The Wilkinson Family At Home | Bonner Springs, KS Family Photography and Film
I think I can say, without a doubt, that becoming a parent was the most life-altering choice I ever made. It changed who I was down to my core, made me question myself, my actions and my choices more than anything I’d ever done in my entire life. And I wasn’t a young 20-something when my daughter was born! I had been married for 12 years, graduated college, and had worked a “big girl”job. I’d “mothered '' 4 dogs, 3 of them from the puppy-phase, bought a car, bought and remodeled a house...I wasn’t brand-spanking new to life!!
But motherhood turned my world upside down. I wish I could say that it did this in the best way, but to be honest, I struggled hard. I’ve never questioned myself or my choices in life more than when I became a mom. Now, I know there are many out there that have struggled, we all do, at different levels when we become moms. I think the biggest thing we can do for others is to speak about it, even if we’re scared (which was my case). Because when we talk about it, we find that we’re not alone and that can be the beginning of healing.
That’s where the session for the Wilkinson Family comes into play. I knew Shaunacee from a previous job and I always loved her carefree, relaxed approach to life. She and her husband Jason dated in college, got married and worked various jobs to fulfill their goals. They are dreamers, doers, following whatever path is laid before them. They moved several times over the years I’ve known them, but once they had their daughter, they moved back to the Kansas City area to be closer to family and provide more stability for Indie. One of the things that drew me to their family is Shaunacee’s openness and honesty about her struggles with motherhood. Like I said above, becoming a mother rocked me to my core, regardless of how happy I was to have my little one around. One of my struggles was feeling like every other mother I knew had it all figured out way better than I ever could. When Shaunacee shared her struggles, I felt heard. I felt understood. She was brave in showing her experience to her social media followers. I was so very encouraged by her seemingly fearless approach to her wins and losses with motherhood (because yes, there are both for me; some days it felt like more losses than wins). I felt like I could talk and share about my good and bad experiences and perhaps, in turn, encourage another momma who might be struggling.
My personal goal for their session was to show Jason and Shaunacee how an outsider views the beauty that is their sweet family. It’s so easy as parents to get into “survival mode” when your kids are young, keeping them and yourself alive. Sometimes you miss the little in between moments that change so quickly. I wanted to encourage them, they’re doing a tremendous job raising their tiny human. Let’s remember, friends: when you encourage an adult human in their role of raising a little human, that adult’s confidence in their ability to raise that little one soars. And that encouragement will come back to them on those long, hard days when their self-doubt creeps in. Those encouragements keep re-lighting that spark of “I can do this.” when you feel like giving up. I want to encourage all of my clients in their roles and spread positivity like Nutella (cause really, the world could use more of both positivity and Nutella).
Below, you’ll find some of my favorite images from their session. We had a wonderful time, first at home in Bonner Springs, KS and then at Black Hoof Park in Lenexa, KS. Were there some melt-downs? Sure, I mean, we’re all human. But we rolled with it, took breaks when needed and then stepped back in to capture their beautiful lives together. This session also included a Documentary Family Film, which I’ve linked below the photos. It has some incredible audio of their little girl laughing and talking, so make sure to watch it.
Click below to watch the Modern Family Film I created for this sweet family. Make sure you have the volume on, so you can hear this sweet girl’s laughter!
Did you hear her voice?? How sweet and precious will this be to mom and dad in a few short years as she starts to grow up?! These are the best days to capture them, to capture these moments. They really honestly deserve to live forever. If you’re interested in having a family film of your own, don’t wait! Kids grow, babies change and time is always fleeting. Click on Start Your Story and fill out the form. Tell me what I can create for you and your family memories!
Till next time…
