2020 at Home | The Solomons
My earliest memories of Keri look like carpooling to work late (because her parents were our bosses and we had to stop for gas because we were running on fumes, probably from the Starbucks stop SOMEBODY said she needed) while listening to Kidd Kraddick in the Morning. Her youngest daughter recently pointed “OH MY GOSH MOM, Mae has a tattoo on her finger JUST LIKE you, and her nose pierced JUST LIKE YOU.” to which I could only laugh and say “It was the 00’s, Penny, you had to be there.”
But there’s also some wonderful truth in what this tiny smiley child said.
Keri is one of the most influential women in my life. Her patient spirit has endured years of me refining my fiery words. Like many of my friends, she has always paid for my photography, supporting my business as it’s evolved. Like few of my friends, she supports my heart with words of correction that prune and bring forth new growth.
I share all of this not to flex our friendship on all y’all, but simply to amplify what kind of wife and mother she’s learned to be. Learning to love well, being Jesus with skin on, is at the core of who Keri is, and after a decade of intense cultivation, I’m blessed and rejoicing watching a harvest come to her and her household.
The leadership and selflessness of the husband by your side has brightened up your whole world. Your happiness, the joy and peace you’ve received from the Lord, is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen established in you, Keri.
Respite for Leslie
Leslie and her long legged crew were looking for a break from the jarring reality that 2020 has become for many. Leslie is a front-line nurse and single mama in the Dallas area, and though this year has put us all through a lot, she is bracing herself for the fall season that will be as unpredictable as anything we’ve seen so far.
Feeling rusty, shooting less than I ever have in my career, I met her family in one of my favorite spots. Our time together was nothing short of refreshing.
“Peace.
No time Schedule.
No school
No work
No virus
Just us
Nature, seashell hunting, soul soothing.”
“My young man, he grounds me. My first baby love, he has the most amazing soul. He is truly one of my very best friends. My first born.
I forget
I forget to stop. The days are long but the years are short. Their love is nothing short of God’s blessing.”
“My wild child, my baby.
The one who certainly marches to the beat of her own drum; tough yet sensitive.
When you ask her she says ‘My mommy says we can’t kiss on the mouth because of the viwus’ because we haven’t had any actual kisses for over four months. Just fish kisses and cheek kisses - but still all the love.”
Introducing my clients to moon jellies, kissing crabs for good luck, and making sure they drop in to Panjo’s before they leave is always a pleasure. But witnessing God ease the burdens of a weary heart, right before my very eyes, is a blessing I don’t deserve and am grateful for. Leslie, thank you again and again for sharing an evening with me, and thank you for all your hard work this year.
My travel sessions for Rockport, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and DFW are limited
as we work to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in Texas.
If you #findyourselfinRockportFulton this summer or fall,
I’d love to photograph you and your loved ones.
You can find more booking information in my store or by emailing hello@maeburke.com
Welcome Baby Whit
You may remember this gorgeous mama and her sweet home from her maternity session a few months ago. Nationwide Stay at Home orders had been put in place and we were all unsure what exactly this meant for Carly’s birth plans. Her story is one shared by mamas all over the world. I am so happy I got to meet her precious boy at home after COVID-19 restrictions had been eased up a bit
From Carly -
A friend sent this to me shortly after giving birth, and it really struck a chord with me -becoming even more apparent and true as the days pass and I reflect back on this entire first month
The emotional labor pains of becoming a mother are far greater than the phycical pangs of birth; these are the growing surges of your heart as it pushes out selfishness and fear and makes room for sacrifice and love. It is a private and silent birth of the soul, but it is no less holy than the event of childbirth- perhaps even more sacred.” - Joy Kusek
From Carly
“Even though the COVID-19 Pandemic took some precious moments away from us with not being able to welcome our first child into this world surrounded by friends and family, it provided me with ample reflection time- time to be fully present and lean into this internal change, which has been the most amazing part of being a new mom for me.”
From Carly
“And with Mae’s eye for capturing the beauty in the day to day moments, we are at least able to share these beautiful images of life with our son with loved ones (many of whom live far away) and it’s like they’re right here with us in our home. We will forever be grateful to her for that.”
Carly, Trip, the joy you have for your beautiful boy was a bright spot in a world that has been unpredictable. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family in this way
2020 SESSIONS
My travel sessions for Austin, San Antonio, Houston and DFW are limited to repeat clients on a case by case basis as we work to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in Texas.
If you #findyourselfinRockportFulton this summer or fall, should restrictions be lifted by then,
I’d love to photograph you and your loved ones. Sessions will remain immediate family only
You can find more booking information in my store or by emailing hello@maeburke.com