This Avalon NJ maternity session was the perfect celebration of love, light, and the quiet joy of a growing family on the beach at sunset.

We met just before golden hour, when the light turns warm and the ocean breeze feels extra peaceful. The mom-to-be radiated beauty as she walked barefoot along the shoreline, her hands gently cradling her bump. With her daughter by her side and her husband close behind, every moment felt full of meaning and anticipation.

The connection between this family came through in every frame. Her husband watched her with admiration, ready to support her at every step. Their daughter, wide-eyed and full of curiosity, couldn’t wait to explore the beach. She picked up seashells, ran through the tide, and leaned in for kisses and snuggles with her parents.

Their dog joined in on the fun, wagging his tail and staying close to his people. I love when families include their pets—it makes the session feel even more personal. This pup clearly knew he was part of something special.

The sunset cast a golden glow across the sand, making everything feel soft and dreamy. We captured the quiet in-between—the sweet season of waiting before life changes in the best possible way. These images will serve as a reminder of what life looked and felt like right before their family grew by one more heartbeat.

Maternity sessions like this one remind me why I love what I do. They honor motherhood, celebrate connection, and preserve the joy and wonder of growing families. When you pair that with Avalon’s peaceful beach and breathtaking sunsets, it’s pure magic.

If you’re expecting and want to capture the beauty of this moment, let’s plan a session that reflects your story.

Whether you’re drawn to the beach, your home, or another meaningful spot, this chapter deserves to be remembered. Reach out to me today to start planning your maternity session: Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

Last month, I had the opportunity to document my cousin Danielle’s maternity session at a park near their house, Riverton Yacht Club! When they told me they wanted to have a Riverton Yacht Club Maternity Session, I was so excited, because this is where they had their first look for their wedding. Not only that, but this is the exact location where John had proposed to Danielle! It’s an understatement to say that this park holds great meaning to them. Toward the end of the images, you will see Danielle sitting down and John kissing her belly. That is the exact location where he proposed years ago, only instead of belly kisses, he was holding a ring. They call the tree “their tree”, and I don’t blame them one bit. I see many future picnics here with their soon to be new baby girl, Emma Grace!

*Update: Emma Grace has been born! I am so excited to meet her next week for her newborn session!

I am so excited for them and so honored that I was able to capture these memories for them. I hope they love the images just as much as I do!

The Riverton Yacht Club is gorgeous. We didn’t get to go up to the yacht club, but the grounds around it are so well maintained. John told me that the owners of the houses along this street actually own the lawns, and that the road that runs parallel to the river is a throughway that was put there by the homeowners years ago (I think I got that correct!) It’s such a historic little town and such a beautiful drive after work. The sunset is definitely swoon worthy! Emma Grace is one lucky little girl to be able to grow up in such a history rich down!

If you thought these images from the Riverton Yacht Club Maternity Session were amazing, and you want to have a session here of your own, please reach out to me! Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net I am in love with this location!

Portraits are my favorite, especially when they’re a Batsto Village Maternity Session! Batsto Village is one of those hidden gems that is always perfect for portraits located right in Hammonton, NJ! I love the old buildings, the wood fences, the dirt roads and grass fields! Any color that you wear will pop against the neutral tones of the village. Maternity sessions are so special. This is a time in your life where you want it documented, remembered, and preserved because it means more to you than the world.

Having a Batsto Village maternity session is such a great idea. It’s located in Wharton State Forest in New Jersey. On the other side of the village there are beautiful hiking trails, but my heart in truly in love with the village. It’s like falling back in time, and seeing how people lived, how they worked, and provided for their families. It’s deep in history, so make a day of it! If it’s open, stop by the visitors center and check it out!

I had such a great time photographing Tara and Joe! They’re so happy and exited to meet their little bundle of joy! Tara had a few outfit changes and I couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked in each outfit! Pregnancy certainly looks amazing on her! These are photos going to be cherished so much looking back and remembering how it felt to have their little inside. They’re both glowing!

Enjoy the photos from this gorgeous Batsto Village maternity session, and if you are planning on having maternity portraits taken, please email: Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net