Some locations just have a little extra magic, and Refugio Beach is one of them. Nestled along the California coast, it’s a slice of paradise with its golden sand, gentle waves, and towering palm trees that make you feel like you've stepped into a postcard. For a photographer, it’s a dream—natural beauty, soft light, and just enough sea breeze to add a touch of movement without making everyone look like they’re starring in a wind tunnel test. So, when the Aceves family chose Refugio Beach for their maternity session, I knew we were in for something special.
Now, let’s talk about toddlers and photoshoots. It’s a wild card situation every single time. And when your toddler is napping in the car with grandma? You let her sleep. No one wakes a sleeping toddler unless they have a deep desire for chaos. So we started the session with soon-to-be mom-of-two, Kori, and her husband, Fernando, capturing their connection, their excitement, and that beautiful baby bump. The golden-hour light was on point, and the beach gave us the perfect backdrop for soft, dreamy moments.
Then, enter Milliana—rested, refreshed, and ready to greet the ocean like it was her long-lost best friend. There was no hesitation, no toe-dipping caution—just pure, unfiltered joy and a toddler-sized determination to charge straight into the waves. Approximately one thousand times.
Instead of forcing the perfect poses, I leaned into the beauty of the moment. That’s the thing about family sessions—especially ones that involve toddlers—you can’t script them, and honestly, why would you want to? The best photos come from the in-between moments: the laughter, the quick snuggles before another sprint to the shore, the way a dad scoops up his little one just before she turns into a mermaid.
The Aceves family embraced it all. Kori, glowing and graceful, managed to balance elegance with keeping a watchful eye on her water-loving toddler. Fernando, ever the doting dad, was ready at a moment’s notice to swoop in and save the day (or at least keep his daughter from taking an unexpected swim). The love, the anticipation of baby number two, and the undeniable energy of their growing family made every frame come alive.
Refugio Beach didn’t just provide a stunning location; it gave us an experience. And in the end, that’s what family photos should be—beautifully unscripted, full of real connection, and a little bit of joyful chaos. Congrats to the Aceves family on the upcoming arrival of their newest adventure, and thank you for trusting me to capture this fleeting, perfectly imperfect moment in time.
Here’s to more beach days, more belly laughs, and maybe, just maybe, a toddler who finally decides the ocean can wait… at least until the next session.
