Maryland Family Photography // The Hlavka Family // Old Ellicott City, MD

Is there a better way to spend your Labor Day than with Wonder Woman? How about spending it with three Wonder Womans and their whole family? Well let me tell you, if you know the Hlavka family, you’ll understand why I say I can’t think of a better way! ​

This shoot could not have worked out better if we planned it. And, well, we did plan it! We planned it for a Saturday and woke up to rain. So we re-planned it for Monday and got a morning that dreams are made of. The fall weather was teasing us with crisp, fresh air and a brilliant blue sky. We chased away any chills we felt by wandering up and down Main Street in Old Ellicott City. ​

Jennifer had such an eye for finding the cutest nooks and crannies that Ellicott City is known for. Every photo is beautiful and unique! It helps that everybody’s look was on point. I honestly have trouble getting myself up and out of bed in the mornings. Let’s just say it’s going to be a rude awakening once early-rising kiddos come along! And yet, somehow, Jennifer and Andy got themselves and their three girls out of bed and looking fresh with time to spare! That included some extra time to load carseats into the car. (They never seem to be in the car when you need them to be, do they??)

I felt so at home with the Hlavkas. Jennifer and I barely stopped talking the entire shoot! She works for the school system so there was an immediate understanding between us. It’s hard not to bond over public education! ​

Jennifer and Andy were so relaxed and easy going. Some of my favorite shots during sessions are the candid ones. The ones that may not be all smiles or 100% in focus because they are capturing a moment. It was clear that they appreciated those moments just as much as me. Every wrinkled nose and tongue sticking out made them laugh and smile even more than before. That kind of go-with-the-flow attitude makes what can be a stressful experience, a joyful one.

Just when the smiles were starting to fade, a Great Dane puppy brought them all back. Nothing like some puppy love to make a shoot better! After some pats, scratches, and snuggles, all the girls were ready to finish strong. And I mean that literally! You have to be strong to be Wonder Woman!

We got the girls changed into their Wonder Woman jammies to finish things out, and they were just as happy as can be. I would have been too! I may have to go out and buy myself a pair. Not sure my other clients would understand why I suddenly started wearing them to shoots!

I walked away from this shoot feeling like I had made 6 new friends (Jennifer’s mother was there too!) It felt like we had known each other for years. I can’t wait to watch them get up to all sorts of adventures in the years to come!