If you’re lucky, you’ll have people in your lives who will always make you feel like family. In our experience, this isn’t a sense that comes gradually, but all at once; that’s just who those people are and they can’t help but have their warmth and hospitality shine through in everything they do. Shannon and Chris were those people when we first met them, before we even did their Palace of Fine Arts and Baker Beach Engagement Session and their wedding the year after. Chatting with them at the historic 7Mile House in Daly City, there was an unmistakable sense of comfort and gratitude that we sensed immediately.

Being with them for their wedding in New Jersey, meeting all their friends and family, we came to understand that this was no fluke; they both grew up with incredible people who loved them separately, and evidently, even more after they found eachother. We were the beneficiaries of the good vibes of two families who were looking forward to be forged into one through Shannon and Chris. We met their friends who no doubt fell in love with them for the same qualities we picked up in both of them, and most importantly, we met their mothers who, even in our short time there, made us feel like one of their own. It became that clear that this special capacity to us feel like family was because they came from fantastic ones.

Following that, we were incredibly happy to hear that they were expecting a little one and even more honored to be included in this new chapter of their lives. On top of that, Shannon and Chris were always clients who “got” what we were going for, and were always excited to work with us. For their maternity session, we decided to head out to Mount Tamalpais in Marin County just north of San Francisco.

We had never shot in Mount Tamalpais, and especially with Shannon and Chris, we’re not sure why we waited so long. The vistas afforded by being on the mount, and the completely enchanting wooded areas nearby were a perfect backdrop for Shannon and Chris and the mood of this time of their lives. We were lucky to shoot on a beautiful day with plenty of sunlight filtering magically through the treetops of the forests there, giving us plenty of drama without too much fuss. We particularly appreciated Shannon and Chris’ company; just catching up with them and sharing our own experiences as we’re expecting as well was just what our souls needed. The charm is all still there, and was a reminder that we need to get together more often. Truly, some of our favorite people.

Congratulations to these two, about to be a trio — there are no people or families we’re more excited to see bring another one of their own into the world.