Chicago At Home Baby Announcement Session — Jules Kennedy Photography

The pure joy of a baby announcement —it really is the best. I always feel so honored to document these exciting milestones. To get to be a part of that joy is something so special that I do not take lightly.

Mia and Blake met during their time at Indiana University and have since started a life together here in Chicago. They welcomed their sweet red retriever pup, Ruby, last year and now get to celebrate another family member coming this July. They are waiting to be surprised if the baby is a boy or girl which I LOVE!

After chatting through a moodboard with Mia, we decided to do a relaxed at-home session — something cozy and intimate that didn’t feel forced. Their home is beautifully neutral and minimalistic so it made for the perfect environment for photos.

Although Mia didn’t have too much of a baby bump at this point, she still wanted a few solo shots just to remember these earlier days of pregnancy. She was absolutely glowing, and I just felt so lucky to get to document this incredible time in her life.
As a woman, I absolutely love photographing other women. I feel so connected and at peace and almost as if we’re able to speak another language. Women are so powerful and amazing and BEAUTIFUL. And a woman growing another human? Oh my goodness, what a journey to be celebrated. These are moments that deserve to be documented and cherished for lifetimes.

If you don’t already, be sure to check out Mia’s website Gathered Nutrition –she makes the most delicious (and aesthetically pleasing) recipes!

I can’t wait to welcome baby Swinehart this coming summer and look forward to all the women, mothers, and beautiful humans I will have the opportunity to photograph this next year. Cheers!