Keri is a dear friend of mine.
She's the first person I met when I moved to Fort Worth when I was 18.
She was a roommate, in my bridal party, a confidant, a blesser, a bs-caller-outter, a shoulder to cry on, and a whole lot more.
She introduced me to her mother, a visionary in the birth community who shaped me as a woman and was with me when I birthed two of my daughters. Her passing last year was a loss I was not prepared for. When Keri confided in me that she was pregnant, I looked at my husband in outright joy followed by immediate and complete heart break - because Ann wouldn't be there.
From afar I've watched this amazing woman grow physically and spiritually in ways I didn't even know were possible. I was over-the-moon excited when we hatched a plan to sneak away this weekend to shoot at a location very near to her, her honeymoon getaway.
Since 2011, Keri has been a muse and encourages me in my creative efforts like few can or do. I'm thankful for her friendship and am FREAKING OUT over the fact that a little baby boy Duckett will soon be joining the world.
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Here are some words from Keri
“This pregnancy has been a whirlwind of love, joy, grief, excitement, and transition. The boy I’m carrying was created just 6 months or so after the most devastating loss I had experienced. I’ve travelled this pregnancy without my Mom, who was my midwife, my deepest friend, and the best Grammy to all of my kids. My son has journeyed with me in the closest of ways as I have navigated through grief, learning to live and love and drink deeply again of the joys that life offers. While he is not the source of my healing, his nearness growing inside of me and the tenderness of knowing there is new life happening has forever changed me as a woman.”
“The photos Mae captured are more than just a pretty location or the right accessories. She captured the story. The feelings. I find it especially interesting how she captured the contrast even in the lighting. Darkness and shadows intertwining with the glow of warm sun on my face. This, this is what this pregnancy has been. Beautiful and deep and meaningful. This is more than just photography, and I’m more grateful than ever to have it. ”
Thank you again, friend, for traveling so far while there's a bowling ball on your bladder to see me and catch up. I love you!
Are you in the Austin area? I'll be shooting there at the end of November and Mid-December.
I will also be in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area the first weekend of December
(to see this precious new babe!) and to photograph more of my favorite DFW people.
If you are interested in a session, please visit the shop or email me at hello@maeburke.com