Hayes Cooper
I was lucky enough to meet Alexis in high school more years ago than I would like to admit. Alexis has always been someone who I could rely on for just about anything. Anyone who has met Alexis would say the same exact thing. I can prove this by sharing that she had two separate friends message me and ask to pay for her maternity session. When I had to keep it a secret, I swear my body started to shake. I was SOO excited. As someone who has known Alexis for so long, I don't think I could ever put into words how happy this made me. There is no one I would say is more deserving.
For her family maternity photos, Alexis picked a gorgeous green dress with a black lace cover-up. Using some of my family photo outfit tips (corresponding, not matching colors, different textures, subtle patterns) she pulled off the most gorgeous family maternity photos. We picked a location local to the both of us in Augusta Maine.
Hayes' Arrival
As if I was not lucky enough to see Alexis for her maternity session, she was back in the studio shortly after once Hayes arrived. I am not certain what my favorite part was, cuddling Hayes or seeing big-brother, Oliver, smitten by the new addition.
Alexis sent me a few different photos of Hayes' nursery, and I put together some different sets for her to pick from. Hayes was the perfect gentleman for his session. He was sleepy and content most of the way through. Big brother Oliver was more than ready to step up to the plate and take some sibling photos. My favorite part about their session was how the colors in the maternity photos and the studio newborn photos complement each other so nicely. This is great when hanging photos on the wall! So aesthetically pleasing.
Questions to the Parents
What was one thing you were most excited about when seeing your spouse become a parent?
I have watched Wade be an amazing step parent to Oliver for the last two, almost three years, so I already knew he was going to be an amazing dad. But I was so excited to see my big, bearded, tattooed man melt into a puddle holding his son for the first time. - Alexis
The ride to the hospital; was it straight from a movie or chaotic mess?
It wasn’t the ride that was chaotic but the couple hours before when I called Wade home from work early to power clean the house with me until 9:30 at night. Then once I was satisfied with how the house looked we packed up our stuff and Oliver and was out the door! Wade was the typical panicking first time dad who looked like he was going to throw up or pass out until we made it to the hospital.
In your own words, define parenthood?
What being a parent means to me is always being there. Not just their sports games or event. It’s being present with them and supporting them always through everything. It’s being a better version of yourself to set good examples and be the role model your child needs. It’s always showing compassion and kindness. It’s being mindful of not only your child’s needs but your significant other’s as well. It’s loving with your whole heart and never anything less.
What does having these moments captured by a photographer mean to you? Why do you think it is so important to have these photos
Having these photos done is making these memories last a life time. From our family photos with just Lexi, Oliver and myself, to our maternity pictures together, and now newborn photos with Hayes here. I know we will be able to look back on these photos and remember all of the feelings we were feeling and everything that was going on at the time. Our family is so grateful to be able to get these photos done and will cherish them for a life time. -Wade
Dad, describe your spouse.
Lexi has the biggest heart out of anyone I have ever met. I am a 6’5” 270lb 30 year old man and she is by far the toughest in our family. She is our rock and our foundation She is kind and warm hearted. She makes everyone in the room just feel better just because they are around her. She is the true definition of a mother and I couldn’t feel more overjoyed that she chose me to build a family with. Oliver,Hayes, and I are beyond blessed to have her.
