There really is no bigger honor than being asked to be a small part of the day a child is welcomed into this world. As a birth photographer, I am trusted by a couple to document through photos and video one of the most monumental moments of their life and it’s something I regard as sacred.

I met this amazing couple for the first time at their maternity session back in November. We talked about the anticipation of welcoming Owen as well as a little bit about their birth plan. I was really excited to hear that they were planning on delivering at The Addice, a beautiful birthing center here in The Woodlands. While I have photographed several hospital births, this was my first Addice birth, and it was a beautiful, amazing experience.

I received a text from Evelyn around 1:30am on February 2nd that her water had broken and she was laboring at home. She let me know she would keep me updated. I “slept” with my phone in my hand after that. Another text came around 3am that they were headed to the Addice. I rolled out of bed and started getting my gear together, along with a thermos of tea (looking back, coffee may have been the better choice). Arriving at the Addice, around 3:45 am, I quietly got out my camera and began to document.

Evelyn’s strength just astounded me. Through contractions, she stayed incredibly focused, even saying her son’s name through breathing while Josh quietly recited encouraging meditations they had written beforehand. As the sun started to come up, Evelyn’s labor intensified and then it was time to push. Owen was welcomed into the world just before 11am, weighing in at a whopping TEN pounds.

Evelyn and Josh were a truly amazing team as they worked together to welcome their son. With Evelyn’s permission, I”m so thankful to be able to share Owen’s birth story with you.