Heckman Family | Lifestyle Session | New Buffalo, MI | Toni Jay Photography
With 2 year old twin boys and a newborn, Jessica + Brian decided to brave the possibility of a downpour and handled themselves like pros. It was windy, chilly, stormy, and we were pretty much the only people braving the Lake Michigan shore this night, and little Eleanor wanted nothing more than to be snuggled up with mom!! And you know what you do when baby wants to be snuggled up with mom? You let baby be snuggled up with mom…and you let her bow fall off while mom and dad laugh with their sons, and you don’t stop the fun and memories to make life look like something it isn’t. There’s a time for that (like those beautiful images of Jessica and Eleanor near the water…ALL the heart eyes!!) but my hope is that in 30 years, they can recall the sound of their laughter, how warm and light Eleanor felt in both of their arms, and they can look at each other with grateful hearts.
If you’re a parent, you know it’s not easy, but these two make it seem effortless. They truly amaze me! We all know there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of preparing for anything with kids, but I love their adaptability to whatever situation they are in! I feel so honored to have photographed their life since the boys were babies. It is so exciting to see how people grow and change, and I love being able to build relationships with these families over the years.
I love shooting in New Buffalo because on a stormy day like this one, you can get two different feels—a blue cloudy sky, where all the colors pop, or you can turn into the sun and get that soft, glowy light. We live in a magical place! (I shared a side-by-side toward the end of what I’m talking about!)
Brian + Jessica — I feel like that saying “hands full, hearts full” is an accurate quote. You are both patient, loving, kind parents who show up for your kids. THAT Is enough!! I truly adore you both; your hearts and your desire to be good examples for your kids. You’re accomplishing that, and it CLEARLY shows on the genuinly happy faces of your children in these photos. When the days are hard, just look at their smiles and innocence in these, and be reminded that you’re both doing an outstanding job.
H, G, and E — Listen to your parents and be kind to each other!! 😉
Warmly,
Toni
