Turning Precious Moments Into Family Heirlooms
Seattle Family Photographer
As a family photographer and mother, I know how quickly these years slip away. Life becomes a whirl of preparing snacks, washing a ridiculous amount of tiny socks, and daycare drop-offs. Yet when you look back on this season, it is the love tucked inside the chaos that stays with you. That feeling lives in the artwork you fill your life with. The albums your kids pull from the coffee table. The framed portraits that catch your eye as you rush through the morning. The little prints on your desk that remind you why this beautiful work of parenting matters.
There is so much chaos involved in becoming a parent. That is why I’ve shaped this experience to feel like support rather than another task.
We start with a real conversation about what you want to remember. I help style mom and baby with luxurious pieces from my client closet so you can make outfit planning a breeze. We choose a setting where your children can move freely and be themselves, whether at home, in my calm studio, or in a peaceful Seattle park.
During your session, I guide with a light hand. Enough direction to help you feel comfortable, but never so much that you feel stiff. There is space for play, connection, and every tender moment that makes your family yours.
Afterward, I hand-edit each image and make it easy to select the artwork that will live in your home. Albums to hold in your hands. Framed pieces that become part of your daily rhythm. Fine art prints that keep your family’s story visible rather than hidden on a screen.
You deserve to be seen in your family’s memories, and I am here to make that feel simple, intentional, and meaningful.
These tender years won’t pause, let’s turn them into photographic artwork before they slip quietly into memory.
The days with your little ones slip by faster than we expect. My work is about helping you create the perfect opportunity to create connection and see the beauty in this fleeting season, capturing your family’s story and turning it into keepsakes delivered to your home. As a Seattle family photographer, I create timeless, vintage-inspired portraits that feel like home and become heirlooms for generations.
meet the artist
As Seen In...
Our family's craziness turned into magic in our photos.
from the heart of past clients
Alongside your digital images, you will benefit from the option of print credit to purchase heirloom keepsakes that will last for generations to come. From albums to prints, my goal is for your images to be passed down and last a lifetime.
DIGITAL GALLERIES turned heirloom art
I’ll guide you with styling and playful prompts so your session feels more like family time than posing. These lighthearted moments are often the ones parents treasure most. Sessions are limited and often book weeks in advance—I’d love to hold a spot for you.
playful and joyful
Whether you imagine your session in your home, in a local park, or in a beautiful, thoughtfully designed studio. Grandparents are always welcome to jump in! I will help guide your experience to create timeless, enduring portraits you can fill your home with. Clients appreciate the curated, seamless experience tailored to each family's unique story.
CUSTOM TAILORED TO FIT YOUR NEEDS
the family photography
What do I wear to my family's photoshoot?
When do I book my newborn's photoshoot?
When should I book my maternity session?
Something I'm very proud of is my growing client closet of flattering, romantic dresses that otherwise would be pricey investments - saving you the money and time in selecting an outfit for mom. I also have a helpful and comprehensive guide to help you go through your kids and partners' closets.
Click here to go to the online wardrobe guide.
Babies take their due date on a suggestion-only basis, with that in mind, I work with parents and reschedule as needed. I usually suggest booking your session when you're still pregnant and scheduling it for 2 weeks after your due date to allow mom to heal and connections to build.
Click here to learn why I don't use crazy posing or photoshop for newborn photoshoots.
I recommend booking a month or more in advance and planning your session for when you are in the last part of your second trimester or early third trimester, when you have a lovely bump and still lots of energy. That is, unless you are expecting more than one bundle of joy, in which case I'd recommend earlier in your second trimester.
Click here to get more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is print credit and how do i use it?
Print credit is a set amount of money that you can use towards the cost of any tangible artwork when you purchase directly from the store inside your gallery. The store includes your choice of framed prints, loose prints, albums, canvases, whatever speaks to you.
Click here to learn more about print credit.
from the heart of past clients
Mercae did such a wonderful job helping our little out of her shell to get some wonderful memories in photos.
Your sitting fee of $325 plus tax gives your family a relaxed, one-hour session with me, PLUS grandparents are always welcome at no extra cost. You can choose from a list of recommended outdoor locations, your home, or a list of cozy Seattle studios, wherever your family feels most at ease. You’ll also have access to my curated client closet to take the stress out of outfit planning and help mother and baby look and feel their best. The sitting fee covers all of our planning, styling support, and your time in front of the camera, images are purchased in the next step.
the sitting fee
- The Premium Collection is $800 plus tax and includes all the digital images and $400 in print credit for you to use towards artwork.
- The Standard Collection is $625 plus tax and includes 20 digital images plus $300 in print credit for you to use towards artwork.
- The Basic Collection is $475 plus tax and includes 10 digital images.
The Collections
Newborn portfolio
Family Portfolio
Maternity portfolio
Select your story
Maternity sessions are so much fun, whether it's just you or the whole family. Taking the time to pause and soak in the last moments before life becomes a little more interesting. Review your options and learn more in my maternity portfolio.
As a Seattle family photographer, I capture the warmth, laughter, and quiet in-between moments that make your family uniquely yours. Let me guide your family through games, silly play, and bite-sized adventures to create photographic heirloom keepsakes that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Newborns are so precious, and while the category is "newborn" your baby doesn't have to be quite so fresh to still enjoy a photoshoot with you. Take a look at my newborn portfolio to get more information and details.
My photoshoot with Lilac and Ivy Photography was the best experience I have had with a professional photographer to date. I had requested before hand that she not include my sons face in any published work which she agreed to with no questions.
Not only is Mercae an incredibly talented photographer but she is also so creative, professional and passionate about what she does. My experience with her was 10/10! I would highly recommend Mercae for all of you photography needs.
Mercae was amazing with our family for our photos! She was so kind and understanding with the crazy with 4 kids and trying to get good shots. She made all of the pictures look amazing, our family's craziness turned into magic in our photos. I love her editing style and how laid-back and easy the shoot felt. I would definitely recommend working with her. It is completely worth it!
We have a very particular toddler who shies away from new faces so we were worried what kind of photos we would get but omg they came out stunning! Mercae did such a wonderful job staying calm and helping our little out of her shell to get some wonderful memories in photos.
We enjoyed our photo session with Mercae! She was very nice, very patient, and helped us with posing to get nice family photos. Would definitely book with her again!
I accept just 4 clients a month - please fill out the form or email hello@lilacandivyphotography.com to view my availability.
availability
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends
Expect a response within a few hours
Business Hours
I serve the Greater Seattle area, and am happy to travel on request.
Location
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