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Maternity Photos - Endrina and Vincent
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Maternity Photos - Endrina and Vincent

Endrina was one of my brides from last year, so obviously when they wanted to book a mini session this year, I was so excited! What made it even better, was the fact that when I showed up, Endrina was eight months pregnant! I had no idea!

What a fun surprise to be able to do a maternity session for an old bride . We met up at my favorite truck stop in Corona lol. It’s a funny spot and a one that I’m kind of embarrassed to take people too…but it just looks so beautiful in pictures! With the golden fields and the mountains in the background! You just have to ignore all of the trash while we are there, and know that I will edit it out.

Vincent told me how Endrina is his Miss. Columbia - that all the girls aspire to be just like her. HAHA not exactly what he said, but that was the gist of it (wink)! Endrina is a stunning mom to be! Although she said she was tired and ready to have her sweet baby, and done being pregnant - she looked as stunning and radiant as ever!

We created moments of pure joy, anticipation, and gratitude. You could really tell how much Vincent loves Endrina, and is so excited to have his first baby boy. Vincent is going to be a great dad, Endrina is going to be an amazing mother. They’re sweet baby boy is so lucky!

Congratulations, Vincent and Endrina - I sure love you guys!

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Crystal Cove State Park Family Session - Foulger Family
Families Laurel Francis Families Laurel Francis

Crystal Cove State Park Family Session - Foulger Family

I love, love, loved this session and had to post about it again. It was a reminder of why I do what I do - to capture those precious moments that will be treasured for years to come. So if you're looking for a family photographer who will help you have fun, capture those sweet and tender moments, and create lasting memories, LOOK NO FURTHER - I would be honored to be a part of your family's story and to help you create a beautiful collection of photos that you will treasure for years to come.

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Family Lifestyle Newborn Photos - Baby Macy
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

Family Lifestyle Newborn Photos - Baby Macy

These pictures of our sweet newborn in our home mean the world to me. The way Daddy holds the family, and the way the brother giggles when he looks at his new sister.

The way Sally captured me holding our sweet new little girl, and all of the helping hands.

Sally captured just the way we felt about having our sweet rainbow in our arms. Our little Macy Brooke. “Macy” means God’s gift. We feel that every day. She is a gift of light, of peace, and joy. Her middle name is after my sister who had a loss just after ours. It’s a beautiful name that felt right. I know she has brought peace to her aunty as well. A brook is also a little stream - thus our little Macy Brooke is the little stream that gave. Just like the primary song we sang when we were little:

“Give,” said the little stream,

“Give, oh! Give, give, oh! Give.”

“Give,” said the little stream,

As it hurried down the hill;

“I’m small, I know, but wherever I go

The fields grow greener still.”

I’m so grateful for our little gift from God that keeps on giving peace, joy and comfort to all those in need. I hope you feel of her sweet light as you see these special photos.

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A playful evening amid the Corona,CA Fields and Mountains - Gatcha Family
Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis Mommy & Me, Families Laurel Francis

A playful evening amid the Corona,CA Fields and Mountains - Gatcha Family

YOU GUYS…THESE PHOTOS!! We had to reschedule once, and ALMOST ended up at a different location but I’m SO glad that we made the Corona Field work! The golden hues with the mountainscape was the PERFECT backdrop for the neutral outfits that Vanessa picked out! Let me just say, she did a great job dressing her family! It can be hard to pick out family outfits. (if you’re ever having problems, you can reach out and check out my style guide and i’d love to help you put your outfits together!) But Vanessa did a great job mixing neutral tones, and patterns!

So when we get to the field for our mini session, you know automatically it’s not only going to look great, but also BE a blast. Her two boys start running around the moment they step on the ground - sprinting to be more accurate! LOL! But we had so much fun playing dinosaur, eating rocks and snuggling mom and dad. I’ve said it before but i’ll say it again, we have fun during mini sessions. No awkward poses here. Check out how cute these turned out!

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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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Natural Newborn Photos in Home - Shalom Family
Laurel Francis Laurel Francis

Natural Newborn Photos in Home - Shalom Family

Sweet little Joshua!

I loved capturing your family as they welcomed you as their new addition! Your big brother Jordan just adores you and your mom and grandma can’t stop giving you kisses and taking your pictures! Your dad holds you tenderly and gently holds your mom. 

You are so loved. 

It’s always so special to be in your homes, capturing those intimate feelings of love and connection where you feel the most comfortable - Thank you for trusting me :) 

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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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My Current Favorite MOM TIPS
motherhood Laurel Francis motherhood Laurel Francis

My Current Favorite MOM TIPS

Becoming a mom is a beautiful journey – one sought after & loved by so many. Nothing compares to holding your baby for the first time, the sweet smell of after bath snuggles & velvety baby skin. The JOY you feel when you watch your child learn something new or do something that was so scary or hard for them!

But, then the hard mothering days come crashing down like a load of bricks…or maybe a ball to the head, or stepping on a sharp lego…HAHA amiright???

My current fav “MOMMY TIPS” have been my saving grace in keeping my sanity & helping things to run a little more smoothly….especially now with more than one kid! Read on, I’ll share my young mom wisdom with you!

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