Charlotte's Mama VIVIFY Session
“I felt cared for. I remember feeling so tired with mothering, and all the daily decisions that needed to be made. It felt peaceful to have Krista take the reigns to cultivate a moment of beauty & joy.”
In the whirlwind of early motherhood, moments of tranquility and pure joy can feel like fleeting butterflies, delicate and ephemeral. Charlotte, an early adopter of the Vivify experience, embarked on a journey back in 2018 alongside two cherished friends, capturing slices of that time. Now, as she transitions into a new chapter, she sought to immortalize this precious part of her journey. Charlotte chose to invest in the session as a way to commemorate the one-year mark of her and her daughter, wanting to freeze this precious moment into keepsakes.
Charlotte kicked off the session donning a dress from 'This Is My Housedress' by Maddie Bing, a designer on a mission to redefine the classic housedress. Maddie sent over this stunning linen piece for the shoot, and I chose Charlotte to wear it because I thought it fit her vibe perfectly, effortlessly blending style and comfort. With Charlotte's clean and classic style, the dress proved to be a versatile number, showcasing its functionality and durability while exuding a special charm. Then, for the second half of her session, Charlotte slipped into a full vintage lace dress, a gem sourced by a dear friend (thank you, Linda W!), which looked breathtaking against the water and Charlotte's glow.
Now, let me share a glimpse of Charlotte beyond the lens. She's been a longtime friend, since many moons ago when I was a barista at Open Eye Cafe. I vividly recall the first time I saw Charlotte, arriving on her motorcycle. (Cue the music, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" by Shania Twain.) Helmet removed, her long blonde locks cascading like a scene from a movie. My initial thought? 'Whoa, she's too cool for me'—not in a romantic sense, but in that 'wow, she's incredibly unapproachable' manner. Little did I anticipate that she'd become one of the most remarkable individuals I'd encountered since arriving in North Carolina.
After some time passed, circumstances led me to search for a roommate. Charlotte's ad described her as a quiet 'old lady' who enjoys reading and staying in—quite the contrast from the motorcycle enthusiast I'd observed. Yet, stepping out of my comfort zone proved to be serendipitous. From roommate days to celebrating many of life's milestones, Charlotte has been a steadfast presence. We've witnessed each other's journeys unfold, from academic pursuits and running races to our first triathlon, experiences of loss, finding love, and now, embracing motherhood. Her warmth is evident from every angle, and it's been a privilege to create this space for her and her daughter.
In closing, Charlotte, your belief in my artistry and willingness to share your journey have been deeply meaningful. It's been an honor to witness your evolution from roommate to mother, and as a dear friend, your trust means everything to me. Wishing you and your family continued happiness and many more beautiful moments together.