Melissa & Mike – Maternity at Taitua Arboretum

Melissa and Mike’s maternity shoot took place at one of Hamilton’s least known, but most beautiful spots for photoshoots, Taitua Arboretum, right at sunset. The golden light filtered through the trees, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and personal session.

For Mike, this was his very first photoshoot, and he admitted he was a little nervous to start with. Melissa, on the other hand, is no stranger to being in front of the camera, she even came up with the cowboy theme that tied everything together perfectly.

The Arboretum’s winding paths, tall trees, and fallen logs gave us plenty of opportunities to mix natural textures with soft, warm light. From the two of them walking hand-in-hand to quiet moments sitting together on the logs, the whole shoot felt easy and genuine, a reflection of their connection and excitement for what’s ahead.

Melissa’s flowing white dress caught the light beautifully, and paired with Mike’s simple, classic look, the two of them stood out while still blending seamlessly into the natural setting. The cowboy hat made an appearance too, adding a playful, personal touch that kept the shoot uniquely theirs.

Sessions like this are a reminder of why I love photographing maternity, it’s not just about documenting a stage of life, but capturing the anticipation, love, and little quirks that make each couple’s journey special.