A Five-Year-Old Spring Milestone Photo Shoot | Hershey, PA | May 15, 2025
Lyla, Lyla, Lyla… What a fireheart! Although I only interacted with her for two hours, I sensed that she is equal parts Janelle and Dave. You see, I know her parents quite well, having shot their engagement session at Wind in the Willows, their 1.5 engagement session in Mount Joy, their wedding at Wind in the Willows, and their maternity session in Harrisburg, PA, when this sweet girl was still a mystery to them a year later.
I first met Lyla’s parents at the Elizabethtown, PA, Starbucks when I was a relatively new photographer, particularly to wedding photography. We had to meet at the E-town Starbucks instead of the Lancaster location, that was customary for me back then, because I realized a little too late that the Lancaster site was closed on Sundays (palm to forehead). They didn’t bat an eye and had no trouble meeting with me at a different location than we had previously agreed upon. Our meeting was fantastic and lasted much longer than the typical 45 minutes I had grown accustomed to. It continued for so long that I eventually needed to use the restroom. When I returned, my older laptop had died. How embarrassing! That had never happened before! I was still using outdated technology in the early days of my business, as many entrepreneurs do when they are starting up. Although we had made a real connection, I worried that this rookie mistake would cost me their booking.
When we said goodbye that day, I told them they couldn’t decide without discussing it together first. Choosing a wedding photographer is a significant decision!
By the time I made the 15-minute drive home, Janelle had texted me. She said that as soon as they got in their car after the meeting, they both looked at each other, smiled, and Janelle said, “Well, I think we found our wedding photographer!” And a lifelong connection was formed.
I adore these two more than words can describe. Being the one to capture their sweet Lyla as she grows has been an incredible honor. Seeing them again after five years made my heart melt all over the sidewalk. Lyla got out of the car, hugged me like we had been friends her whole life, and said, “You took my parents’ married pictures, didn't you?” I don’t think I could have smiled bigger than I did in that moment. How sweet. She was practically a model for the first hour, and as is customary for kiddos her age, after being the focus of the shoot for so long, I started to lose her, and we called it a day.
As old pros at this, Dave said, “Now we just wait for the upload!” LOL Yes, Dave. Now you just wait for the upload…which will happen very soon! Check out the preview below, and then check your email later this evening! Love you all so much!
Xx - Megan
