Adoption Story: Part 1

“A family requires LOVE not DNA.”

“They may not have our yes nor our smile but they have our heart.”

I’ve always been drawn and inspired by adoption stories and I’m going to be brutally honest, I don’t know why it fascinates me so much. I could echo all the cliches quotes I’ve learned through the years. Most of them accurate, some of them questionable. One thing is clear to me…love is the engine for both families involved.

Being a family photographer, I’ve photographed both blood and adopted families. I’ve first hand witnessed and documented the moment a couple becomes parents, both through natural birth or by legal ceremony. And for every and each one of them, overwhelming love was ever so present.

So then, what is the difference between the two? Is one more special than the other? Would I have to choose a different mindset when approaching documenting their stories? NO. However parenting comes, it is a miracle of life, a miracle of love. And I can’t wait to witness and document this family’s miracle of love to unfold as the next few months approaches.

Join me for this adoption story!

It’s early January and I receive a phone call for more photography info. I do story essays so it’s very normal for me to ask gazillion questions. (you have been warned, lol) This couple is in the very “paper pregnant” stages of their parenting journey through adoption. I jumped with happiness. Thus far, I have photographed adoptions stories from the legal ceremony to the family session, but this family is still in the making…they haven’t even met baby because he or she hasn’t even been born yet. I’m so excited! I now have the privilege of documenting their family in the making, their LOVE journey of becoming parents…

Let me tell you about them

Pre adopting parents would do a profile book for the baby’s birth parents to get to know who they are and what are their hobbies, interests, and lifestyle. Oh, I’ll make sure this couple has the BEST documented day in the life that would serve as a first and best introduction ever! This is their Day in the Life session.

We started their day at home doing what they love the most. Reading, couching, trying their green thumb, going for walks with the sweetest teddy-dog, Cosmo, and cooking. This was not just a photographic essay, it was a culinary experience. Both of which I love.

Knowing what they love to do gives me the best story to capture. And this pizza? Wow, it was just delicious!

The Travel Wall

For the wanderers and travel enthusiasts, a travel wall packed with collectibles, memorabilia, and mementos from their many trips is a beautiful display of an enjoyed life. This travel wall is a happy reminder of the amazing family moments shared together.

Backyard City Garden

Trying their green thumb in agriculture in your backyard is not only beautiful to look at it is also relaxing.

After a walk in the park, they had a date at Old San Juan. Their day ended with a beautiful sunset.

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This is how their day ended for their pre-adoption session. We will meet again for their next exciting chapter, meeting their baby boy or baby girl. Can’t wait!