Who says beach photos are only for summer? This winter family and newborn session in Pensacola was filled with the dreamiest light, sweet newborn snuggles, and plenty of toddler fun.

I’m going to be completely honest… I don’t live anywhere near the beach. If you’ve been around here for a while, you probably already know that! I’m a Knoxville family and newborn photographer, so we have the gorgeous Smoky Mountains instead! But my in-laws live in Pensacola, Florida, which means I get my beach fix every now and then! During our visit last Christmas, I had the sweetest opportunity to photograph the Stevens family, and oh my goodness, this session was such a delight. Lex and Brendan were so warm and welcoming that meeting them felt more like catching up with old friends. 

London, their toddler, was such a hoot! She absolutely stole the show with her big personality and endless energy. There may or may not have been some chasing, corralling, and even a little sand throwing involved. But this is exactly the type of excitement I love working with. Then there was sweet Adele, their newest addition, who was just two months old and still so itty-bitty and precious. You could practically see the new-parent joy radiating from Lex and Brendan, and it made the entire session feel extra special. 

And can we talk about their outfits?! I think when most people imagine beach family photos, they immediately picture white shirts, blue jeans, and everyone standing in a row with the ocean behind them. I know I sure do! Lex completely broke that stereotype. She has incredible style, and I loved how she incorporated it into their family photos while still keeping everything timeless. The layers were especially perfect for a chilly December evening! 

We started in that dreamy golden-hour light and stayed all the way through blue hour as the sun disappeared below the horizon. Between toddler snuggles, newborn cuddles, laughs, and a few adventures down the beach, we captured so much genuine connection. You know it’s a good session when I’m having a hard time putting my camera down! The Stevens family was so fun to photograph, and I’d happily have them in front of my camera again and again. Their joy is written all over these photos!

Apparently, oceans + toddlers + growing families are a pretty great combination! Check out this session on the Maine coast featuring the sweetest couple, their toddler, and another baby on the way!