calm contentment in Ashley. I could see how she felt supported and loved by her husband. I could see how their relationship has shifted and changed now that Chase is in their lives. I saw purpose and meaning solidified for them. It was magnificent to behold.
Ashley and John, gah!!! Your session was lovely. Chase is adorable and you are AMAZING parents. Thank you for the opportunity to capture this fleeting time in your lives. I think Nanna was right, this was mean to be….maternity session with the next baby though! ;-) I hope you love this little sample of photos from your shoot yesterday. And, because I know how hard it is to wait, there will be a surprise in your inbox later today. So, don’t forget to check!
XO - Megan
