LAuren & John: Maternity Session
There’s something timeless about walking the paths of the University of Notre Dame in the fall. The trees are still full and green but just starting to show their first hints of gold, the air feels crisp, and the campus carries that familiar mix of peace and anticipation. It was the perfect backdrop for Lauren and John’s maternity session — a celebration of new beginnings in a place that already means so much to them.
Lauren and John met at Notre Dame, so returning here for their maternity photos felt like coming full circle. Standing in front of the Golden Dome, they glowed with that unmistakable mix of excitement and joy that comes with waiting to meet your first child. Every smile, every laugh, every gentle hand on her bump carried so much love and hope for what’s to come.
Of course, their sweet dog stole the show — wearing a custom bandana announcing “Baby Olson arriving 2024.” He happily trotted along the brick paths, stopping for ear scratches and the occasional treat between shots. Including him in the session made everything feel even more personal and true to their story — a little family of three (soon to be four!) surrounded by the beauty of the Notre Dame campus.
One of my favorite things about photographing sessions at Notre Dame is how effortlessly meaningful it feels for alumni couples. The architecture, the golden light reflecting off the Dome, and the peaceful walkways around the Main Building all add such a sense of history and heart. For Lauren and John, this session was more than just maternity photos — it was a moment to pause, look around, and soak in how far they’ve come together.
As we wrapped up, the leaves rustled gently around us, and it felt like the whole campus was quietly celebrating right along with them. I can’t wait to see Lauren and John step into this next season of life and meet the newest member of their Notre Dame family.
