A Journey of Hope, Faith, and Love | Ashley’s Maternity Story

Every maternity session I photograph holds a unique story, but Ashley’s journey is one of faith, perseverance, and the incredible love of a growing family.

As a stay-at-home mom, Ashley spends her days caring for her 4-year-old son, Atlas — a miracle child who beat the odds and continues to inspire everyone around him. This fall, Ashley and her husband are preparing to welcome their second child, a baby girl they’ve named Loralei Atalise, and I had the honor of documenting this special season of their lives.

Finding Comfort in Front of the Camera

When Ashley first arrived for her session, she admitted this was far outside of her comfort zone. But as soon as she stepped into my client closet and began selecting outfits, everything changed.

“Darby and her team made me feel super comfortable,” she shared. “Going through her client closet, choosing the ones to wear for the session, and getting all fixed up, it was all such a wonderful experience and memory I will have to cherish for years to come when I look back on my pregnancy with our baby girl.”

A Long-Awaited Miracle

Ashley’s journey to pregnancy wasn’t an easy one. After experiencing secondary infertility and miscarriages, she had nearly given up hope for another child. Then came the surprise that would change everything.

“I’ll never forget that positive test,” she recalled. “I had stopped trying and gave it up to fate and God. The very next month, I woke up sick and decided to test. It was positive! I tested for several weeks every other day, just to be sure.”

Her honesty about the anxiety of the first trimester is something so many mothers will relate to — the fear, the hope, and the deep desire to see it all through.

Atlas Becomes a Big Brother

One of the most heartwarming parts of Ashley’s story is how Atlas, who is on the autism spectrum and considered non-verbal, has responded to becoming a big brother.

“I was extremely worried he wouldn’t fully understand or that the transition would be hard on him. But Atlas has completely surprised me,” Ashley said.

Before they even knew the baby was a girl, Atlas began calling her “Layla.” Now, he pulls up his shirt, points to his belly, and proudly says “sissy!” He even sings “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to her every night before bed — proof that the bond between siblings begins long before birth.

A Message to Loralei

Ashley’s words to her daughter are simple but profound:

“You are so loved by the ones who matter most. You were wanted and prayed for, for a very long time. Summer pregnancy took a toll on your mommy, but it’s been worth every moment to bring you into this world. I can’t wait to watch you grow up and become who you’re meant to be, Loralei Atalise.”

Living Her Calling

Ashley describes herself as an “older mama,” having had Atlas at 32 and now preparing to welcome Loralei at 36. But her perspective on motherhood is one filled with grace and gratitude.

Eight years ago, she was in a car accident caused by a drunk driver that led to the loss of her twins at 15 weeks. Doctors told her she would never become a mother. And yet, by the grace of God, she now finds herself living fully in the role she was created for.

“I’m so grateful to be a stay-at-home mother, able to give Atlas the support he needs and live out my dream of being present with my children,” she said.

Ashley’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, love, and advocacy — a story that will inspire other mothers walking their own paths through pregnancy and parenthood.

💛 Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your journey and allowing me to capture this chapter in your life. I cannot wait to meet baby Loralei and photograph her newborn session soon!