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Sunset Bridals at Crystal Cove State Beach -  Melissa and Kyle
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Sunset Bridals at Crystal Cove State Beach - Melissa and Kyle

Photographing Melissa and Kyle's bridals at Crystal Cove State Beach was a remarkable experience. The beauty of the location, the adventurous spirit of the couple, and the joy that permeated the air made for a truly magical session. The photographs captured that day not only freeze time but also tell a heartwarming story of love, laughter, and the beginning of a lifelong journey.

As a family and newborn photographer, it is my privilege to be a part of these remarkable stories. Melissa and Kyle's session reminded me once again why I am passionate about my work. The ability to freeze moments in time, creating lasting memories for families, is a truly beautiful gift.

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Carlsbad Beach Family Photos - The Morgan Family
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Carlsbad Beach Family Photos - The Morgan Family

As a family and newborn photographer, every session is a unique opportunity to capture the love and joy shared by families. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Morgan family at Carlsbad State Beach, and the experience was nothing short of magical. With the sun gracefully setting towards the horizon, we created memories that embody their love!

I was ecstatic when the Morgan family reached out for a beach mini session - we knew we had to make it happen! As we arrived at the Carlsbad State Beach, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Little Hazel couldn't contain her excitement, she giggled and ran around, her tiny feet playfully kicking up the sand. We laughed and watched as she drew pictures with her fingers, leaving traces of her creativity on the sandy canvas.

While Hazel reveled in the sand, baby Delilah sought comfort in her mother's arms. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a soft pink and blue film-like glow, we talked about the incredible blessing of motherhood! Delilah snuggled closer to her sweet mommy, finding solace and warmth in her loving arms. These tender moments captured the irreplaceable bond between mother and child—a love so pure and profound.

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Corona Natural Newborn Session with Henry Drew Cable
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Corona Natural Newborn Session with Henry Drew Cable

I am so lucky to have been able to capture this family since they said “I do.”

Sasha and Zach are so kind and easy going. I loved being their wedding photographer, then just a few years later being able to capture Sasha’s maternity photos during my ‘Cherishing Motherhood Brunch and Minis’ earlier this year!

NOW meeting their sweet Henry Drew, having them in the studio and seeing their sweet joy. Henry slept just when i wanted him to and then hammed it up the rest of the time - loving mommy’s kisses and daddy’s snuggles. Henry smiled and smiled, and even looked at the camera for some family pictures…He’s ready for his close up!

Love this sweet family. Congratulations!

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Caroline & Theo - Newborn Studio Session
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Caroline & Theo - Newborn Studio Session

Caroline is a good friend of mine, and just came over quick before we headed to the library with our kiddies. Instead of spending time trying to get Theo to sleep, we just snuggled in and enjoyed this sweet baby boy and his beautiful big blue eyes. 

I love the natural look of these newborn photos…the neutral tones that let you focus on BABY & MOMMY. 

I looove being in my studio, & I love this beautiful mommy and her new baby!

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Group Session - Orange County
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Group Session - Orange County

I LOVE GROUP SESSIONS!

It is THE BEST way to get a deal, and it’s SO fun to take photos with all your besties. I love getting to know each family and find connections between you all!

I loved having these group mini sessions down at my favorite beach with the best people! Each family had their own personality, some sweet and shy, others playful… and some RUNNERS!

If you have friends you’d like to do a group session with, or are interested in putting one together, please REACH OUT to me anytime!

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Natural Newborn Studio Session - Weeks Family
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Natural Newborn Studio Session - Weeks Family

Welcome to the world baby Madden!

How sweet is this sweet baby boy and his sister?? I LOVE the picture of sissy giving mommy a hug while she holds new brother! Go find it. Haha

But this is what it’s all about - helping to create and capture moments of pure joy in the middle of all the exhaustion and craziness of having a newborn… AND a toddler. Let me take away the stress for a little, create a fun experience for the older kiddies and help you care for, and love on your newest.

I loved, loved having the Weeks Family in my studio and these sweet moments we captured.

Thanks for coming. I hope you love these!

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Lifestyle Newborn Session - Skip and Ozzy
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Lifestyle Newborn Session - Skip and Ozzy

TWINS! TWIN BABY BOYS!

