There’s something really tender about getting ready for a session… and if you’re a mom, it can also feel like one more decision in a very full season of life.
What do I wear?
Will it photograph well?
Will it still feel like me?
I think about this a lot, because styling is such a quiet but powerful part of the story we’re telling together.
Why styling matters more than you think
When you look back at your photos years from now, it won’t just be the faces you remember. It will be the feeling. The softness. The way everything came together without trying too hard.
Clothing plays a big role in that.
Bright logos, busy patterns, or pieces that don’t quite fit can pull you out of the moment. But when something feels gentle, well-fitted, and thoughtfully chosen, it disappears into the story. It lets connection take the lead.
That’s always the goal for me. Nothing distracting. Nothing trendy that will feel dated in a year or two. Just something that feels like it could exist outside of time.
The heart behind my client closet
Over the years, I’ve slowly built a collection of pieces that reflect the way I see motherhood.
Soft fabrics that move with you.
Neutral tones that hold light beautifully.
Silhouettes that feel feminine, but never overdone.
I’m deeply inspired by nostalgic, elegant styling. The kind that feels like it belongs in an old photograph you found tucked into a box. There’s a quiet romance to it. A sense of calm. And most importantly, it always feels tasteful.
Every dress in my client closet is chosen with that in mind. Not just how it looks on a hanger, but how it feels when you’re holding your baby, or walking hand in hand with your child, or sitting in a moment of stillness.
Taking something off your plate
One of the biggest things I hear from moms is how overwhelming it can feel to get everyone dressed.
That’s exactly why I offer a client wardrobe.
When you book with Lilac & Ivy Photography, you have full access to pieces I’ve already tested, photographed, and fallen in love with. You don’t have to spend hours ordering dresses online, hoping they arrive in time, or wondering if they’ll actually work.
Instead, you can choose something that’s already been curated for this exact experience.
It’s one less thing to carry. And in this season of life, that matters.
The feeling I want you to have
More than anything, I want you to feel like yourself… just a slightly softer, more held version of yourself.
Not styled into someone else. Not dressed in something that feels like a costume. But gently guided into pieces that photograph beautifully and allow you to stay present in the moment.
Because years from now, when you’re looking at these images, I don’t want you thinking about what you wore.
I want you to remember how it felt to be there.
