Emily + Brandon: A Maternity Announcement at Ralph’s Ranch

I’ve been loving all the maternity shoots I’ve been doing lately. There’s something so special about capturing this season of life—the glow of expectant mamas, the excitement of a new gift, a new chapter, a new adventure. Anticipation is such a rare feeling as we get older—it’s not like when we were kids, counting down the days to something exciting. But I imagine motherhood invites a whole new world to that feeling. Getting to experience it secondhand through my clients is a gift in itself.

When Emily reached out to share that she and Brandon were expecting their first baby, I was so pumped to be the one she chose to help share their news with the world. Emily and Brandon are photographers themselves—stylish, down-to-earth content creators who are so effortless to shoot. They trusted me completely to do my thing, which is such a dream. We first met at a styled shoot years ago, so it felt full circle getting to photograph something so meaningful for them now.

Em told me she envisioned announcing their growing family with horses on a ranch, and I immediately thought of my friend Ben’s place—Ralph’s Ranch—just outside of OKC. Such a dream of a location so close to the city.

We arrived just as the sun hovered above the trees, painting everything in a warm honeyed light. The horses wandered over, eager for treats, and even after the snacks ran out, they stayed close—calm, curious, and almost reverent. One of them nudged Emily’s belly, sensing the life growing inside her. (I’m so obsessed with the intuitive nature of horses.)

We wandered the ranch, finding fun spots to mix things up and add variety to the session. There was a neatly stacked pile of firewood tucked under a tin roof, a swing hanging from a towering oak tree, and a pen of chickens and goats nearby. I always aim to deliver a range in my sessions: some beautifully posed, some raw and candid, some with artful compositions that fuel my creativity, and others full of motion—whether it’s physical or emotional. This session was no different, and I had so much fun creating with them. Time slipped away from us as we shot well past the planned session time, but it’s hard to stop when it’s that good! Plus this felt like more than just a photoshoot—it was a celebration. and these images aren’t just photos. They’re an ode to new beginnings. They carry the joy of anticipation, the beauty of slowing down, and the sweetness of starting a new adventure with your person.

Emily and Brandon, thank you for letting me be part of this chapter in your lives. You’ve always carried something special, and now, it feels even sweeter. I can’t wait to see you both thrive as parents to your little girl. <3