Wow, what a year!
As the 2026 tulip season comes to a close, I'm feeling incredibly grateful for all of the beautiful families I had the privilege of meeting and photographing. This was an excellent year for me – I was anticipating starting a bit slower since I mostly took 2025 off (I was too pregnant to function by that point!), but I ended up being blown away by how many inquiries came rolling in. I ended up doing a whopping 7 sessions over a 5 day period, which was a bit chaotic (especially while trying to juggle bedtime for two little kids, which happens to fall smack dab in the middle of golden hour), but it was SO much fun.
This year I offered a special mini session rate at both the Chilliwack Tulip Festival (also known as Botanica Flower Festival) and the Abbotsford Tulip Festival (also known as Lakeland Flower Festival). Both are uniquely lovely in their own ways, and I love supporting both local businesses. The Botanica festival was especially fun this year as they ran a Petals & Pilates event, along with several other special offerings (including a beer promotion with Old Yale Brewing!) and I absolutely adore the whimsical way they lay out their fields. Aesthetic is definitely at the forefront of what they do and it's obvious down to every little detail – plus, my daughter was obsessed with how many swing sets they had.
Tutus are apparently an emerging fashion trend... at least they are according to my littlest clients! My heart was absolutely melting photographing these sweet girlies twirling in their tutus among the tulips. One of the reasons I love family photography so much is that is just so fun. Watching parents and their babies interact, and capturing those memories, is incredibly special. Every once in a while I stop mid-edit because I just know I've stumbled upon a moment that is going to be treasured forever. I've always been very sappy and sentimental, but that dial has been turned up to eleven since I became a mom. They grow up so. darn. fast!
The baby bumps were also out in full force this year! Two of my first three sessions ended up being maternity photos, with even more following suit! I absolutely lovvvvve shooting maternity sessions. There is something so special about freezing that moment in time before baby makes their grand arrival and changes absolutely everything. It's life-altering in the absolute best way, and I always feel so honoured that I get to document big moments in my clients' lives.
I'm feeling a bit nostalgic this year, too, because it's likely that we'll have moved out of the area by this time next year, and so this might very well be my final season at the Abbotsford & Chilliwack tulip festivals. It's bittersweet! Best believe that I'll be hunting down flower festivals wherever we end up, though, because they are just too lovely to shoot at. I really love being able to offer these sessions, because it's a perfect opportunity for families to snag some updated family photos at a super affordable price – and like I said, you can't beat the location!
We'll see what next year brings, but for now I'm filled with gratitude and forever in awe that I get to do this.
