It’s hard to believe that it has already been five years since we stood with Ryan & Aeliesha at A.E. Wilson Park on their wedding day. What started as a quiet, intimate elopement-style ceremony has now blossomed into a family of three, complete with their sweetest, spunkiest little girl, Ellie, who is already three years old! Returning to the very same park where they said their vows made this anniversary session feel like life had come full circle in the most beautiful way.

Even though years have past since we last saw Ryan & Aeliesha, it felt like we were reconnecting with old friends. They haven’t changed in their warmth and love for each other, but now they share that same love with Ellie. It is always such a blessing to see our couples become parents and to interact with their little ones. Ellie is one of the most lively, imaginative, and joyful kids we’ve had the privilege of photographing. Whether she was making us laugh with her bold observations, leading the way with her own creative posing ideas, or creating new paths for the runners to follow, Ellie was the heartbeat of the session.

A.E. Wilson Park holds so much meaning for Ryan & Aeliesha. On their wedding day, the park was transformed with rustic details, carefully placed logs, and photos of their journey together lining the aisle. It was there that Aeliesha walked toward Ryan, both of them overcome with emotion as they prepared to begin their new life together. Fast forward to this session, and those same pathways now echoed with the sound of Ellie’s giggles as she ran between her mom and dad. It was such a sweet reminder that what began as vows beneath the trees has grown into the legacy of this family.

Watching Ryan & Aeliesha interact with Ellie was heartwarming. Ryan, who once nervously fiddled with his boutonniere while waiting for his bride, now beamed with pride as he chased after his daughter, scooping her up with ease. Aeliesha, who had once taken a deep breath to steady her nerves before walking down the aisle, now radiated confidence and joy as she held Ellie’s hand and laughed at her endless creativity. Their love hasn’t just endured these five years, it has deepened and expanded.

Ellie stole the show, as three-year-olds often do, and we wouldn’t have had it any other way! She was so full of personality, unafraid to tell us exactly what she thought, and quick to offer her own ideas for how the photos should go. At one point she insisted on directing a little “pose,” and we couldn’t stop laughing at her combination of boldness and charm. Or informing us that she was “Going to do something REALLY cool. So you get your camera ready!” Kids bring such an authenticity to family sessions. There’s no faking this kind of joy when you have a little one who is so unabashedly herself.

Ryan & Aeliesha, thank you for trusting us once again to capture this new chapter in your story. It was such a joy to catch up, to laugh with you, and to meet your incredible daughter. You two have built a beautiful foundation over the years, and it’s evident in the way you love each other and in the way Ellie absolutely adores both of you. We hope you always look back on these photos as a reminder of how far you’ve come and the joyful excitement of this pre-school season.

Here’s to five years of marriage, countless memories made, and to the family you’ve built together. We’re cheering you on as you continue your journey- with Ellie leading the way, keeping life as joyful and creative as ever.

xoxo

Cam & Courtney

{ Ryan & Aeliesha (and Ellie)- 5th Anniversary }