This year marks the 8th year that I’ve been offering Mother’s Day Minis. 

I began offering Mother’s Day Mini sessions after my mother tragically passed away suddenly and far too young. The photos we had together were of when I was just a small kid and while I cherish them with all my heart, it dawned on me that my single mom couldn’t afford family photos of us all as we grew older and the photos of our growing family had suddenly stopped. It’s my belief that our Mamas deserve to shine in the family photos and not be stuck behind the camera just capturing the precious years that go by. So, in my Mother’s honor I began offering heavily discounted Mother’s Day Minis! Here’s a bit more about what I do…

Each year I donate 50% of the funds earned from this event to a local non-profit, this year I have chosen to give the donation to OUR Center in Longmont. OUR Center is truly a community-based agency.  While most of the churches in the St. Vrain Valley support OUR Center, it is not affiliated with any one church, or any other agency. OUR Center works closely with many other agencies in the community to assist those in need, especially those in emergency situations. Their Family Resource Center provides a safe, accessible place for families to connect with comprehensive, coordinated services that help them strengthen their families and self-reliance. Programs are tailored to the culture, resources and needs of our community. OUR Center consists of the Family Resource Center at 220 Collyer St. and Aspen Center for Child Development at 501 5th Avenue in Longmont, CO.  This makes it more efficient and convenient for our clients to receive services. To make a direct donation to OUR Center you may click this link here, https://www.ourcenter.org/donate/ and it will bring you to their donation site.

This year, we will be hosted by The Flower Bin in Longmont. We will be set up in their greenhouse surrounded by stunning florals and greenery. I can smell the cleansing air now! The best part about being in the greenhouse, honestly is that we will be protected by what ever the weather has in store for us that day. The sessions are a comfortable 20 minutes, short enough to keep your kiddos happy and focused while long enough to ensure we get the 5 images included in your session. Each family is guaranteed 5 digital images that are edited, enhanced, and delivered within 2 weeks via an online gallery. From that gallery you will be able to choose which 5 images you’d like (included in your session before they’re edited) and you are also able to purchase additional images ($15 per additional photo) if you’d like. Once you have selected your images, they’ll be edited to perfection and a link will be sent to your email. From your gallery you are able to purchase prints if you choose to do so. Sessions are $200 with a $50 non-refundable deposit to save your spot. The $50 deposit will be used toward the $200 total. And remember 50% of the proceeds will be donated to OUR Center in Longmont! You can just go ahead and just give yourself that well deserved pat on the back now.

To book your spot, choose a time in the scheduler on this page below, and secure your date by paying the deposit. Two days before the session I will send you the final invoice to pay the remaining balance. If you prefer to pay cash you may let me know ahead of time. Galleries will not be delivered until full amount is paid. I’m sorry to say we can not offer walk in appointments due to the tight schedule. These spots go quickly so no time to waste! Once you secure your spot, I will follow up with a payment confirmation, “What to Wear” guide, and a “What to Expect” email. If by chance you are not able to make it to your session, you may “sell it” to a family you know and love that can make it OR request a refund of $150 (if you paid in advance).

I know that this is an investment, and that sometimes kids have their own plan on how they want to act around strangers or in public. I have worked with many children, having been a nanny as well, I know how to show kiddos that we're friends, they're safe, and that we're here to have fun. Even if they're having a hard day, trust that I will have the images that I've promised you. My method is going with the kids energy. If they're super cooperative, great, snap, snap, snap, easy peasy. If they're full of energy, we'll play hide-and-seek behind plants, capturing candids, do red light green light, ect. Those moments are just as precious. If they're feeling shy or scared, we take a break. Mommas need pictures by them selves in a gorgeous greenhouse too. We can do individuals with each child and play games to cheer up the other kiddo. When they feel better (or jealous that they're not involved) they'll typically want to come back and join what you're doing. Another trick I have is posing you and your babe in ways that don't show tears. Snuggles and kisses are sweet moments so don't feel embarrassed or stressed. I PROMISE YOU, I have seen it all and as long as you're smiling and being the loving and caring mother that I know you are, your photos are going to be authentic and memorable. As a reminder, all families are welcome, I do not discriminate against age, gender, who you love, race, or status. Every family deserves to have beautiful memories together. All members of your family are welcome. Grandparents, Aunties and Uncles, and chosen family, are all welcome. Our furry family members are not able to make it to this one unfortunately due to the location and time crunch.

I look forward to meeting all of you and giving you this gift to cherish forever.

Happy Mother’s Day, You are amazing!

Ivy

(She/Her)