This shoot was originally booked as a sister photo session for Lovely and Lesly. They are twin sisters originally from the Philippines who now live in Calgary. We were supposed to shoot this session in the spring but had to postpone it because of Aiden’s hospitalization. By the time we were able to reschedule it, Lovely and Dan found out that they were expecting their second baby, so that changed the focus of the shoot. We waited until the fall when we could capture Lovely’s beautiful baby bump in all its glory. Also at that time, Lesly got engaged to a lovely Canadian guy, so we included both new additions to the family when we finally got together for the Goosen maternity and family photo session.

The Vision: Capturing the Miracle of Life

The Goosen family is no stranger to adversity and the discipline of perseverance. It is not an overstatement to say that their firstborn Charles is a miracle baby. He arrived very premature into this world and the odds were not in his favor. I’m unsure if I know another baby who has been prayed for as much by his family and community. He has and continues to crush many milestones they were told would be impossible. He has the absolute best mischievous little grin that you will ever see on a little boy. He is also one of my own kid’s favourite toddlers on the planet. When Dan and Lovely found out they were expecting again, the praying began again that this baby would make it to full term and be born full of health. It was a complete joy to watch Lovely’s beautiful baby bump grow marking the answer to prayers we were all praying. The only person who knew what she was expecting was her sister Lesly. I am happy to report that baby Leah arrived full-term and healthy. We wanted to capture this answer to pray in our photoshoot and also the special bond that Charles has with his mom, dad, auntie and uncle-to-be.

The Location: North Glenmore Park – a fall spectacular

This shoot happened at the tail end of the fall foliage in Calgary at North Glenmore Park. The leaves were long gone in many other parts of the city, but Aiden and I scouted out this location the day before the shoot. We wanted to capture this family as naturally as possible and the rolling hills and beautiful trails allowed us to follow along behind them as they went on a family walk. Like any three-year-old, Charle’s desire to sit and smile for a picture was limited, but this just added to the fun. Charles and Aiden have a special connection and in the end, it was Aiden who could elicit the sweetest smiles from him. There was just enough colour left on these trees to make the pictures pop. We loved their choice of cream colours with denim. Their neutral palate worked perfectly with the backdrop of the park.

The Results: Christmas card perfection

Nothing makes us happier than seeing the art we created used and shared with our client’s families and friends. When we received the Goosen’s Christmas card this year, Aiden and I both smiled at the photos that they featured. These photos beautifully capture the connection between Dan, Lovely and Charles, as well as between the sisters. We are so happy to see the genuine joy in their smiles, knowing the impossibly difficult journey that has brought them to this place. Their faith and willingness to share their story is an absolute inspiration to both of us.

Final Thoughts

Goosen family, as you navigate this transition to a family of four we know that you will do it with authenticity and joy. It is not easy to grow your family, and there will be bumps in the road, but we know that you will walk in grace. Thank you for the opportunity to tell this part of your family story with these photos. We hope they are a blessing for years to come and evidence of the goodness of God in your lives.