Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

It’s a big deal when Bob and Linda come to visit! These sweet grandparents live in northern Canada, but their grandson and his family and sister are in Lethbridge while he completes his degree. Bob and Linda planned a special trip to see their great grandchildren and have a family photo session while they were in the city.

We picked the University of Lethbridge as our backdrop both because of the wind and because the location is meaningful while Ken goes to school there. (Usually my clients get a little worried about getting lost on campus, but Ken easily knew his way around!) We explored the new Science Commons building and the kids loved all the elevator rides!

Bob’s great grandson is named after him, so he brought along special matching embroidered hats for the two of them to wear. I’m only disappointed the elder Bob didn’t have bright green hair like his great grandson ;)

This year was a time of huge change for Erin and Ross. At the same time they welcomed their new baby girl into their home, their beloved dog Lazer received a disappointing diagnosis from his vet. Lazer has been with them for years so he was like their first child before the kids arrived. They wanted to make sure their kids would remember what an important part of the family he was, so he became the centre point of their newborn family photos.

Newborn Mae was, of course, the other focus! Mae had arrived home only a few days before and had quickly settled in. She calmly slept through all of the noise and commotion of photos, including a very curious cat (we tried to get the kitty in the family photos, but she was not having it!) and her older brother loudly watching the Lion King. Big brother Kieran did great through photos and loved posing with his sister. This was his first time getting to hold her because he had just gotten over his cold. The Lion King was a great reward for his awesome modelling!

Lazer also did fantastic and loved snuggling with his family, though he was confused as to why he was suddenly allowed on the couch!

What birthday is more special than turning 100? Thelma reached this milestone with excitement and is looking stunning for her age! Her daughter organized the 100th birthday party at the seniors complex where she lives, where she was joined by friends and family. Two of her younger brothers made the drive down just to join the party!

Thelma arrived at her birthday with a huge smile on her face and enjoyed eating lemon cake and visiting with her friends. As one special touch, a local RCMP officer came to wish her a happy birthday, dressed in the iconic red uniform. Thelma and her husband had worked for the RCMP so this had been an important part of her life.

Mathias was surrounded by family and love for his Lethbridge newborn photoshoot. Not only did he get to snuggle his mom in photos, but all of his extended family was there! Mathias is the second grandson in the family (after his cousin) and his abuelos radiated happiness around the two boys.

He started out his session a little sleepy (minus many snack breaks) and then woke up to make the most adorable faces! I especially had a weak spot for this family being Disney fans and including that in the photos :)

Jessica and Jaedon’s emotional moments with their new baby girl

When Jessica and Jaeden gave me the address for their in-home family photo session, I was surprised because I had no idea where it was! I’ve shot a lot of newborn photography around Lethbridge but I’d never seen this address before, or anything close to it.

When I arrived (with the help of Google Maps), their property took my breath away. The family lives at a prairie resort, with sweeping vistas and a gorgeous reservoir – a little slice of paradise they get to enjoy with their new baby girl, Clarke.

As we set up for the photoshoot, the newborn of the hour was sleeping like a lamb. Little Clarke looked like a china doll – and never made a peep!

Baby C was adorable at her photoshoot with her big blue eyes and toothy grin! We started with an indoor photo session in their home where Baby C is happiest. She loved rolling around on their big bed and grabbing her toes. Once she had her fill of kisses from mom and dad there, we headed outside for early morning Henderson Lake family photos. Not only was I in love with her smile, but I loved watching the joy she brings her parents when they interact with her. Their grins are even bigger than hers!

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