Rainbows follow a storm. A rainbow baby is a term given to a little one born shortly after the loss of a previous child to miscarriage, stillbirth, or death in infancy. Dakota is Tracy and Shannon’s rainbow. I met this sweet couple during the storm of losing their precious newborn, Skylar, when I was called in to be their Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep photographer. I will never forget the sadness of that night as I gently bathed and then photographed one of the most beautiful baby girls I’d ever seen. She was truly an angel, born into the hands of God. Those images were so meaningful to their family and like all the families I serve, I kept them so very close to my heart.

A month after I photographed Skylar for them, I received a perfect pink rose with a card from Shannon and Tracy to remind me of what would have been Skylar’s 1 month milestone. I was so very touched and continued to keep in touch with Shannon over the next couple years. I watched as they helped other grieving families and paid honor to Skylar’s memory. When I learned they were expecting again, I was overjoyed! Shannon asked if I would photograph their newborn session and I thrilled!

Shannon and Tracy live in a beautiful log cabin near Blackstone, Virginia. I was so excited to be able to travel to their home and meet their precious baby boy and spend time with them again. Being able to provide photography for families in both the worst of times and then the best is truly a blessing I cannot describe. Enjoy this cozy lifestyle session!

Dakota snuggles into Shannon’s own cradle from when she was a child.

Such a little poser!

Skylar’s handprint stays around Shannon’s neck as a reminder she’s never far away.

Grandma, Mom, and Baby: Three Generations

Big Brother Blake kept watch on Dakota the entire session.

If you’re a photographer and interested in sharing your talents with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, please contact me! I am currently the only photographer taking sessions in the Richmond area and we need your help more than you know. Knowing you’re providing such a meaningful gift makes the difficulty of the work so very worth it! Learn more at here.