Spring is such a magical time to capture growing families—everything is just beginning to bloom, and there’s a sense of newness in the air. That was definitely the case with the Bearer family, who met me at Lafayette Park in St. Louis for a Maternity Session that was as sweet and joyful as they are.

The Bearers are a beautiful family of four (soon to be five!). Shoshanna, their curious and confident 7-year-old, and Sylvia, the playful and giggly 4-year-old, kept things light and fun throughout our shoot. They’re both so excited to meet their baby brother, and you could feel their anticipation in every photo.

We met at the grotto inside Lafayette Park, one of my favorite hidden gems in the city. If you haven’t been, it’s a charming little sunken pond surrounded by lush greenery, with ducks and swans gliding across the water and an amazing Victorian bridge arching over the scene. At the very start of spring, the first hints of green were just beginning to peek out, adding a soft freshness to the background without overpowering the warm tones of golden hour.

That evening light was perfect—casting rich, golden hues over the whole scene and giving the photos a dreamy, timeless quality. This session was such a beautiful celebration of transition—not just from winter to spring, but from a family of four to a family of five. The love and excitement the Bearers have for this new chapter was evident in every frame. I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and love together.