Shaena's Pregnancy | Maternity Photos | 8 Weeks to 40 Weeks

if you’re new here, meet Shaena Elize, my best friend in the world, the person that’s been around for it all. i’ve spent minutes typing and deleting sentences about who she is and the type of true friendship and love she embodies and offers to those close to her, but it really doesn’t feel like enough. there’s nobody better suited for motherhood than Shaena, and it’s my favorite version of her to have the honor of knowing. her pregnancy was so beautiful, and i’m so thankful to share these memories that came and went in the blink of an eye. I brought my camera to her apartment early last year when she was around 8 weeks pregnant. she made tea and we laughed about how much she felt like she was pushing her stomach out and how she’s actually growing a person in there.

spring rolled around and we were itching for sun on our skin and fresh air. Shaena was around 20 weeks at this point, and had just shared that she’d be having a boy (not pictured: me crying every time we took photos).

i’m, again, trying to type coherent sentences about Shaena — what she embodies, who she is, what she stands for — and I am failing. she’s the most grounded person I know. she’s more empathetic than anyone i’ve ever met, she’s in tune with herself in ways I didn’t even know existed, she’s kind and loving, she’s constantly learning and growing and healing, she’s a teacher and a student, and she accepts her natural self. she’s a home with open arms. it’s hard to capture all of those things through photos, but I need to make sure the world knows what’s trying to be conveyed in these still moments. truly a goddess and a light, and glowing through every single second of growing this baby.

these were around 34 weeks, taken at her mom’s house. natural, close to earth, grounded, peaceful.

the moments before their baby joined them earthside. Shaena and Hoza were packing their hospital bag, putting together the crib, and wanting to remember these slow, easy days. I snuck into their apartment for a cozy in home maternity session around 38/39 weeks.

little man gave mama one last studio session before he made his arrival <3 me, still sobbing, still no words. really not trying to be dramatic, just truly so thankful to be here

Downtown Newlywed Session | La Crosse WI | Madison + Eli

Maddie + Eli had a rainy ceremony, so we met up that weekend to get some (sunny) photos of them all dressed up. We spent 2 hours walking through Downtown La Crosse finding perfect little love pockets hidden in the alleys and up in the clouds. The best day.

Intimate Elopement | La Crosse WI | Shayla + Tyler

I met Shayla at my first restaurant job about seven years ago. By that point, her and Tyler had been together for about a year (if I remember correctly) and we all knew, way back then, that they were a Forever Couple. They met their 8th grade year, and started dating their junior year of high school.

When I first started to pursue my photography career around 2018, Shayla + Tyler were one of my very fist sessions. I remember being new to posing couples and so so nervous that it would go badly - I was so wrong! They were so in love with each other, they barely even noticed me or what I was worried about. We had a blast running around town together, and I will forever be so grateful for their trust and support in me as a new photographer. I still have prints from their first session in my work space!

A couple years later, they welcomed a handsome baby boy into their lives. Baby Liam made their love even stronger, and I was through the roof when I got the opportunity to photograph them AGAIN. This time, with their little plus one. Watching their family grow over time has been incredible, and so heartwarming.

Our next stop is their Big (little) Day. Shayla and I went back and forth for a while, tossing around ideas for a small private ceremony for the two of them. When they got word that Tyler will be stationed in Poland, they kicked it into gear and created THE most beautiful intimate day I’ve ever seen. They rented an airbnb in La Crosse, put everything together themselves in SECRET, and invited only me (their photog), and their very close family friend and officiant, Steve + his wife. Steve’s wife was unable to make the flight from Arizona, but she sent with him the beautiful wall art sign you see above to commemorate their Love Day.

Hair and Makeup services done by: Lydia at Tease Salon and Barbershop

These little shoes were gifted to Shayla from her dad. They were his when he was a toddler. I loved the small ways in which Tyler + Shayla incorporated their families while keeping their day so private.

Before their ceremony, Steve prayed with Shayla + Tyler. This was so emotional and so perfect. They shared their first look afterwards.

One of my favorite parts of the day was seeing Tyler drown in awe of his bride. So many photos of him staring in admiration, or just seeing him watch her play with Liam and exist as a goddess. It gives me goosebumps to think about even now.

Their ceremony was short, sweet, and emotional. I doubled as photographer, child safety watcher, sobbing guest, and excited friend. Steve spoke from his heart, and gave advice that truly spoke to their relationship and their past together. Shayla + Tyler wrote out their vows and read them aloud to each other. We all cried the entire time.

The moment between the rings and the “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Lueth!

Shayla said she’s dreamed about Steve officiating her wedding since she was a little girl. He’s been in their lives since the beginning. This was her happily ever after - it could not have been more perfect.

They ended their wedding night with pizza by the water. I don’t think it could get any cuter.

“Hayley Perry is the BOMB. If you are looking to feel confident in a totally accepting and creative space, she is your girl! She is open to any ideas and will even taking it a step farther with her creative talent. I have never ever been let down my a photo session with her. If you’re thinking about booking, do it! I promise you won’t regret it.”