This family was so fun to photograph! We met on St. Anthony Main Street one day for photos and within the first five minutes, it began to ~~rain~~ POUR! We tried to make the most of it and take a few photos under a bridge, but I just didn't feel like I could give them the photos we both desired with weather that crummy. So we did a rain-check... literally. The next day we met was perfect! The sun was shining, it was remarkably warm, and we had a blast! Sheppard is almost two years old and also going to be a big brother next month! His little sister is due in December. We decided to do a family/maternity hybrid shoot. A little bit of everything. The first time we got together, Shep was a little shy, so they ended up bringing the most awesome prop for a two year old- BALLOONS! He came right out of his shell and loved to play with the colorful balloons. He also loved throwing rocks into the river and playing tag with mom and dad. They are going to have their hands full when their new baby girl comes! I am so excited to meet her!

They met in college. In their very first college class. It wasn't love at first sight, as they were both already in relationships. But it was a fast friendship. Freshman year was full of study dates, hanging out, and developing an even closer friendship. When sophomore year arrived, they returned to school both single and interested in each other. Jerod worked up the nerve to ask Jen out, but before he got the courage, she surprised him by asking him out! And that was the end of it! They fell head over heals for each other. A few years later, they are happily married. Jen is a nurse and Jerod just finished his residency for Periodontology (congrats!). And most importantly, they are having a baby in just a few weeks (double congrats!!).

When I found out that Jen and Jerod live only a few blocks away from me, I knew that we had to shoot at my favorite local cafe. Java Train is a fun, funky, and kid friendly cafe. I especially love the rainbow umbrellas on the patio and the ice-cream cone graffiti on the side of the cafe! The owners of the cafe are incredibly awesome and even let us shoot a couple photos with their super sweet vintage camper! Love! Then we headed to Como Park for some sweet sunset photos. Jen's mom made the quilt that they are snuggling on. How fun to know that in just a few weeks, that quilt will be snuggling their new baby boy or girl! Jen and Jerod don't know what the gender of their baby is. It's nature's ultimate surprise!

Jen and Jerod, you guys were the perfect clients and you made this maternity session exactly what it should be: fun, exciting, and playful! You guys will be such rad parents! I can't wait to meet your baby girl or boy! Congrats!