The R Family | Ocean Park Maine Family Photographer

Early this year, I received an email from Megan, inquiring about a photo session with her family, her sister’s family, and her mom, who was in the final stages of lung cancer. The family had plans to travel to Maine in April for some time along the ocean – mom’s favorite spot – and they wanted to take the opportunity to capture the whole family together before she passed. As we all know, the world locked itself down in March, and consequently they were not able to make the trip, and I was not able to travel out of state. I was heartbroken at the loss of the opportunity for this family and even more sad when Megan reached out again to let me know her mom had passed. Megan and her sister Becky decided to bring their families to Maine a few weeks ago, in celebration of their mom, and I was so thrilled and grateful when they asked if I would still take their photos for them. The night of the session, I was a little bummed that the light was flat and boring, but as we walked out to the beach, we were suddenly treated to the most amazing cotton candy skies and beautiful sunset, and we all knew that mom was with us.

If you follow my blog regularly, you’ll know that my family suffered a lot of loss last year, and in a very short amount of time. I believe that people come into our lives for a reason, and the connection I felt to this family was real and beautiful. There was a force behind us finally meeting, even if it wasn’t when we originally wanted.  After our session, I was emotional as I drove home, so grateful to have met them, and beyond honored that they asked me to capture their beautiful connection and love. I hope these photos bring smiles and a reminder of the beauty around them, even in this time of grief.

I have so many favorites from this gorgeous evening, and it was hard to pick a handful for this post. Our time together was full of hugs, laughs, goofy cousins, tears, and joy. I have no doubt that mom was looking down on her family, happy to know they were together, smiling, remembering her, and enjoying each other along the shores of Maine. ❤️