Providence Maternity Photographer | Ali & James’ at Roger Williams

PUBLISHED: April 26, 2018

As a Providence maternity photographer, I get to witness some incredibly meaningful moments—but Ali and James’ story is one that is super special!

You might remember their engagement session last October. What I didn’t know at the time was that they were holding onto such a special secret: they had just found out they were expecting!

Their wedding was already planned. Ali had found THE dress. Everything was set for a January 2018 Caribbean wedding—until Ali learned she was pregnant. And just like that, their lives changed in the most beautiful way!

In the months following their engagement session, life moved fast. They scrambled to find a new home, temporarily moved in with James’ parents, and began a full renovation—completely gutted, floor to ceiling, down to the studs. They handled most of the work themselves while navigating exploding radiators, flooding, and even a stretch where James had the flu and had to be quarantined from Ali. Because….of course!

And yes—they also had to reschedule and re-plan their entire wedding!

Their baby girl is due to arrive in just seven short weeks, and their wedding is now planned for next summer at the Roger Williams Botanical Center—a location that holds special meaning for them and now, one of my favorite places in the city. To their wedding guests: don’t be surprised if they’re late. They recently admitted they got lost trying to find their way there because they “couldn’t remember where they were getting married.” Not a joke!

Given everything they’ve navigated, we’ll absolutely cut them some slack—but something tells me life isn’t slowing down for the two of them anytime soon.

Photographing maternity sessions like this—right here in Providence—is a reminder of why I love what I do. Ali and James are two of the warmest, most genuine people I’ve met, and their daughter is about to be welcomed into a home overflowing with love, laughter, and resilience.

Congratulations to all three of you. Your story is just getting started 🤍