Getting married and having a baby are probably two of the biggest milestones to experience in life, and I am lucky enough to photograph them both, along with so many other moments to celebrate. It is such a joy to be a part of a couple’s wedding day, and then to continue capturing their lives as they start a family. Raina and Michael will always have a special place in my heart, because their wedding day aligns with a milestone in my own life. One June 1, 2012, I quit my office job forever to to pursue photography full time, and on June 2nd, I photographed Raina and Michael’s wedding day. Four years later, and I can still remember both of those days so clearly! The Hooper’s wedding day at Brookside Farms was such a joyous, laid-back celebration with so many family and friends, and it made me fall in love with photographing weddings. When Raina shared that she and Michael were expecting a baby boy this fall and they wanted to invite me to their home in Shaker Heights for a lifestyle newborn session, I was over the moon! Such an honor to capture these moments as a new family, and to meet the new little guy: Anson Lloyd Hooper.
I took one glance at Baby Anson and did a double take – he looks JUST like his daddy!! A lot of times I don’t think you can really tell which parent a baby looks like when they are just born, but Anson is a mini-Michael for sure! Raina is a super talented interior designer, and wait until you see the nursery! They went with an animal theme, but a little different then the traditional animal theme. This nursery is cozy and welcoming, with so many fun prints and textures and pops of color. Vendor links to all nursery decor is listed below! Baby Anson was WIDE awake for his entire session, he was just NOT interested in sleeping whatsoever! But that’s ok, I always love when babies peek open their sleepy little eyes for some photos – Anson just decided to be awake for all the excitement! Enjoy some of my favorite moments from this lifestyle newborn session, I know you’re going to love this one. Congratulations Raina and Michael!!
Furniture
Bedding
Crib and Dresser are the Providence Collection
Glider and ottoman are Little Castle – Manchester
Pillows
Fitted sheet
Mobile
Floor blanket
Felt animal heads
Restoration Hardware Baby & Child
Market bins and wall boxes
Rug
Ceiling fan
Scrapimals Art by Christine Weigand
A little teaser yawn, but no sleeping for this babe! Haha!
These framed art pieces are made by an artist in Peninsula, OH! The animals are created from little scrap pieces of paper!
What a beautiful mother you are, Raina!
Michael’s grandmother embroidered this Bambi blanket for him when he was a baby, and seeing little Anson on it is so special!
Somebody finally decided to take a little snooze!
Congratulations Hoopers! You are one beautiful family!
Wow! How beautiful.
Beautiful memories made with each new day of a wonderful new life as parents ????
All the best to you,
Michele