There are moments in life that stick with you—not because they’re grand or earth-shattering, but because they’re so unexpected, so hilarious, so perfectly timed that they etch themselves into your memory forever. That’s how it was with April.

I met April in 2020, before my best friend got married, and it was during one of those chaotic, whirlwind pre-wedding gatherings: the bachelor party weekend, that we really connected. We ended up at a Mexican restaurant, surrounded by chatter, queso, and margaritas, when the jukebox suddenly decided to bless us with "Hooked on a Feeling" by Blue Swede 1973 (if you didn’t know, it’s one of the songs from Guardians of the Galaxy… so I was obsessed with it.)

Now if you know ANYTHING about it, it’s that I love margaritas and I love singing. Put them together and it’s dangerous. I started serenading everyone at our (very large) table. Everyone went quiet, but not for long. Right on cue, April burst out with, “OOGA SHOCKA OOGA OOGA OOGA SHOCKA,” her voice breaking the silence like a thunderclap of awesome. And that was it—I was done. This woman? Cut from the same quirky, ridiculous, joyfully unhinged cloth as me.

At first, our relationship felt like one of those fun, fleeting connections you make during life’s big events—a shared laugh, a memory, a funny story to tell later. But April wasn’t one to just fade into the background. Somehow, through twists and turns, life pulled us closer.

We bonded over our mutual best friend, but what really cemented our connection was the way April just showed up—in conversations, in friendship, in her sessions. She’s the kind of person who’s unapologetically herself, whether she’s belting out ‘70s hits or coming up with the most hilarious burns I’ve ever heard in my life.

Fast forward a few years, and now April and I are both moms to adorable little ones who are growing up side by side. It’s funny how life works—how a chance moment at a Mexican restaurant turns into playdates, heart-to-hearts about motherhood, and endless texts about naps (or the lack thereof).

Motherhood is this wild, messy, beautiful thing that throws you into uncharted territory. One day, you’re pregnant and imagining what it’ll be like to hold your baby; the next, you’re staring at yourself in the mirror, trying to recognize the person looking back.

When April came to me for her boudoir session postpartum, I felt this deep sense of purpose. She wasn’t just trusting me with her photos—she was trusting me with her story, her vulnerability, her whole self. Helping her embrace her body after bringing life into the world was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.

I understood her in a way I hadn’t been able to with clients before I became a mom myself. I knew what it felt like to live in a body that suddenly felt unfamiliar, to reconcile love for what your body has done with frustration over how it looks.

Seeing April step into her power—rediscovering her beauty, her sensuality, her self—was like watching someone take a deep, soul-filling breath for the first time in ages.

What I love about April isn’t just her humor or her bravery or her killer “ooga shaka” timing. It’s the way she shows up, not just for herself, but for the people around her. She’s a reminder that motherhood doesn’t mean losing yourself—it means finding new layers, new strengths, and sometimes, new friendships that feel like home.

April, if you’re reading this, thank you for letting me walk alongside you in this journey. Thank you for trusting me to capture your beauty and your spirit, for being vulnerable, and for reminding me that connection is everything.

Here’s to all the moments we’ve shared—whether it’s singing ‘70s anthems, navigating motherhood, or simply being there for one another. And here’s to all the moments still to come. You’re a gem, a light, and a forever friend.

To the moms reading this: Your body is a miracle, your story is powerful, and you are worth celebrating. Let’s create something beautiful together—something that reminds you of the incredible woman you are.

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