Today’s tidbit: “When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” — Helen Keller 

This was a special photo shoot! Not only was it for a friend but it was also a surprise!

A little background: Once I transferred to GMU and changed my major to graphic design {read more}, I started to get involved with a lot of groups, like AIGA–GMU student group and AIGA–DC chapter. I got to know the dedicated design students and made some wonderful friends, a handful of which I still keep in touch with on a weekly basis. Among those are Lindsey and Ayn. We grew close with mutual classes and AIGA events, and have remained in touch since graduating. A lot has certainly happened since then, from moving and jobs to babies! Lindsey had a beautiful boy, Blake who will be 2 years old this September. Ayn is pregnant with a baby girl, Amelia who should be making her appearance into the world this week or next!! For now I am sticking to Sammy, my fur baby, but I have loved being apart of these huge moments and sharing in their excitement.

Sneak peek images:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

As I mentioned above, this was a surprise photo shoot for Ayn. Lindsey and I were unable to make Ayn’s baby shower in June so we wanted to do something special and make it up to her the beginning of July! Lindsey and I planned a fun Sunday afternoon in Del Ray, a charming neighborhood in Alexandria, VA. We met for lunch, which was the only thing Ayn knew. After a nice lunch catching up we walked over to surprise 1: Bellies & Babies, one of Lindsey’s favorite consignment boutiques. As their website says, “Bellies & Babies is an upscale consignment boutique specializing in maternity and children’s clothing on the family-friendly Mt. Vernon Avenue—the heart of Del Ray, Alexandria.” The boutique is in the cutest little house with the upstairs divided into 3 rooms, which has maternity clothes, boys clothes and girls clothes. We all had fun digging through the hidden treasures. I can’t count the number of times we held up a little girls outfit saying, “Awwwww!” Once Ayn had a good pile of adorable clothes picked out and narrowed down, Lindsey and I told her surprise 2: we were buying all her chosen goodies.

The surprises didn’t stop there though! We then proceeded to tell her that we knew she didn’t have any professional pictures taken and if she was up for it surprise 3: afternoon maternity photo shoot, which she was already dressed perfect for. Lindsey was a wonderful art director and helped pick out places to take pictures as we walked around Del Ray. From Bellies & Babies and gorgeous flowers to a bold blue brick wall and ice cream shop we found many unique spots. Ayn looked beautiful and was a trooper in the summer heat!

I loved capturing these moments and spending the afternoon with these 2 {soon to be 3} incredible ladies!

One thing I have learned since graduating is that life throws things your way, some of which are rough and/or unexpected. We have all had our fair share but it’s the supportive friends and family that you can lean on who make it easier to bounce back and move on. Something good comes out of everything you once saw as bad, you just have to be patient to figure it out sometimes.

I treasure true friendships and was thrilled Lindsey and I could do something really special for Ayn. She hasn’t had the easiest time and I think this was exactly what she needed!

Ayn, I hope you enjoyed the surprises and these photos as much as Lindsey and I enjoyed planning and spending the day with you {and baby girl}!! I am so excited to meet Amelia, and perhaps do a newborn photo shoot!

Happy Wednesday!