Rikki Rivera | Photographer » Wedding & Portrait Photography

We met at one of my favorite places to take their maternity photos. Just as we get started, I mean, within literal minutes, the sky goes from partly sunny to shockingly dark. I look out in the distance and make a comment, having to adjust my camera settings quickly. It was 23 rapid succession photos later that the rain came pelting down. We look at each other, I run for my umbrella. We talk briefly, should we embrace the rain? It could be cool. Shoot, we don’t have a plan b, the sun was out this morning! Thinking of baby-to-come, we run to our cars hoping it’ll pass as quickly as it came. We pull next to each other, I roll down my window with rain slamming into me, “How do you feel about doing this at home?” A moment’s hesitation. She’s due soon, this might be our only chance. “Sure,” they say. I’m hoping beyond all hope that I can adjust my expectations and that I’m prepared for this change. Of course I am, I have to be. This will be great.

It worked out better than imagined, I was able to capture so much of the hard work Lauren and Jordan put into their home for their precious baby Caine. From the beautiful nursery, to the What to Expect books front and center on their bookshelf, I was able to document more than just Lauren’s growing belly. Their love is still young, but it’s fierce and deep. It’s a little corny to say, I know, but you can tell when they look at each other. I think that’s my favorite part. You can tell a lot about people that way.

They were able to get comfortable in their home, even with me there. They were able to smile a little softer, relax a little more, and dream of their little boy in all the spaces that make up their home. To think these photos would have been completely different from what they are is nearly heartbreaking. I’m so glad it rained. I love these. I adore their love for each other, their excitement over their baby, and of course, Lauren’s fantastic home decor. Congratulations you two, I can’t wait to see you as parents and snuggle your baby boy soon!

Two years exactly marks the anniversary of our day out on the town in Bellingham to document their engagement, before their wedding that summer. They’re a couple that has that quiet confidence about them, that speaks of their love for one another. They’re great to be around, to talk to, and… to become parents. There is little more fulfilling in this line of work, than getting to document a couple through their journey together. I’ve gotten to explore that avenue with a select few clients that I’ve come to call friends. It’s really an amazing thing to be apart of, most especially from an outsider’s perspective.

Congratulations once more N+J, I am so excited for your journey through parenthood, I know you’ll be truly amazing. Baby Bach is one blessed little girl to have you two as parents.