A Summer Beach Day in the North shore — Lauren Michelle Photography + Design

When Annie reached out to me, she wasn’t looking for perfectly posed photos or forced smiles. She wanted something real—moments that captured her family just as they are. When I asked her what a typical Saturday afternoon looked like for them in the summer, she didn’t hesitate. “Kenilworth Beach,” she said.

So that’s where we met, and the day unfolded naturally. The kids ran around in the sand, discovered ladybugs, laughed, cried, and even had a few squabbles. By the end, the whole family splashed into the water, clothes and all. It was perfectly imperfect—just right for them.

Watching them together made me reflect on how much of a mother’s love goes unseen. Though we’re deeply woven into every part of their lives, we’re often in the background, capturing memories, holding hands, picking up the pieces. One day, they’ll want to see us as we truly are, and we’ll want them to know us—know that we were always right there beside them.

Creating this visual story for Annie and her family felt like capturing something priceless. These photos hold all the love, joy, and heart that she pours into her children, unconditionally. And in many ways, it may be the most magical gift she can give them.