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Krista Mel Maternity - Crystal Cove
Mommy & Me, Families, Maternity Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families, Maternity Laurel Francis

Krista Mel Maternity - Crystal Cove

There's nothing quite like the feeling of eagerly awaiting your very first little one - it's a mix of excitement, joy, and a dash of nervousness. Sometimes, it has a way of bringing couples closer. And with Krista and Paul, it was oh-so-apparent. Their love shone through every photo, capturing the magic of this special time in their lives.

Just like Krista and Paul, we can't wait to meet their precious little baby. The world is about to get a little brighter, a little sweeter, and a whole lot more wonderful.

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Pease Family at Crystal Cove
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Pease Family at Crystal Cove

I met Ashleigh and her family up at the parking lot, chatted about mermaid birthday parties and car naps. We got a quick shot up at the top and I helped carry sweet Addie down the hill. She told me her shoes were hurting, so i made a deal that i wouldn’t make her walk and I’d carry her anywhere she wanted to go. But as soon as we hit the sand, she completely forgot. What she wanted was to take the pictures for me, so we’d take turns. She gave me the biggest giggles when it was “my turn”, HA! And even though we started our mini session right as the sun set, it gave us the perfect soft light that made their images soooo dreamy.

I loved playing with ALL your kids today Ashleigh and Nate! You two are so sweet together. I love to see you love on your kiddies! I hope you LOVE these sweet moments like I do

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Francis Family at Crystal Cove
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Francis Family at Crystal Cove

I love to be a mom. It is the greatest calling from my Heavenly Father. No matter what I focus on, work on, try to accomplish, I always find myself coming back to the joys of motherhood! When things seem out of whack, I pause and take time with my kids. We bake a treat. We go to the park. We swim in the pool. Having two children that rely on me not only for joy, but for their very lives, teaches me so much of the relationship that I can have with my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

And the opportunity I have to raise these children with my best friend, the love of my life, and best man I know, is nothing short of a miracle.

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Cozy Full Session at the Beach - Hutchison Family
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Cozy Full Session at the Beach - Hutchison Family

We hiked down the stunning cliffs, grabbing all the beautiful shots on the way down. Then we just snuggled, played and laughed! I love how literal little 3 year olds are. When you ask them to do something they do it exactly the way THEY think you mean. Haha! What a silly time we had. With no rush, we just enjoyed each little moment and let the kids guide the session, with added direction from me to get the more relaxed “posed” shots.

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TJ’s simple, neutral cake smash!
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

TJ’s simple, neutral cake smash!

I’m not sure if TJ, or my kids, liked this cake smash session better! HA! My kids and I loved setting up the studio in the morning - we made a little cake, and cupcakes for us to decorate… obviously haha. Then blew up neutral creamy balloons and threw them all over the studio! It was the perfect simple celebration set up with a warm and cozy feel.

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Photos with LEF Photo
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Photos with LEF Photo

As a family photographer, I have the privilege of capturing some of life's most precious moments. From the sweet and tender moments between a mother and her newborn, to the playful laughter of siblings running and playing together - I am there to capture it all.

One of the things I love most about my job is the opportunity to have fun with my clients. I believe that the best photos come from those moments when everyone is relaxed and having a good time. Whether we're playing games, telling jokes, or just goofing around, I always strive to create an atmosphere that is light-hearted and enjoyable.

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In-home newborn session - townsend family
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In-home newborn session - townsend family

The Townsend family has a beautiful home not too far from the beach in San Clemente. It was the perfect, cozy place to welcome their new baby Wels home - he is just the cutest little boy! I was feeling all the feels and loved snuggling with him. His big brother Cal had a harder sense of “snuggling” haha. You could tell he loves his brother, but doesn’t know his own strength. The best part was how much Cal wanted to take pictures. He helped me catch a few and he even used his own camera.

It was so sweet.

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Natural Newborn Photos - Ramsey Family at the L E F  Studio
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Natural Newborn Photos - Ramsey Family at the L E F  Studio

I just adored being with the Ramsey Family! Moniek and I are going to be best friends. Watch. Moniek, her husband, her two bigs and new baby brother all came to my studio in Corona to capture all the special moments of adding a new member to their family! I love, love, love when a mommy gets to start the session off with a little nursing. It’s a sacred and intimate moment between mom and baby that can’t be matched. With my daughter Macy, I was nervous to have that sacred moment photographed. BUT, I am SO glad that I did. I get to hold on to those memories forever. Now, when I photograph mothers like Moniek, I love to capture a brief moment of that special bond. All modest, intimate, and beautiful. Being a mom is AMAZING - let’s celebrate it.

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Celebrating Rainbows, Crystal Cove Beach Family Photos - Jones Family
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Celebrating Rainbows, Crystal Cove Beach Family Photos - Jones Family

I can’t even begin to tell you how meaningful this session was to me. I absolutely loooved meeting up with this sweet family at Crystal Cove State Beach. We had a great time running around and playing together, and sticking our toes in the sand. I think there were two reasons that made this night so special…I’d say the first was the fact that Katie booked a full session instead of a mini. Mini sessions are great, especially when on a budget. But the fast pace nature of it just doesn’t allow for the same connection as a full session does. We caught so many moments of snuggles, play time, and just them.

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Crystal Cove State Park Maternity Photos - Poulson Family
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Crystal Cove State Park Maternity Photos - Poulson Family

Another session that I absolutely drool over, in the books! Courtney reached out to me after seeing some of Montana’s maternity pictures and knew that she needed to get beach maternity pictures done before she and her family moved back to Utah. I was so excited to meet her, and her sweet family at my favorite SoCal beach location - Crystal Cove! Although she had been pretty sick with her baby, Kortney looked stunning and glowed with that anticipation that a mother gets before a baby is born. It was so sweet to see her and Chase love on their sweet one year old, McCoy. He is seriously a sweetie! Happy to play with anyone, but most enamored with his dad! It was obvious that this family loves each other so much, and so excited to have another brother to love on.

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Maternity Photos - Endrina and Vincent
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Maternity Photos - Endrina and Vincent

Endrina was one of my brides from last year, so obviously when they wanted to book a mini session this year, I was so excited! What made it even better, was the fact that when I showed up, Endrina was eight months pregnant! I had no idea!

What a fun surprise to be able to do a maternity session for an old bride . We met up at my favorite truck stop in Corona lol. It’s a funny spot and a one that I’m kind of embarrassed to take people too…but it just looks so beautiful in pictures! With the golden fields and the mountains in the background! You just have to ignore all of the trash while we are there, and know that I will edit it out.

Vincent told me how Endrina is his Miss. Columbia - that all the girls aspire to be just like her. HAHA not exactly what he said, but that was the gist of it (wink)! Endrina is a stunning mom to be! Although she said she was tired and ready to have her sweet baby, and done being pregnant - she looked as stunning and radiant as ever!

We created moments of pure joy, anticipation, and gratitude. You could really tell how much Vincent loves Endrina, and is so excited to have his first baby boy. Vincent is going to be a great dad, Endrina is going to be an amazing mother. They’re sweet baby boy is so lucky!

Congratulations, Vincent and Endrina - I sure love you guys!

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