A Manhattan Beach Family Session: The Jonckheere Family

What happens when a So Cal girl living in San Francisco meets a Canadian boy living in Chicago? For these two, pure magic!

Several years ago a vacation to Chicago and a party introduction blossomed into a long distance relationship for Melissa and Jeremy. Over time it was clear that providence brought them together and they embarked on the adventure of marriage and family. A few years later Milo joined the adventure and they relocated to the beaches of the South Bay to be close to Melissa’s family, plus the palm trees are a win for Jeremy who feels like he is on a permanent vacation.

When we talked about a session location Melissa mentioned how near and dear the beach was to them. It is their happy place and where they build memories as a family. Spending the day with them it was clear that not only to the love the ocean, they spill over with love for one another. It was in the way they looked at each other with adoration, the laughter that flowed freely and the tenderness in their touch. So on a beautiful Southern California day we played in the sand, danced in the waves and chased the sunset along the Manhattan Beach shoreline to celebrate their love.

One thing I love to highlight in my images is the way moms are loved and adored. They work so hard and sacrifice so much from the moment their children are conceived. Showing Melissa the deep love her boys have for her is my joy.

The light under the pier was so amazing but was in competition for how much this little family shines when they are together.

Another thing I love documenting is the difference between how mothers and fathers interact with their littles. Often I tell them “just do what you normally would do”. Instinctively moms dance and teach and kiss and hug, with an underlying sense of tenderness. Dads run and jump and explore and lead, with an underlying sense of adventure. Both approaches are formative and both are beautiful.

I also love reminding parents of the love that is theirs alone, the romantic aspect of them as lovers walking side by side. These two clearly adore each other and gave me chills as I captured their relationship.

And then we played among the waves until we lost the lovely light.