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WHEN IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE…

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…share an engagement session worthy of the south of France: French macaroons, soft lavenders and pinks, dreamy evening light, and a couple swept up in the arms of their affianced. But what I love most of all as I look back on this session is that all of this pretty emerged from an evening of re-envisioned plans, with many of these hidden gems of locations discovered on the fly. 

Their stunning wedding day, which took place just three weeks later, is the only work I brought with me on this dream of a vacation. And somehow, it doesn’t feel at all like an imposition to stare at these beautiful images during our time away, with warm baguettes and freshly brewed café next to my computer, my sweet boys reading and playing in the shade nearby. The sea breeze is gentle and cool on my skin, the pace of life is luxuriously slow, and I’m surrounded by the sweet cacophony of french voices, clanging spoons, and my baby’s laughter. I have not a complaint in the world. xo

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3 year old Thiago doesn’t yet speak English — 3 year old Thiago doesn’t yet speak English — his native languages are Spanish and Portuguese. When I first learned this I was nervous as to how I might engage him during our session.

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. He radiates joy. He ADORES his parents. Amidst all the snuggles, if he got distracted by sticks or leaves (great! even better!), all I had to say was “hola, lente!” (hello, lens!) and he would repeat it in his sweet little voice and flash the most exuberant smile in my direction.

At the end of the evening, Thiago ran up and hugged me. I feel the same, little guy; I feel the same. You are just the sweetest.
I love fall on the east coast—the crunch crunch I love fall on the east coast—the crunch crunch crunch of the leaves, the vibrancy of the colors, the brisk air. But some mornings I wake up aching for California. Today was one of those days. What a trip to think we lived in this stunning place for even a second of our lives.​​​​​​​​
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Just sitting here musing over the notion that we can be so happy in one place, all the while missing another so hard…a bittersweet coexistence of emotions. Sometimes life is so beautiful it hurts.
ALBUM-WORTHY. And absolutely, positively worth eve ALBUM-WORTHY. And absolutely, positively worth every m&m we gave him. 🍬 👼 ​​​​​​​​🍬
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Drop a 🍬 below if you agree! xo
When your client’s just a little too busy to pul When your client’s just a little too busy to pull together a wardrobe for their daughters’ session…​​​​​​​​
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and you only ever get to shop for little boys…​​​​​​​​
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maaaaybe you volunteer to do it yourself? ​​​​​​​​
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Happy clients, happy photographer. Happy fall! (But really, how sweet are these sweaters??)​​​​​​​​
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Copyright © 2023 Chantal Lavine Photography
Portrait Photographer Serving Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia
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