Cancer and Pregnancy: two words that should not be together, but this is one strong mother and let me tell you, she is amazing and she’s got this.

When Alicia first reached out to me about wanting to schedule a maternity session, she shared a little about why she was wanting to do these photos.  It was a bit of a last minute decision, and I was so touched by her story that I immediately reached out.  Alicia was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 20 weeks along in her pregnancy.  She started chemo at 22 weeks, had a little bit of a scare with baby further on (all is good, thank goodness!), her husband was out of town for spring training, and to top it all off, she was in a hit and run accident the week prior.  Pregnancy can hard and a bit scary by itself, but with cancer and everything else going on, too – my heart just went out to his mom-to-be.  I absolutely wanted to take these photos for her and help document this moment in her life, and made sure we could find a date that worked around her chemo schedule so she’s be feeling well enough for a session.

From the moment Alicia walked into the studio, I could tell there was something special about here.  After everything she’s been through, her smile still lights up a room, radiating happiness and positivity.  I arranged for her to have her makeup done in studio before the session with my favorite hair and makeup artist, Caitlin Spah (who is also due with her second baby soon!).  Caitlin brought out Alicia’s natural beauty, and she looked absolutely stunning for her photos.

Alicia brought along some things of her own for her maternity photos, and also used some pieces from my studio wardrobe collection, which included dresses from Free People and Nothing Fits But. I have had so many moms that have loved the jeans and sports bra or white button down lately, and I am absolutely HERE for it!  I think it’s a perfect vibe in studio, and I’m excited to see so many moms owning this look.

The MN Twins posted a great piece on Alicia and Kody’s journey, which can be seen HERE.  I had so many favorites from Alicia’s maternity session, and couldn’t narrow them down so I’m sharing a ton.   She is one strong mother, and I am so excited for her and her husband to meet their little one soon!

Looking to schedule your own maternity session?  Click the contact tab and let’s start planning!