Every time I look at this set of photos, I get goosebumps, I get emotional, I am so happy. There are SO many reasons why these are so special. We always try to visit Maui during our wedding anniversary as we got married on May 28th 2015. The 3 years of dealing with infertility and IVF to get to these photos… you can read about it here if you have not read about our story before. Not only were we able to celebrate our wedding anniversary on this trip, but we got the chance to finally celebrate our rainbow baby. Insert tears. Lots of tears.
We first met Shawn and Adam of Love and Water Photography in 2006 for a sunrise shoot on the island. I had instagram stalked their beautiful photography and scheduled a shoot with them on one of our trips to the island. They had a newborn in toe and I sadly didn’t get to meet Shawn because she was taking care of her little one. We someone ended up keeping in touch every since the shoot and become friends through our phone screens. The day we decided to lock in our babymoon and go in on the fact that this baby was our miracle, I texted Shawn and told her to get her camera ready. I had dreamed of this. Those happy mothers, holding their full round bellies… that was going to be me. I had waited for this for so long. (I also should not be writing this post almost 34 weeks pregnant because I can’t get through a damn sentence without my eyes welling with tears. Blake is going to look over at me and ask what is wrong. HA.) Shawn and I talked back and forth with excitement about finally being able to meet in person and she came up with the most special location for our photoshoot: the spot where we got married. We got married at the Olowalu Plantation House and it continues to be one of the most magical places on Maui for us. To see things comes full circle… we had been trying to get pregnant for 3 years. This full circle moment was just out of this world. We met Shawn, Adam and their amazing little munchkin at the location just before sunrise and it was such a special morning. The best thing about this trip to Maui is that I was finally feeling comfortable in my own skin, embracing my changing incredible body, and just so incredibly happy to be this lucky. If you ever think twice about documenting your pregnancy, DONT. I know there are many days when we all feel like a hot slobby mess but I am telling you, the memories captured are something you won’t regret taking.
After our shoot, we headed to Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop to grab breakfast with our friends. Shawn and Adam are some of the kindest people I have met and I am so happy to be able to call them both friends. What was extra special… is that Shawn is also pregnant with her second little right now. We exchanged preggo war stories of those early nauseas days and already started planning the next time we see each other when our families will be both have grown. While the internet can be a wild place, the power of bringing people from far away places is something I will never take for granted. It’s incredible the kind of friendships, relationships, and places we can be transported to with the simple swipe of an app, or visit to a website. If you are visiting Maui anytime soon, and you want to capture one of those epic Maui sunrises or sunsets, you know where to find Shawn and Adam. Thank you to my Maui friends for capturing our growing family and preserving this moment for us. We are forever grateful.
Photos by Love + Water
wearing: tiare hawaii dress / tiare hawaii dress / tees by tina dress
Rose Pesch-Fakkel - Beautiful!
Awesome!
So happy for the arrival of my grand child!
eat.sleep.wear. - Thanks mama! xo
Jenn - My heart is bursting for you. I came across your blog by chance and started reading about your ivf journey. Thank you so much for sharing. I am coming up to my 2nd fet, the first one was a failure and you have given me so much hope. You look amazing and you and your husbands happiness totally shines from within. I wish you a smooth ride for the rest of your pregnancy and a safe delivery.
eat.sleep.wear. - Thank you for these kind words Jenn and I am so happy you could find my blog to read out story. Wishing you the best of luck with your second FET. I know how hard it is after a failed FET and sending you the best most positive vibes!! xoxo Kim
Rebecca - Those overhead shots are fantastic — as is every photo here. Congrats on the upcoming bundle of life. I wish you the best, beautiful mama.
eat.sleep.wear. - Thank you so much for the love Rebecca! xo