We knew we wanted to take our babymoon in Hawaii but we weren’t sure if wanted to go back to Maui or try a different island. I also knew I wanted my maternity photos to be done in Hawaii so I got to work looking for a photographer. I found the marvelous Fernanda Kenfield Photography and knew I had found the photographer for me. She was located on Oahu so that sealed the deal on which island.

Originally our photos were supposed to be done 3 days after we arrived, but the weather had different plans. I’m used to this in Ohio, but it surprised me for a tropical island to rain 3 days straight, all day long. Once it stopped, the hike to our location was too muddy and dangerous so we rescheduled photos 5 days later.

I had my hair and make up done by the fabulous Katie of Creative SOL and I told her we were going to be hiking so she took extra care to set my make up, and let me tell you, she is a magic maker. I was POURING sweat by the time we got to the top of the mountain but I was able to just dab a little and my make up stayed in tact!

So we meet Fernanda, and we start heading to the destination. Originally she told me that it wasn’t a hard hike, it was just long and that we should start early enough to give me times to take breaks etc. A few steps into the hike and I quickly realized that this was not going to be easy. It was a GRUELING hike. We were using tree trunks to pull ourselves up. There was even one section with a rope that you had to hold onto because it was so steep. I just kept thinking “I’m glad I’m relatively in shape.” I still can’t believe I did it at 31 weeks pregnant. I did stop for breaks and drank a lot of coconut water on the way up. I also purchased 2 battery powered fans to help keep me cool and TRY to prevent my make up from completely sliding off.

We finally made it to the top I think about 45 minutes later and I sat down to cool off and get myself composed. We changed into our outfits, I dabbed my face and pulled my hair down (I had it pinned up so I didn’t lose the curls on the ascent) and we were ready to go.

I can’t tell you how surreal it is to be in front of the camera as a pregnant woman when this is what I do for a living. It was so incredibly special to snuggle my baby girl in my belly, and kiss and laugh with my husband and think about how we absolutely cannot wait to be parents.

I also knew that I was going to do some nude images. I felt that it was important since one of my specialties for my clients is artful nude pregnancy images. I wanted to make sure I could walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I’m so glad I did. I will cherish these images forever. And I will miss that baby bump when it’s gone. Such a special time in my life and I’m forever grateful that we were able to do this session and have the story to tell our daughter and share the images with her.

Photographer: Fernanda Kenfield Photography
Hair/Makeup: Creative SOL
First Dress: Leah Marie Couture
Second Dress: ChicaBoo