Sometimes, I get amazing opportunities to photograph special moments in really special locations. Matthew and Sarah's maternity session will forever be in my memory as a standout. For years, I had been wanting to photograph a couple at the International Balloon Fiesta, so when Sarah reached out about locations during the first weekend of October, I suggested we head to Albuquerque for this unique New Mexico tradition. The yellow dress that we chose for her to wear went beautifully with the whimsy of the fiesta. To top it off, we were invited inside one of the balloons as the riders prepared for mass ascension. I think I speak for all of us when I say that the inner child was giddy with excitement as we entered the multi-colored fabric sail. This year, the Balloon Fiesta celebrated 50 years, so we were all happy to be present for this historic event.

Couple walks hand-in-hand beneath giant colorful hot air balloons inflating on grassy festival grounds.
Low-angle view of pregnant couple holding hands with colorful hot air balloons floating in cloudy sky.
Pregnant couple embraces tenderly at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with colorful balloons filling the sky.
Smiling pregnant woman in a mustard yellow dress stands beside a large inflating hot air balloon.
Black and white photo of a pregnant couple standing among crowds at a hot air balloon festival.
Couple holds hands between two giant colorful hot air balloons with many balloons soaring overhead.
Couple dances joyfully at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta with colorful hot air balloons in the background.
Glowing pregnant woman in yellow dress stands among vibrant hot air balloons at a balloon festival.
Serene pregnant woman in yellow dress sits cross-legged on grass at a hot air balloon festival.
Pregnant woman in yellow dress at Albuquerque hot air balloon festival with colorful balloons filling the sky.
Couple sits intimately on grass at hot air balloon festival with dozens of balloons soaring overhead.
Smiling pregnant woman in mustard dress stands between vibrant inflating hot air balloons at outdoor festival.
Black and white image of a pregnant woman standing among grounded hot air balloons at a festival.
Stunning interior view of a colorful hot air balloon with vibrant rainbow panels radiating from center.
Close-up of a pregnant woman in a mustard yellow wrap dress cradling her baby bump.
Romantic couple silhouetted inside a glowing blue and yellow hot air balloon envelope.
Couple shares a tender kiss in front of a large teal and yellow hot air balloon outdoors.
Pregnant woman in yellow dress gazes up at dozens of colorful hot air balloons soaring in cloudy sky.
Black and white portrait of pregnant woman in flowing dress standing before a large hot air balloon.
Pregnant couple embracing at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with colorful hot air balloons filling the sky.
Pregnant woman in yellow dress standing among crowds at a vibrant hot air balloon festival.
Couple holding hands between two large colorful hot air balloons with many balloons in the sky.
Close-up of couple cradling pregnant belly at a hot air balloon festival with balloons in background.
Smiling pregnant couple embracing near inflating hot air balloons at an outdoor balloon festival.