A year ago, I was attending and photographing a friend’s bachelorette party, and I remember being very excited about my new photography business, and the upcoming chance to take pictures of my friend in her nuptial finery. But what made that bachelorette party truly memorable was the moment when another friend, Rachel, surprised me by confiding that she was pregnant.

She said it in her quiet, sweet voice, with wonder sparkling in her eyes, and I felt honored to be the only bachelorette party attendee who knew just why Rachel wasn’t drinking champagne, or why she ordered a huge entree and couldn’t finish it. My darling nephew Jasper was only a few months old and he’d already completely taken over my heart, so the idea of babies expected and babies arriving was synonymous with happiness for me.

A few months later, when I ran into Rachel in the grocery store, I pounced on her and asked to be allowed to take pictures of her during the later stages of her pregnancy. Alas, it was not to be, as Rachel was on bed rest during that part of her pregnancy and thus unable to pose for my camera. So it was very satisfying to finally photograph Rachel this September with her six-month-old daughter, Sadie, and her husband, JR, as we strolled under the redwoods at Henry Cowell State Park.

Rachel and family are quite happy with the 150 or so (I know! It’s a lot!) photos they got with their dvd, not to mention the tear-inducing slideshow made by Patrick. Here are a few of our favorites. Bathe in the love of this adorable young family. And please call us if you’d like some family photos of your own. Especially if babies are involved. We LOVE babies.