The Start of a New Year: A Family Session at Mead Botanical Garden

When Kassandra reached out to me for a family photo session, it was all about timing. Her son, Jahlive, was visiting home from Puerto Rico, and capturing this special moment together was a priority. Originally, we planned to meet on a Sunday afternoon, but as Florida weather often does, a storm rolled in and swept those plans away.

Thankfully, both Kassandra and I had flexibility with our schedules. After some quick planning, we rescheduled the session for Wednesday—the day before Jahlive had to leave. It also happened to be New Year’s Day! What better way to kick off 2025 than capturing memories of family togetherness?

Why a Rain Plan Matters

As a photographer in Florida, I’ve learned the importance of having a contingency plan for rain. The weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t have to stop us! Depending on my client’s vision, we can either:

• Reschedule for clear skies, or
• Embrace the rain, let loose, and create something spontaneous and wild.

For Kassandra’s session, rescheduling was the best option—and wow, did it pay off!

The Magic of Mead Botanical Garden

Wednesday evening greeted us with sunshine and perfect temperatures, setting the stage for a truly enchanting session. Mead Garden, with its lush greenery and serene paths, became the perfect backdrop for their family portraits. The sunlight filtered through the trees, wrapping Kassandra and her family in a golden glow that felt almost like a fairytale.

Kassandra’s family session is a testament to the beauty of adaptability and the reward of capturing memories, even under a ticking clock. I’m so grateful I got to help them preserve this moment before Jahlive’s return to Puerto Rico.