{family} The Tadley Family

I don't know who said it, but the quote, “If you don’t take the risk, you’ll lose the chance” comes to mind when I think of the Sunday morning I met Stef and Tom at the Willows at Villanova. The day before and the morning of our photoshoot were rainy. It was the misty type of rain....the kind you can barely see, but your hair definitely reacts. We risked it because if we didn’t, we might have lost the chance for these beautiful moments. By the time we got to the Willows, the rain had stopped (and Stef’s hair looked perfect). It was a little dreary, and there was just enough brightness to highlight and illuminate the Tadley family.

Stef and Tom are an amazing couple. They are laid-back, down-to-Earth people that are not only fun to hang out with, but are also extremely sweet. Their sense of humor is so refreshing and their (almost) two year old daughter, Ella, is an absolute doll. She had me laughing the whole time I was taking pictures. With her big, blue eyes and her big, pink bow, Ella stole the show with her determination to jump and dance. Her song of choice? Baby Shark...which might have been my idea at first…? It was hilarious and made for some pretty adorable pictures that truly captured her feisty, adorable spirit.

We started by taking some family photos by the pond. Ella, who was always on the move, took some moments to stop and smile directly into my camera while she was on her (dancing) way to find more rocks to throw into the pond. This led us, naturally, to the bridge where I was able to take more family pictures of the three of them and also some candids. Near the bridge was where I was able to capture one of my favorite pictures taken, the picture of Ella kissing her mommy’s belly. Stef is due in a few months with their second child, which made this photo shoot even more special.

We walked around the grounds, talked about teaching, and had Ella lead the way. We made our way up a hill to a stone wall with a ton of greenery around it. It was stunning. Along with another jam session to Baby Shark, I snapped a gorgeous picture of Stef and Tom, Stef and Ella and a few more family pictures. This photoshoot was incredible for so many reasons. For one, up until the last minute, Stef and I were debating on whether or not to reschedule. I am so glad we didn’t...the moments between Tom, Stef, and Ella were precious. Their happiness is in the truest form and the excitement they have for baby number two was palpable. I am so honored to have been the one to witness their love, dance to Ella’s favorite song, and capture this time in their lives.