Arden and Michael aren’t your average couple. They own a small business, Great Day Gardens, where they grow flowers and vegetables and also bake fresh breads and pastries. It takes a special pair of people to be able to work together all day (outside in all kinds of weather, to boot) without tiring of each other. Despite all of the hard work they put into tasks like tending the gardens, coordinating their bakes, and prepping everything for sale at the market, they still very clearly adore each other. So, on top of all that, why not welcome a baby in to the mix?
We met at their farm for a sunset maternity shoot and their land did NOT disappoint! Arden wore this sweet little cotton dress and was otherwise unadorned, letting her natural beauty show with her freckles, curls, and stunning blue eyes. Michael donned a mix of tidy and then more casual clothes for their photos. He sported a very stately mustache as well. Arden was absolutely glowing - you know that pregnancy glow! - with excitement. Michael was more subdued, but I could still tell he was very content, very much anticipating this new beautiful chapter in their lives together. Both of them appeared very relaxed in their happiness. No bit of dirt nor unexpected disruption ruffled their feathers. I think this kind of calm bodes well for them as parents.
One of my favorite parts of the shoot was their two Australian shepherds. Let me tell you, these dogs were wild! They’re working farm dogs who perform the rigorous duty of ridding the garden beds of pesky munchers like rabbits and moles. It’s a noble, endless task, but they seem to do it with joy. So much joy, in fact, that it was hard to distract them from their work for enough time to get a decent photo with them. Green beans are apparently a favorite of theirs, so Arden and Michael would try to lure them into the picture or get them to look towards the camera with some clever bean maneuvers. Scroll through the gallery to see their goofiness!