Nicole & Paisley | A Mother-Daughter Session in Darien, NY

When I announced I’d be offering a few sessions while visiting family back East, Nicole reached out right away. I actually first met her years ago when I was substitute teaching — she was a student back then. Now she’s all grown up, and it was such an honor to capture the beautiful bond she shares with her daughter, Paisley.

We documented their playful connection on Nicole’s parents’ property in Darien. We started off in Paisley’s little “fairy garden,” munching apples and running around barefoot, soaking in all the sweetness of the moment. Then, we hopped on a golf cart and headed through the woods to a wide-open field at the back of the property.

There, surrounded by tall grass and wildflowers, I captured Nicole and Paisley just being — laughing, exploring, and sharing stories. Nicole told Paisley all about the things she used to do there at her age. Mother and daughter, walking the same paths, years apart but side by side. It was such a full-circle moment, and I felt lucky to witness it.

These are the moments I love to freeze in time — simple, honest, and filled with love. As the years go by, Nicole and Paisley will always have these images to remember how this season felt: playful, messy, and magical.

If you’ve got a little one who still thinks you hung the moon… what are you waiting for? The days are long, but the years are short — and those muddy feet and sticky hands won’t last forever.