SHANELLEN & ALI SURPRISE MOMMY & ME SESSION | DESTINATION WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | ST. LOUIS, MO

A week before Christmas, Derek called me up and asked if I could help with his Christmas present for his girlfriend, Shanellen. I was shocked to hear that he wanted to surprise her with a mommy and me session for her and her daughter. While giving away a session to your loved ones is the sweetest gift….it can be a risky one when you surprise them with a session on the spot! Derek had everything planned out, he told his girlfriend that her and Ali had to dress up nice for a work party being held at a restaurant on Main Street St. Charles. When I arrived, Derek introduced us and told her that they were not going to a work party, but that they were there for a surprise, girls only photo session (we made Derek join in for a few shots!). After the initial shock wore off, she was so excited!! I had a blast with her sweet daughter, Ali. I think it was around 25 degrees outside and Ali wasn’t bothered one bit! She wrapped herself up in a blanket and happily posed for shots as we walked around.

After the session, Derek had another gift planned. After editing and secretly delivering the gallery to him first, he picked out two images and had them professionally printed through my lab, framed, and wrapped just in time to go under the Christmas tree!!