As photographers, our job is fundamentally intimate. The moments we get to be a part of with our cameras is truly extraordinary—from the first kiss as husband and wife to an amorous embrace between fiancés, from maternity moments between parents-to-be to the first several hours of a baby’s life. It is a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously to capture these brief seasons of deep, unfathomable love between humans. To preserve the expressions we eventually grow out of. To provide images that remember what life was like back then.
This day was one of those days that really put into perspective why we do what we do. Our sweet friends, Megan & Danny, welcomed their first baby girl, Elizabeth Marie, on Thursday, February 21, 2019, coming in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 19.5 inches tall, with big beautiful eyes and the first signs of red hair. As I’m (Angela) sitting here looking at these photos, preparing them for this post, and just overall ruminating on this Gilroy newborn session, it’s hard to hold back tears. In preparation for this, I took a look back at Megan & Danny’s Christmas Hill Park maternity session, and my heart just leaped with happiness. I remember that day, talking about Danny’s battle with cancer, the sacrifice and loss they both experienced, the fear and the faith. And to be in the presence of this new life that is a testimony to their courage was overwhelming.
Elizabeth Marie, known as Ellie to her closest friends (which is going to be everybody, obviously), loves to be held, loves to be swaddled, and loves the camera. She definitely is a daddy’s girl, perfectly content wrapped up in Danny’s arms as he goes about his day. Megan is a natural, calming and comforting for her daughter when she needs it. These two were made for parenthood. Their Gilroy newborn session was a perfect depiction of the life Ellie will have with two parents who love unconditionally, who are best friends, who make sacrifices and carry on in faith no matter the cost.
I am so thankful for this family. We are often touched by our clients’ stories, how they met, the life they have lived and their dreams for their future. Danny’s cancer could have easily removed kids from the story of the Bennetts, but he and Megan didn’t give up. Sacrifice upon sacrifice led to this beautiful baby girl who will grow up knowing she is a testimony to the healing, redeeming power of God, and the faith her parents clung to when all else seemed lost. We are praying with all our hearts that Ellie will look back at her Gilroy newborn session someday and her parents’ Gilroy maternity session with her in her mama’s belly and know that she is loved, that she is fought for, that she is always worth it.
Megan & Danny, you are a blessing to us. We only hope these photos will be a blessing to you, but we truly truly believe that in so many ways, your story has been a bigger blessing to us. We are always praying for you two, for health and love, that your marriage is ever stronger for your family. We love you both and can’t wait to see how little Ellie grows and fingers crossed for crimson ringlets like her beautiful mama!
Love,
A&M
