I have dreamt about being pregnant my entire life. I fantasized about being this beautiful, glowing goddess with a big gorgeous belly for 9 whole months. This being my first pregnancy, I quickly came to realize that my dreams were only just that. The first 4 months were a roller coaster emotionally. It really took a while for it to set in that I was actually pregnant. Although I never experienced any morning sickness and didn’t have any complications, I felt such a disconnect from what I thought being pregnant would be like. Having my body go through so many changes so early on, not being able to tell anyone that we were pregnant, wearing jeans that were too tight and dealing with my skin breaking out, really started to get to me. I remember saying to my husband, ” this is just not what I thought pregnancy was going to be like.” Then it all magically changed….
Once I hit the 20 week mark, all of our friends and family knew the news, my skin had cleared up and I was visibly pregnant. There was no hiding it now! I really started to embrace my bump and feel good in my own body again. Our babymoon trip to Maui in June, really helped me to relax and reconnect with my husband. Lots of sleep, talking, good food, sunshine, walks on the beach and fresh air was exactly what I needed to feel good for me and for the baby. Since then I have continued to really enjoy and embrace my pregnancy. I was finally ready to capture this moment in time, and who better to do it with than my sister, Kristin, of Studio 86 Creative Design. Kristin helped me to bring VONBON to life, and has been photographing all of my maternity fashion shoots for the blog. I couldn’t be more grateful for such a talented, supportive sister!
It was really important for me to feel comfortable, so we decided to shoot in my own bedroom. I had created a Pinterest board of maternity photography for my own inspiration and to help give Kristin an idea of the “look and feel” I wanted to capture in the photos. The board was also a nice reference point for body positioning….as I have never been pregnant before and this was Kristin’s first maternity shoot as well. Lighting was key and we found that using some sheer drapes helped to diffuse the light and give us the “glow” we wanted! A little tip I read on the Plan your baby moments app from Canon.
Kris and I were having so much fun we decided to follow the sun outside and see what we could capture at Jericho Beach.
For all you mamas who are toying with the idea of doing a maternity shoot, I highly encourage you to. Embrace and celebrate your body during this amazing time in your life. Take the time for yourself, to get into something comfortable… something that makes you feel beautiful, because YOU are!
Need some inspiration or want to create your own Pinterest board? You can pin any of the images from this post or take a peek at my board here!
Series 1: Bra and pantie set from Victoria Secret, Lace trimmed Kimono from IWEARTHEHEADRESS; Series 2: Bra from Victoria Secret, Mauve Lace Top from Wilfred; Series 3: Sweater from Old Navy, panties from La Senza; Series 4: Lace Dress from Volcom; Series 5/6: Body Con Grey Dress from Forever 21
Photography by: Studio 86 Creative Design Follow her on Instagram or Facebook
September 19, 2014
Stahhhhppp!! You are so insanely beautiful, and these pictures are just WOW!! Stunning. Kris did an amazing job, and you are just the cutest little preggo ever!! XO
September 26, 2014
You are so sweet, Samantha! Thank you for your lovely message! Hope you are feeling great in your pregnancy. Will you be doing any maternity photos?
September 19, 2014
Gorgeous! You look stunning! I had my first baby in April ( a girl! ) and really regret that I didn’t do a maternity shoot. Love your shop! Gracie already has a few matching leggings and headbands sets. Looking forward to the inspiration you’ll get from your little one.
September 26, 2014
Hi Justine,
Thank you so much for your comment. Congrats on your baby girl! So nice to hear that she has been getting her VONBON on! I too am looking forward to seeing how the collection evolves over time once I have my own kids!
September 19, 2014
Stunning pictures Jen!
September 26, 2014
Thank you, Andria!
September 19, 2014
Very beautiful, great shots!
September 26, 2014
Thank you, Codi Lynn!
September 19, 2014
Your post has given me such hope that being pregant is an amazing part of life! I am only 8 weeks pregnant now but am feeling the same way you described, no morning sickness but complete discomfort all day, breakouts all the time (once one is cleared another appears), and the feeling that this will never be what I have waited for my entire life. While tiring to get pregnant I was pintrest searching trying to find a style of maternity photos I wanted and I am in love with what you and your sister have created. I wish I was closer so she could help me created somthing similar. I wanted to thank you for posting this as it has reassured me the so called glow will come. Thank you again!
September 26, 2014
Hi Merisha,
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment. First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy! I am so excited for you.
It made me feel so good to hear that my voice touched you that way and gave you the hope you needed. I can only speak from my experience, but it does get better!
Thank you so much for your message and I hope to hear from you again once you start to feel that glow! XO
September 19, 2014
These are unreal. You look so stunning in every single one Jen! You really have embraced this beautiful time, and it shows through in these photos! you are such a babe! Hot damn!
September 26, 2014
Thank you, Garcy! You are one beautiful mama yourself and I couldn’t be more excited for you and your journey as you create your third little love. XOXO
September 19, 2014
SO beautiful and serene.
oh and that kimono is heaven.
September 26, 2014
Thank you, Sara! Isn’t that Kimono awesome?! Sarah Gibson has some serious talent!
September 19, 2014
Oh, jen… These are just perfect!!! So light and airy and romantic; your sister is one talented lady, and I cannot believe this is her first maternity session…. Gorgeous!! Xo
September 26, 2014
Thank you, Michele! Kris and I thought we would just play around and see how they turned out…. she is one talented lady! Hope you and the girls and doing well!
September 20, 2014
Jen these are unbelievable!!! So so beautiful. xo
September 26, 2014
Thank you, Julie! That means so much! XO
September 3, 2015
Hello I was wondering where you got the lace trimmed kimono? I went to the iweartheheadress website and couldn’t find it! Your photos have really inspired me! So beautiful!
October 9, 2015
Hi Andrea! Thank you so much! I believe that Sarah only did the Kimonos as a limited edition item a few season’s ago. I would be more than happy to lend it to you for a photo shoot! Email me at hello@vonbon.ca!