I should probably start by saying I’m super biased when it comes to these two people.  The truth is, Jess + Dereck’s maternity session would have been one of my all-time favorite sessions of my career, no matter where they decided to shoot or what they wore.  (But can we just note the fact that those snowy mountain views + that glowy winter light + these two dressed all fancy = one S-T-U-N-N-E-R of a session?!?)

Jess has been one of my closest friends for 15 years! We graduated high school together. We were roomies in college. We stood beside each other on our wedding days. We’ve seen each other at our best and at our worst (and thank goodness, we’ve chosen to love each other anyways!). We’ve shared so many laughs together, and we’ve also grieved for each other when it felt like our prayers went unanswered. And now, I get to watch this precious season of life unfold before her.  I get to see prayers answered and I get to see God’s faithfulness in her life.  These two have had their share of challenges and disappointments along the way, but I’m so glad their story didn’t end there.  Now it’s a story of hope and of redemption, and I’m so glad I get to walk alongside them during this season.  (Also, it might go without saying – but I’m going to say it anyways – I LOVED being able to do this session for them!!)

Enjoy my faves from Jess + Dereck’s gorgeous winter session at Sky Meadows!

How lucky were we that it snowed just two days before our session?!  Two days was enough time for the roads to clear up so I could travel to northern Virginia, but there was still enough snow left on the ground for the background to look snowy + wintry!

I love this next one!

Did I mention that it was 35 degrees outside and the wind was blowing??  These two were TROOPERS.

This next one is SUCH a fave!  I think all of our fingers + toes + ears were numb by this point, but the light was SO soft right after the sun dipped below the treeline, and moments like this one make it all SO worth it!!

ummmm also, my bestie is GORGEOUS (see below).  and I’m legitimately #obsessed with her flower crown.  (p.s. can you believe she made it herself?!)  and let’s be honest, I’m also obsessed with that maternity gown.  because, duh, sequins + flowy chiffon.

GAH, I love this next photo so much!!!

Did I mention the wind was blowing??  I can’t lie, though, I kind of like the touch of windblown hair in Jess’s portraits!

This next one is another FAVE!  between these two, that soft light, and those snowy mountains, I. can’t. evennn.

More faves … gosh, I love both of these next two images SO MUCH!

Photo creds for this last one goes to Dereck – I mean, I couldn’t not get a photo with my bestie at her maternity session, am I right??

Jess, Dereck, thank you again for trusting me to capture this season for you.  I loved every minute of this time with you and I cannot WAIT to meet baby Gracie!

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Special thanks to Blake & Co. Salon & Spa for Jess’s gorgeous hair + makeup!

(And since I’ve already had a few questions about Jess’s gown – she got it from Asos!)