Adoption is such a special, miraculous thing for so many children and so many families. I had the incredible privilege of meeting one of these families and getting to photograph their adoption. 

Out of respect for their privacy, I won’t be sharing any of their photos or names. But I still want to share my experience of getting to photograph such an important day. 

For anybody who has experienced working with the foster care system in any way knows that it is a rollercoaster of emotions. And for this sweet family, it was just that.

I remember when I had the pre-booking phone call with mom. She shared with me her story and I cried (okay, yes, I am overly sensitive).

Heartbreak after heartbreak, Mom and Dad finally got a call to have their forever daughter placed in their home, and here I am, being allowed to share one of the most important day of all of their lives with them.

Because E a little older, she got to play a huge part in deciding how her day wanted to go. She picked out these beautiful matching dresses for her and her mom to wear. Mom surprised her with an American Girl doll and made a matching dress for her as well (seriously, the sweetest thing!).

The courthouse and adoption itself was such a special experience. Their family and their daughter’s whole kindergarten class was able to join via Zoom. The room was full of love and excitement. I don’t think there was a single dry eye in the room when the whole kindergarten class waved and said hi to E. The judge, wiping away his tears, said “you didn’t tell me there were going to be more kids involved”. 

After the courthouse, we were able to photograph some beautiful family portraits at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory.

It is such a beautiful greenhouse located Downtown Tacoma, and is such a perfect location for those rainy days we have oh so often here in Washington. I can’t even be mad it was raining because it turned out to be absolutely beautiful.

E is finally in her forever home, Mom and Dad have their forever daughter, and they are such a beautiful family. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for allowing me to capture your beautiful family and be a part of your special day! Your family will forever have a special place in my heart.