It happens in a moment–on a muggy, ordinary Monday afternoon–a life is changed forever. A child gets a family and a name.
I have photographed a number of incredible events and touching moments during the many weddings and portraits I’ve covered, but I must argue that this adoption ceremony may be one of the most beautiful events I’ve ever documented. With adoption, there is an outpouring of love that’s unlike anything else. It’s not a two-way promise or pledge…no conditions…just acceptance. Unearned, unconditional love.
The adoption ceremony is really the beginning of a lifetime with a family. I was so honored to be a part of Lydia’s first day with her parents and siblings and a whole extended group of family and friends. It was clear she had already tasted of love by the sweet care her foster mother had given her, and it was a joy to see a family of four become a family of five in the blink of an eye.
Here is the story of her first moments with her family.
by mary
Laya Aaron - What a beautiful experience to capture. Well done, Mary!
Lindsay (Young Married Mom) - Tearing up. Thank you for sharing this!
Erin - Tearing up as well. So beautiful!
Mae - What a beautiful day! I felt as if I was there with such great pics of the journey. Blessings to you & your beautiful family! Liam & Lilly were so cute!
Beth - Truly beautiful, Mary.
Beverly - Breathtaking photos. Thank you so much for sharing the story of the day! Sooooooo precious. Tissues please. 😉 Precious family of 5. So happy for you.
Jeana & Paul Kelly - Your Mom & Dad would be proud!!
Caroline Sasnett - Beautiful! Everything about this is beautiful.
emmy bonja - These are gorgeous pictures and brought tears to my eyes. I especially like the ones that show Paul’s face as he watched Jennilee with Lydia! You all look so happy, and Lydia is a blessed girl indeed.
Rebecca (Mooney) Polok - What a fantastic story these pictures tell! I was moved to tears!
Ardell Fleeson - These are lovely. I am sitting here at my desk bawling and squalling. Becky Fleeson, my daughter-in-law, sent me these as we are soon to celebrate my special birthday, when my parents brougt me home from the adoption agency — in 1952!
We adopted children are blessed, blessed beyond measure.
God is good!
Congratulations on your lovely little family,
Ardell
becky fleeson - These are amazing. I love the photo of Liam kissing Jennilee and Lilly studying Lydia. What an amazing story. Thanks for sharing the photos!
Liz - Amazing!! Mary, you have an incredible gift for capturing precious moments! 🙂
joey - WOW! Great moments Mary!!!
Milla - Oh Mary! I am sitting here with tears in my eyes… what an AMAZING opportunity and beautiful picture of adoption! You documented it so well.