Oh I’m so happy for this family to be all together at home with their sweet boys and big sister. One of the boys had a scare at the beginning, starting in the NICU. I think that made it all the more special to be home as a family a 5.

I was so glad to be able to capture these sweet moments. I love watching big sis care for her new babies.

Everyone was obviously so in love.

I hope you enjoy this sweet lifestyle newborn session as much as I did!

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Crystal Cove Relaxed Maternity Pictures - Montana & Brendan
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Crystal Cove Relaxed Maternity Pictures - Montana & Brendan

I had some extra time in my schedule this week and asked Montana if she would come be my muse! 

We met up at Crystal Cove in Newport beach for a creative maternity session! I wanted to embody the joy and anticipation of expecting a baby! I wanted to capture the beauty of a woman’s body. The magic of pregnancy, and growing a child within. 

The supportive role dad plays the whole pregnancy can’t be ignored either. Dad is not only a front row witness to the magic, but the one carrying mom as she carries their baby. 

That connection between the parents-to-be. 

The session ended up being a beautiful blend of all of it. I cannot wait for Brendon and Montana to welcome their baby girl into their family in just a few weeks!! What a special season of life. 

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Joanie Drew Burt
Mommy & Me, Families, Motherhood, Newborn, LEF photo Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families, Motherhood, Newborn, LEF photo Laurel Francis

Joanie Drew Burt

My first newborn session on the BEACH - and honestly, I LOVED IT!!

I was nervous how baby would do, I love my studio sessions. But, they didn’t want to make the drive out to Corona, and they didn’t want to do a home session. The beach was “the next best thing” which, turned out to be “THE BEST THING” - I absolutely loved how it all turned out!

Sweet Joanie loved her ocean wave lullaby, and she snuggled up as soon as we got down to the sand. Jacey and Andrew were so sweet as they took care of their new baby girl, and each other. Little Joanie is so lucky to have them as her parents. She is obviously loved.

I hope you feel that love as you get a glimpse into their family connection here.

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Baby Nick
Mommy & Me, Families, Newborn Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families, Newborn Laurel Francis

Baby Nick

Baby Nick, do you know how long your parents waited for you? Do you know how much they love you? I just met you and I cried over you. You are so special. Thank you for coming to this earth. Heavenly Father sent you to amazing parents. They watch you with all the love in the world.

Their eyes sparkle as your little lips purse, as you yawn, and stretch your little arms high in the sky. Mommy kisses your head as you so easily snuggle into her. She counts, thanking God that He sent 10 perfect little tiny toes. 10 perfect tiny toes that belong to you. Her little Nick. Her baby boy.

Daddy holds your mommy as she cries over you. She’s a Mama now. He gives her sweet kisses and holds you both close. He holds you high in the sky, showing how proud he is to have you as his son. He calms you when you’re sad, and touches his head to yours. You are Nick, just like him. You are his little Nick.

Thank you mom and dad for letting me capture these sacred moments. I will cry everytime I look at them. Thank you for reminding me how precious and tender this life is. Thank you for loving your baby Nick, and helping me love my babies a little more

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Family Maternity Photos at the Beach - The Francis Family
Mommy & Me, Families, Maternity Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families, Maternity Laurel Francis

Family Maternity Photos at the Beach - The Francis Family

Macy is our rainbow baby. We got pregnant with her immediately after an early miscarriage. I felt a little disconnected in the beginning of her pregnancy. I was honestly a little mad that she had “taken the spot” of the baby we lost. I couldn’t understand it, and I didn’t feel the healing I thought I would by getting pregnant again. It didn’t feel real. I was grateful to be pregnant again, grateful my baby was healthy - but I lacked the connection. 

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Group Mommy & Me Session - Laguna Moms
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Group Mommy & Me Session - Laguna Moms

Group Mommy and Me Sessions are where it is at! I have done it twice now and I’m really thinking about making this a consistent package I offer. We simply get a group of mommy friends and their babies together for a play date, set up a cute little backdrop or studio paper - either outside, or in a bright room in the house. Each mom and her kiddos take turns with short 10 minute sessions, capturing their sweet connections. All meanwhile the other kiddos and moms get to play together!

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