In the warm embrace of a summer sunset, we gathered in a quiet field to photograph a deeply meaningful golden hour maternity session. This wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was a tender celebration of new life, a family’s unbreakable bond, and a tribute to a loss that will forever leave an imprint on their hearts. Names are being left out with intention on this blog story.
This radiant couple, already parents to a spirited little girl and a beloved dog, are expecting their second daughter. But their journey to this moment has been laced with both joy and sorrow—they were once expecting twins, but heartbreakingly lost one baby girl in utero. The love and strength they brought to this session, wrapped in golden light, was nothing short of extraordinary.
A Family Story Etched in Light
As the sun began its descent, it painted the field in soft amber tones. The glow wasn’t just in the sky—it radiated from this family. The connection between the husband and wife was deeply moving. Their shared glances, the way they held hands, how he gently kissed her forehead—everything about their presence spoke volumes. They weren’t just expecting another baby; they were walking through this chapter hand in hand, stronger than ever.
Their daughter, full of curiosity and laughter, brought a playful energy to the session. She danced through the tall grass, her giggles echoing, never far from her furry companion—the family dog, who clearly holds a special place in her heart. The bond between the little girl and her doggo was joyful and heartwarming; they were best friends exploring a golden world together.
Moments of Reflection and Healing
What made this session unforgettable wasn’t just the beauty of the setting—it was the authentic and raw emotion. The mother, standing in the middle of a golden field with her hand resting on her growing belly, shared pieces of her healing journey. She spoke of the day she learned she was having twins, and the pain of learning one of her babies would not make it earth-side. Her voice, though soft, was strong.
During a quiet moment, as we captured a silhouette shot with the setting sun behind her, tears welled up in her eyes. It was then that we paused and created a space for something deeply symbolic—a moment to honor the baby girl they lost.
We brought out a delicate pair of angel wings, and gently placed them beside the family. The scene that followed was serene and emotional. The mother stood with her family behind her, golden light wrapping around her like a halo. In that moment, she wasn’t missing—she was there.
For families who have experienced pregnancy loss, moments like these carry weight and beauty. They remind us that grief and joy can coexist. That honoring a loss is also a way of celebrating love.
“I think the toughest part was hearing people tell me not to cry because the baby was going to feel it. This made me feel guilty because I didn’t want this baby to think I was sad because of her, but I didn’t want our angel baby to think we weren’t sad we lost her. I felt torn”
We talked a lot during our session about the grace this mama was showcasing but her emotions didn’t feel the same. I reminded her that there is grace in grief and loss.
(For those looking for support in navigating pregnancy after loss, Pregnancy After Loss Support offers a compassionate community and resources.)
Pregnancy After Loss Support Social Media
Why Golden Hour Stole the Show
Photographing during golden hour—the last hour before sunset—offered the perfect backdrop for this emotional and heartfelt session. The golden tones provided a soft, ethereal atmosphere that seemed to wrap this family in comfort. Every photo was bathed in warmth, creating a dreamy aesthetic that perfectly matched the tone of the evening.
The light danced through the wife’s hair, kissed her baby bump, and illuminated the daughter’s joyful expressions. It created halos around the couple and set the field aglow. It’s no wonder golden hour maternity sessions are so popular—it’s a time of day that feels inherently magical, and for this session, it felt especially sacred.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
This session served as a reminder that maternity sessions are not just about capturing a belly—they’re about capturing a story. This family’s story is one of resilience, deep love, and hope. They carry the loss of their second twin not as a shadow, but as a light they honor every day.
Through it all, the love between the couple has grown. The strength of the mother, the gentle presence of the father, the joy of their daughter, and the unwavering loyalty of their dog all came together to create something incredibly moving.
If you or someone you love has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, there is no timeline for grief. There is no “right” way to move forward. But there is healing in remembrance. There is strength in storytelling. And sometimes, there is profound beauty in a simple evening light.
For support, March of Dimes offers helpful resources for navigating pregnancy loss and grief.
My Thoughts
To this beautiful family: thank you for your vulnerability. Thank you for letting me tell your story with the honesty and grace it deserves. Your strength, your love, and your openness touched my heart and, hopefully, the hearts of others who read your journey. My intention with this blog is to remind this family and others experiencing loss during pregnancy, that your emotions are valid, and your journey is real.
To anyone considering a golden hour maternity session, especially those navigating joy and grief simultaneously, know this: there is room for it all. Your story deserves to be told—just as it is.
Let’s make some memories together
