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Whimsical Maternity Photos Under the Redwoods

February 12, 2026

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It’s me, Whit. Lover of love, travel and the two coming together. My story goes well beyond the beautiful images you see. 

MEET WHITNEY

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There is something deeply poetic about following a couple through the many “firsts” of their life together. I first met John and Julia when they celebrated their intimate San Francisco City Hall elopement. It was just the two of them. It was quiet, intentional, and incredibly romantic to witness. After their vows, we snuck over to the beach for some wedding portraits.

Fast forward to today, and that same duo is about to become a trio. We headed into the heart of the redwoods in Mill Valley for a maternity session that felt like something straight out of a storybook.

37 Weeks of Magic

We caught John and Julia at the perfect moment—37 weeks pregnant. There is a specific kind of energy in the air during those final weeks before welcoming a first baby. It’s a mix of serene anticipation and a “calm before the storm” (the best kind of storm, of course).

The towering redwoods of Mill Valley provided the perfect sanctuary for this transition. Under the canopy of these ancient giants, the world felt so still. We talked endlessly about their excitement, their fears and the unknown that comes with stepping into parenthood.

From Beach Breezes to Forest Floors

Looking back at their elopement photos on the San Francisco coast, the contrast is beautiful. Where their wedding was defined by the vast, open horizon of the Pacific, their maternity session was defined by the cozy, grounded embrace of the forest. It’s been a joy to watch their story evolve from the minimalist elegance of City Hall to these whimsical forest photos that are so full of life and love.

There’s a beautiful symmetry in capturing a couple’s wedding on the edge of the ocean and then capturing their transition into parenthood deep within the woods. Both settings feel timeless, just like their love.

Whimsical, Simple, and Rooted

We kept the session simple. No over-the-top props, just the dappled light filtering through the branches, the soft textures of the forest floor, and the way John looks at Julia. The result was a gallery that feels light, airy, and deeply soulful.

Document Your Growing Story

Whether you are celebrating your first “I do” or your first “I can’t wait to meet you,” these moments deserve to be preserved in a way that feels authentic to who you are. Your story is a journey, and I would be honored to help you tell it.

Are you ready to capture the magic of your pregnancy?

Book your maternity session with Wild Love & Wanderlust today and let’s create something whimsical together.

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MEET THE WRITER

Whitney

My heart and passion for this work is summed up by the act of service. From the first wedding I ever photographed to ones years later—I’ve yet to come down from the high of being part of a couple’s best day and putting it in digital form to look back on for a lifetime. I take my craft seriously, and that means serving you in all aspects on your wedding day, and the days leading up to it.

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