It’s been nearly a year since I did something that nobody ever wants to have to do for their best friend. One year ago this month, my best friend gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, who wasn’t meant to stay Earthside for very long. Baby Isabelle lived for a few short hours, touching all of our hearts, before gaining her wings.
I have photographed every major event for this family – from their wedding, first pregnancy, two newborn sessions, cake smashes, family sessions, you name it… so when I wasn’t able to find them a volunteer photographer through Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep in time, I jumped on the GO Train and made the trek from Union Station to Mount Sinai where I photographed their sweet girl before they had to say goodbye. It may have been the most heartbreaking and difficult thing I’ve ever done, and at the same time so fulfilling to be able to give them the gift of memories to cherish forever – so that when they couldn’t hold her, they could at least look back on her through these photographs.
When Mama told me that they were expecting again, we were all cautiously elated together. This is what happens with “Rainbow Babies” though…they are so very wanted, prayed for, hoped for, longed for… but because of the tragic loss parents have experienced before them, there is always that fear of the unknown…
Two weeks ago now, sweet little Lily Isabelle was born – perfect in every way. When her Mama asked me to create a “Rainbow Baby” set for her, I knew I wanted to keep it true to my style – simple, timeless, and classic. HUGE thank you to The Felted Pizza for coming up with the perfect little prop to pull off the job!
This morning, I had the enormous privilege of meeting and photographing Lily for the first time and she was amazing for me! I am so in love with her gallery, there was no way I was going to be able to choose just one sneak peek for her parents, so I decided to share the images that honour sweet Isabelle in this blog post.
Huge congratulations to Mom, Dad, Chloe and Hunter on the birth of your new baby girl!
In Loving Memory of Sweet Isabelle
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, North Bay, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
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