This a really special one for us! Paul and Nikki are pregnant! And we had the honor of capturing their desert maternity photos! If you’ve followed our blog for the past few years, or you’re in one of our online photography courses, then you probably recognize these two. They’re some of our closest friends and have been on our blog a lot over the years. We met Paul seven years ago at a Wednesday night Bible study through our church, when we were still teaching elementary school. Up until that time, Paul had been through more than his fair share of storm clouds. For as hard as he tried, he just couldn’t seem to catch a break. That’s when sunshine walked in his life. Her big, beautiful eyes. Her warm, tender heart. Her bright, optimistic, infectious smile. She was the answer, the antidote to his chaos, the healing to his pain, the way God has most manifested His love for Paul: through hers.
As someone wise once said, “When you see a $100 bill on the street, pick it up! Or someone else will.” Paul didn’t waste time.
He was in love. She was in love. They were in love.
Soon, we found ourselves hiding in bushes and behind trees, documenting their surprise proposal on a romantic gondola. The behind-the-scenes recap post of how we pulled it off is still one of our favorites of all time. From there (well, not right from there… but a year later) we flew to Florida for their beach wedding in Paul’s hometown, complete with a beachside engagement session the night before their big day!
Throughout their whirlwind, fairytale love story, we had the pleasure and privilege of being at their side. We’ve had the honor of a front row seat. As friends and photographers. We’ve been there on the hilltops. We’ve been there in the valleys. A few years after they were married, Paul and Nikki decided to start a family; but as with so many couples who want children, the road wasn’t smooth or certain. It was bumpy and winding, sad and scary, full of ups and downs, highs and lows. There were seasons of progress and glimmers of hope, but they were usually followed by unexplainable setbacks and deep sadness… and discouragement.
In the midst of this struggle, and strife, we photographed an anniversary session for them.
It was be the last one we did for them… as a family of two.
Nikki and Paul continued to trust God. They never doubted whether He could bring them a child. They just wondered if He would. One year after those photos were taken, He answered their prayer. They were pregnant.
This summer, Paul and Nikki will welcome their first baby into the world. A sweet little boy. And, we were, once again, blessed to be there to document this full-circle moment, and have a front row seat to witness God’s goodness.
Paul and Nikki, to steal your favorite expression: we love you to the moon and back. We can’t wait to raise our sons together and continue to watch God’s plan for your life and love story unfold… from the best seats in the house.
