The last time I took the DeChiaro Family’s pictures, it was back in 2019, shortly after they had found out that their family of four would be expanding to 5!! Squee!!!
For me, this is one of the best parts of doing family photography; being able to document families as they grow, and capturing how the dynamics evolve through each one of their personalities.
It really is a beautiful thing.
And you know what makes it even MORE awesome?!
THEY. ARE. OHIO STATE. FANS!!!! YASS!!
Honestly, it was little Liv who was getting me the most excited, often asking me at school to see pictures from the last time I took them; pointing out every time that Manu was still in mommy’s tummy, and this time we would get pictures of him, too! We had so much fun trying to decide where we should take the pictures, throwing around ideas like going to the beach, an apple orchard, or even their brand new swing set.
We finally decided on a seacoast staple- Applecrest Farm.
As soon as they got there, Raph came running up to me and gave me the biggest hug. I absolutely melted. This little guy was my marching band buddy when he was in my class. I kid you not when I say that he would come up to me at random points throughout the day asking - “Ms. Jess can you play the fight song?” AS IF HE WOULD EVEN HAVE TO ASK! Putting on some Ohio State Marching Band first thing in the morning, you ask!? Yes, PLEASE! Hahaha!!
(We even got an O-H while we were at the orchard from someone who saw my Buckeyes shirt!)
(Turns out they were from Ohio like Maria and I!)
(small world.)
Hahahaha!
ANYways.
As we began to pick the huge honey crisp apples, it was as if the camera disappeared. And I mean that in the best way. Sometimes it can be really hard for people to loosen up and relax enough to forget that there’s a person following them around taking pictures. But they did it beautifully. Initially I wasn’t sure how little Manu would react to the camera, but he loved it, taking every possible opportunity to flash that handsome little smile. Yet, one of the best feelings was hearing Liv saying “Jess! Come take a picture over here!” To see her so incredibly happy to be with her family and her beloved older brother, absolutely warmed my heart.
Even when the sun cracked the clouds and it began to feel more like a late summer morning than fall, they were troopers. They had so much fun pulling each other in the wagon, Livie taking so much pride in how strong she was, being able to pull both of her brothers all.by.her.self. And UP HILL, no less! YOU GO, GIRL!
Our shoot ended on the best possible note as Maria hit the farmer’s market at the perfect time, and returned with some famous hot apple cider donuts. It was a perfect day, leaving me with the most difficult job of sorting through the pictures and trying to decide which ones to keep!
O-H!!