Worth the Wait: A Butterfly-Filled First Birthday Session in Kingsport, TN

Some stories take years to write. This family’s story spans more than a decade of hoping, praying, and working to build the family they wanted more than anything. There were highs and there were lows, and through all of it, they kept going.

Now they were celebrating their youngest, sweet Arden, turning one.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.”

Romans 15:13 (NLT)

A Quiet Farm in Sullivan Gardens

We spent the morning on a quiet farm in Sullivan Gardens in Kingsport, TN. The temperatures were perfect and the weather behaved, which anyone in East Tennessee knows is a gift all on its own.

The farm gave us room to slow down. No crowds, no rush, just open space, soft light, and a sweet little girl ready to celebrate.

Timing Is Everything With Little Ones

If you know babies and young children, you know you usually don’t get much time before they lose interest or get impatient with whatever’s going on. So we planned around Arden. We timed the session for right after her morning nap and breakfast, so she showed up fueled, rested, and ready to go.

And she was a champ! She came out of her baby carrier from the car with a gummy grin and the most curious little glances, and that lasted the entire session.

Two Simple Setups, Both a Hit

We kept things simple and let the details carry the meaning. The balloons and butterflies we used are significant to this family and the story they’ve lived. Those meanings are theirs to hold, and I loved getting to weave them in.

A boho canopy under the trees. We strung a little boho-inspired canopy from a low tree limb and layered blankets and butterfly details beneath it. It gave Arden a soft spot to sit and plenty of little things to explore.

Balloons on the open lawn. Then we moved to an open lawn with a simple wagon and a bunch of balloons. Arden loved it just as much.

Momma and Her Littles

Momma showed up in a simple dress with a bow to match her daughter, and the two of them together were just the sweetest. Their love and connection carried the entire session. Sometimes I’d step back from behind the camera just to admire it.

Dad was at work that day, so Momma handled the littles on her own, and she did it fabulously. Toddlers can be unpredictable, and with two of my own, I know firsthand how challenging that can be at times. The fact that this momma showed up so put together and calm was amazing to me..

Big Brother Roan

Big brother Roan hopped in for a few photos of his own, all smiles and dressed so dapper. Watching him with his little sister was a sweet reminder of how long this family waited for moments just like these.

A Trust I Don’t Take Lightly

As I’ve said many times before, I don’t take lightly the trust a family gives me when they ask me to capture a moment in time. I enjoyed every minute of this one.

Knowing their journey, and then getting to see and hold that rosy-cheeked, precious baby, meant so much to me too.

Time Together Should Be Fun

I love helping families and groups relax and have fun in front of the camera. No stiff poses, no pressure. Just real moments with the people you love most.

After all.. isn’t that what time together should be about?

It was such a beautiful hour with a precious family. Happy first birthday, Arden. You are so loved.

Ready to celebrate a milestone of your own? First birthdays, new chapters, and every sweet season in between are worth remembering. Take a look around my galleries to get a feel for my work, and when you’re ready, reach out through my contact form. I’ll get back to you to talk through ideas and check availability.

Hux & Mae Photo serves Kingsport and the Tri-Cities, Knoxville, and Maryville.