Arizona State University Maternity Portraits: Luke + Lauren

Arizona State University ASU Couple Photos | St. Louis Wedding Photographer | April Maura Photography | www.aprilmaura.com_0013.jpg

There is nothing quite as sweet as a Spring time Arizona maternity session. In a season where flowers are blossoming after a few months of being hidden in the darkness of a bud, it’s the perfect time to celebrate human life formed in the darkness of a mother’s womb. Maternity is a gift of life from the Giver of life. I am excited to have had the opportunity to document my dear friend’s new season of welcoming new life into the world through their baby boy, Levi, who is arriving June 2017.

They decided to be photographed on the Arizona State University (ASU ) Tempe campus because of the history they have there. ASU is the same place Luke and Lauren had their wedding photos documented. Their maternity session had the best of both worlds between the garden and architectural elements. As we spent time wandering the ASU grounds, the sweet couple took time together in front of the most beautiful backdrops, making precious moments as a new family of three. They had a timeless color scheme with earthy touches of sage, blush, browns, and blues to create the soft and spring floral style.

Here are some beloved words from the adorable Mommy-to-be:

Getting to take maternity photos with April was such a joy for my husband Luke and I. There was a time, not so long ago, when we weren’t sure we’d ever get to enjoy these little moments. The day was beautiful and blustery, and we felt so much laughter and love as we spent time taking photos with our baby bump!

If you were to flash back to almost 5 years ago, Luke and I would be on this very same campus, taking wedding pictures! We were married in October of 2012 in a backyard not far from ASU and the majority of our bridal photos were taken on campus in the Secret Garden or near Danforth Chapel. It felt like such a beautiful full-circle moment to be back in that place, celebrating the life of our little boy.

Almost 3 years ago, we began the journey of trying for kids. We were eager, excited and beyond hopeful. Quickly into our journey we were met with pain, as I suffered my first miscarriage in June of 2014. My health became very unstable and our lives changed quite dramatically. Unsure of my health problems, we continued to try to conceive and were met again with loss in April of 2015.

We then began a long journey of doctors and testing to figure out what was wrong. I can’t count how many doctors and nurses I’ve seen, how many blood tests I’ve had, or how much money we’ve spent trying to get an answer. Essentially, for a year and half, we simply had unexplained infertility and couldn’t conceive. Each month brought so much disappointment.

As we learned a bit more about my body, I decided to make some health changes and take a break from our fertility treatments. Luke and I decided to take a trip abroad to England last fall to get away and have an adventure. We had a lovely trip, and we came back home to a very surprising positive pregnancy test! I can’t tell you how bittersweet the tears were that day! Sadness over the past, some anxiety over the future, but mostly hopeful joy that washed everything else away. Our little rainbow baby was starting his journey with us – and now I can’t believe I will get to meet him in just a couple more weeks!

Sharing stories about fertility issues and loss can be so challenging and even taboo in our culture. But I think it’s important to tell our stories with the world, even the ones that aren’t perfect and pretty. As women and mothers, we need to be vulnerable and supportive of our fellow sisters. There’s no quick answer to this type of suffering and pain, but the best thing we can do is offer lots of love.

My husband and I do not take for granted that positive pregnancy test, nor the fact that every day our little one continues to grow. It’s been a journey of faith and trust in God during every moment. We are learning to exchange the pain of our past story for His healing, and letting go of our plan so He can use us. We may not know the story God is writing with our lives, but we do know He is a good author – He will write beauty out of the pain.

On this Mother’s Day, I’m giving a big cheers to all the mommas out there – those whose kiddos are grown, those who are in the middle of raising them, and to those still waiting for their miracle. Celebrate the journey!

Love,

Lauren, Luke & Baby Levi

We started at The Secret Garden at Arizona State University with a lovely stroll in the garden. A nice stroll is always better with the one you love while being drenched in dreamy Arizona light and the lush greenery by your side.
Arizona State University ASU Couple Photos | St. Louis Wedding Photographer | April Maura Photography | www.aprilmaura.com_0017.jpg

The subtle splashes of orange standing behind them with her texturized sage dress is simply refreshing and effortlessly beautiful. How amazing it is to know of this “one of kind” miracle that has grown from their love.

The soft hues of lavender in the trees were perfect accent for the gentle and compassionate vibes.

So much joy to capture of expecting parents as they welcome a new life!

They soak in every inch of their journey together and embrace their son with unconditional well before he is even aware.

Lauren had a wardrobe change into this Pink Blush ruffled off-the-shoulder dress. She also added the spring time floral hair piece to make her feminine style just right.

Oh so pretty delicate florals by Heritage Flowers AZ .

From the Secret Garden to the back drop of creative lines, edges, and stone textures from the Arizona State University Art Museum was flattering at all angles for this charming family.

Their faces light up with a undeniable joy and hope for the future with their little boy, Levi. They might have been hard pressed on every side, but never driven to despair.

Her soft smile carries compassion, mercy, and grace for her son as she looks down on him.

IF YOU LIKE THE EXPERIENCE SEEN IN THESE PICTURES YOU CAN BOOK YOUR MEMORY MAKING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER TODAY!

Many thanks to the portrait creative team who helped in the preparations of two souls living the promise of forever:

Photography: April Maura Photography

Dress: Pink Blush

Hair: Harley Ann Artistry

Make Up: Carolina Takahashi

Florals: Heritage Flowers AZ

Venue: Arizona State University