Spring maternity photo session in garden with vibrant tulips, purple alliums and flowering trees along a winding path at Chicago Botanic Gar

Getting to photograph people through different seasons of their lives is truly one of the best parts of what I do—and Elizabeth and Nick are the perfect example of why.

I first met them during their wedding weekend, when I photographed their welcome party and rehearsal dinner for Rachael Watson Photography. From the moment I picked up my camera, I could tell they were something special. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to see them again for family portraits last fall, and now... they’re preparing to become parents!


It still gives me butterflies when couples ask me back to capture the next chapter. It means so much to be invited into moments like this.

We met at the Chicago Botanic Garden, surrounded by soft spring colors, blooming trees, and all the anticipation and joy that comes with waiting for baby. Elizabeth looked stunning, and Nick was so sweet and steady by her side. Their connection is so natural—no forced poses, no awkward moments—just genuine love and excitement for what’s ahead.


Snuggle up with a big bowl of cereal (Elizabeth’s go-to pregnancy craving lately!) and scroll through some of my favorite moments from their maternity session. I’m SO excited for these two. There’s something so sweet about this stage of life, and it was such a joy to capture it for them.

A couple stands in a romantic garden setting near an open blue gate surrounded by brick walls and greenery at Chicago Botanic Garden
A couple stands together on a garden path lined with tulips and tall evergreen trees near a wooden bench at Chicago Botanic Garden.
An expectant mother in a flowing light blue maxi dress poses along a garden path with blooming pink tulips at Chicago Botanic Garden.
A couple in blue attire embrace in a garden with tulips blooming and evergreen trees in the background at Chicago Botanic Garden
Black and white photo of a couple sharing an intimate pregnancy moment with hands lovingly placed on her baby bump at Chicago Botanic Garden
Pregnant person wearing light blue off-shoulder maxi dress poses outdoors in garden setting with red tulips and greenery at Chicago Botanic
Beautiful purple anemone flowers bloom among lush green foliage with pink tulips visible in the background at Chicago Botanic Garden
A couple walking together on a garden path surrounded by spring blooms and tall trees on a sunny day at Chicago Botanic Garden
A figure in a flowing light blue maternity dress stands on a garden path surrounded by spring greenery and sunlit trees at Chicago Botanic G
A soft blue maternity dress glows in a sunlit forest path surrounded by spring blooms and birch trees at Chicago Botanic Garden
Couple shares a joyful moment together in a sunlit garden path surrounded by blooming spring flowers and greenery at Chicago Botanic Garden
A couple embracing by a garden wall with vibrant red and yellow tulips blooming in the background on a sunny spring day at Chicago Botanic G
Expecting mother in light blue off-shoulder dress poses in garden with yellow and red flowers in background at Chicago Botanic Garden
A couple stands together on a garden path surrounded by vibrant spring tulips and blooming flowers in a scenic park setting at Chicago Botan
A pregnant woman in a light blue off-shoulder dress gently cradles her baby bump while looking down with a soft smile at Chicago Botanic Gar
Couple sits together on brick porch steps with white columns and lush greenery at historic estate. at Chicago Botanic Garden
A person in a flowing blue dress sits on a wooden garden bench surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery at Chicago Botanic Garden
A peaceful garden scene with a wooden bench, blooming tulips and spring flowers on a brick path surrounded by greenery at Chicago Botanic Ga
Serene outdoor maternity photo in a garden setting with a wooden bench surrounded by lush greenery and brick pavers at Chicago Botanic Garde
Two people sit together on a rustic wooden bench surrounded by lush garden greenery and purple flowers at Chicago Botanic Garden
Hands forming a heart shape over blue maternity shirt with blurred green background at Chicago Botanic Garden
A couple strolls hand in hand along a stone path in a blooming spring garden with cherry blossoms and greenery at Chicago Botanic Garden

Elizabeth and Nick, thank you. Thank you for bringing me along on this journey, again and again. From your wedding weekend to your growing family, it’s been such a joy to photograph these milestones. I cannot wait to see you step into this next role as Mom and Dad. Your little one is already so loved.


Thanks for reading,

Stylish signature design with 'XOXO Cassie' text in muted teal and gray colors on white background.