Ellese's Mama VIVIFY Session
“When I looked at my photos I instantly smiled. Krista captured my pregnancy in a way that simultaneously made me look so strong and beautiful, which is exactly how I think every woman should feel.”
I had the pleasure of capturing a truly special moment for a remarkable woman named Ellese. She first reached out to me, inquiring about a Mama (maternity) Vivify session, with her due date set for early October. Inspired by a friend’s experience from the previous season and driven by a desire not to miss out on celebrating her body’s incredible journey this time around, Ellese’s story resonated deeply with me.
Ellese’s first pregnancy, much like mine, occurred during the pandemic. Both of us felt the sting of being robbed of the opportunity to fully celebrate that precious time. The Mama Vivify sessions I offer often include older siblings, creating beautiful family memories that highlight the joy of expanding families. However, there was something uniquely special about Ellese’s wish to focus solely on herself and the baby she was carrying. Both pathways are special in their own right, capturing the intimate bond of the entire family or focusing on the unique connection between a mother and her unborn child. Ellese’s choice underscored the deeply personal nature of her journey.
After our initial phone conversation, Ellese asked to see my dress collection in person. This is a popular choice for clients who want to feel fully confident in what they’ll wear. Meeting face-to-face turned out to be especially meaningful. During our time together, Ellese shared that her second pregnancy was very different from her first. As a medical professional, she often felt frustrated and worn down by the fear-based information that surrounded her. Even with her knowledge and access to data, it was difficult to find ease and calm in her pregnancy journey. I so admire her courage and resilience in moving through it all. I’m grateful to share that her pregnancy progressed safely and healthily.
We began our session in a quiet field beside the river, where the light drifted through the grasses just so. Ellese moved gently through the tall foliage, her dress brushing the late-summer wilds. Her floral crown was made of rust-red Cremon Mums, papery sea lavender, and wild greenery — a blend that carried quiet meanings of resilience, calm, and renewal. Together, these rich colors and their symbolism felt like a soft invitation into the slow, steady shift from summer into fall.
Ellese’s confidence grew steadily throughout our time together. I remember near the end of our session, as the light softened and slowed, everything felt still and deep. Her dress folded around her like water itself, moving with the gentle current of the river. The water cradled her, a quiet link back to the earth and the rhythms of nature. It was a simple, powerful moment — serene and alive, much like pregnancy itself.
Our session with Ellese was a reminder of why I keep showing up for this work. To witness the real, layered stories of motherhood — its fierce tenderness, its wild grace — is a privilege I carry with care. Thank you, Ellese, for trusting me to be part of your path.