I first met Danielle - creator of Sacred Beginnings- in an Itsy Bitsy yoga class she was leading back in 2010. The yoga was fun- my daughter and I both enjoyed it and learned a handful of useful tricks- but what I remember more than anything from those days was getting to be with other moms, and their babies, all different yet the same - and for an hour or more each week we would just sit and talk. About motherhood. About relationships. About life. I looked forward to class every week. 4+ years later and the majority of us moms are still in contact.
I didn't really know what to expect going into the Sacred Beginnings retreat - but I was not going to turn down the opportunity to photograph a retreat in California - so off I went.
As I've mentioned before - it takes me a while to unwind and remember how to relax; especially in new environments, where I tend to get sensory overload and turn into an even more yappy sarcastic version of regular myself. But as the retreat progressed I was able to find my little sliver of calm.
The moms there were all in different stages of life - and had come to the retreat for various reasons. But one thing that stood out to me above all else was the longing for, and consequently the building of, a community. I witnessed these women excited to go home and expand on that community in their home towns.
As a society we are so hyper-focused on independence and individuality that we have - intentionally or not - abandoned the ideas of community and solidarity. So seeing this community form, and seeds planted for it to continue to grow, truly makes my heart happy.
Danielle has always had a gift for bringing people together and fostering communities. I couldn't think of a more perfect roll for her than to pass on her light to other women and have them share in her gifts of oneness. I am forever thankful for her passion and dedication to bringing moms together and am SO excited to see what the future holds for Sacred Beginnings - and for the unity it will bring to mothers across the world.
Saint Augustine Lifestyle Photography
NEW LENS!
Was so excited to get a new lens this past week! So much to love so much to learn! The photos are so sharp and vibrant out the gate- but with that sharpness means the slightest missed focus is that much more apparent - so there is no room for error! And using your feet to zoom takes a little getting used to at first but is more natural once you get the hang of it- you can't zoom your eye balls with a button- you move your feet! haha!
Anyway! Took my family out to Alpine Groves to test it out! Love this location! And love the people in these photos!! I'll give you one guess as to which of my kiddos is the ham and which runs from the camera ;)
Megan Soto Photography is a natural light photographer in St. Augustine, Florida and surrounding areas; specializing in Maternity, Babies, Children and family portraits. For more information or to book a session please email MeganSotoPhotography@gmail.com
Baby H
Meet baby H! Oh my goodness is she sweet! She is so alert and totally loves her momma. H is the second miracle baby I've been lucky to photograph, and she is amazing! She was born at 28 weeks weighing 3pounds 2oz. She's now a little over 3 months (or 1 week adjusted) and she is so alert! This little lady blew me away with how well she is doing! And her big brother is totally smitten. At one point baby sis started to fuss and big brother ran in all protective to check on her. Melted my heart!
