Dreamy Maternity Session in the Forest | CJ + Pua
Maternity sessions are SUCH a special way to document the transition into parenthood, and CJ + Pua’s session was nothing short of magical!! From capturing their wedding day to now celebrating the arrival of their first baby, it’s been an honor to witness and document these milestones for them. This maternity shoot gave all the romantic, ethereal cottagecore vibes—like stepping straight into a storybook. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own maternity session, let this dreamy forest setting be your vision board!
Maternity Photos Vision Board
Maternity photography is alllll about capturing the beauty, emotion, and anticipation of welcoming a new life. CJ + Pua’s session was a perfect example of how setting, outfits, and natural light can bring a vision to life. The forest location gave a whimsical, fairy-tale feel—soft greens, golden light filtering through the trees, and an effortless romance in the air. The session had a mix of cozy, intimate moments and playful, joy-filled interactions, which is exactly what makes maternity sessions so special. BRB swooning!!!
If you’re envisioning your own maternity shoot, think about textures, flowy dresses, and natural elements that complement the location. Whether it’s an open field, a beach at sunset, or a dreamy forest like this one, the setting plays a huge role in creating the overall vibe of your session.
Their Story
I first met CJ through his brother, Mike, back in 2020, and from there, I had the privilege of capturing CJ + Pua’s wedding in November 2022 at Moli’i Gardens at Kualoa Ranch. Looking back, I’m EXTRA grateful we had the chance to shoot there before the venue closed down! Their wedding day was such a fun celebration, with familiar faces and my second shooter, Keej, by my side—it felt like one big party!!
Fast forward two years, and they were preparing to welcome their first baby into the world. Their daughter was born in November 2024, shortly after this maternity session, making these photos even more special. Seeing my clients go from engagement to wedding and then to starting their family is truly one of the best parts of what I do!!
Picking the Best Location for Maternity Photos
Choosing the right location for your maternity session sets the tone for your entire shoot. CJ + Pua opted for a forest setting, which created the most romantic, ethereal backdrop—think storybook romance meets Twilight vibes (and I am absolutely here for it). If you’re drawn to soft, dreamy aesthetics, a forest setting with lush greenery and golden-hour light is a perfect choice.
When picking your maternity photo location, consider:
• The overall vibe – Maybe a cozy, intimate feel, or something grand and cinematic!
• Your outfits – Flowing dresses, earthy tones, and soft fabrics complement nature-inspired settings beautifully.
• The time of day – Golden hour (right before sunset) is perfect for that soft, glowing light.
• Personal significance – Choosing a meaningful location, like where you had your engagement photos or wedding, can make the session even more special.
If you’re expecting and dreaming of a maternity session that feels as magical as this one, let’s make it happen! Whether it’s a forest, a beach, or somewhere completely unique to you, I’m here to bring your vision to life and capture this beautiful chapter in your journey. Send me a message here and I can't wait to hear from you!!
