A love letter to Holly, the mother of 9-day-old Avery

“To my wife, Holly: thank you. Thank you for 18 happy years together. Thank you for being my best friend. And thank you – so much – for making me a dad.

“I’ve wanted to become a father for so long. I wanted to be the dad that I never had. I wanted to share everything I’ve learned and experienced with someone who would look to me for love and support as they stepped out into the world.

“For a while I didn’t think it was going to happen for us. I know how important your career is to you, and I realised how much having a baby would interrupt all the amazing things you’re doing and are responsible for at work.

“I accepted this as much as I could, but privately I was still hopeful.

“Then nine months ago we were travelling back from a wedding, discussing baby names, just for fun. I think you knew already; you must’ve felt different inside. Because when we got home, you secretly took a pregnancy test.

“I remember my heart flip when you came downstairs and told me you had a present for me. You told me you were pregnant and I used every ounce of self-control to push back down the sudden rush of hope and happiness I felt.

“You were distinctly unimpressed when my response to your amazing news was to ask you to do another test, just in case the first was a false positive.

“And then the second test was positive, too. I couldn’t help myself. I got a little bit excited. And the next day I was even more excited. So it continued as our baby grew inside you.

“Each step I took felt lighter. Each day felt more focused. Each task more purposeful. And the highs kept coming.

“After all, hearing you were pregnant was just the third best thing that’s happened to me in the past year. The second best thing was seeing our baby appear on the screen during our first scan.

“But the first best thing – the absolute high of highs – was walking out of hospital with you, carrying our new baby. You were healthy, he was healthy. And I was now a dad. Someone’s father.

“And I am so determined to be the very best father I can be. I know you’ll help me to achieve this, as you’ve already made me a better person. I’ve learned so much from you, and there’s so much I admire: your tenacity, your passion, your intellect, your social skills and most of all, how you are with our son. I love you both so much.

“For 18 years you’ve been my best friend. I can’t wait for the next 18 years and beyond, as we figure out this new challenge of parenthood together.

“And as you’re enjoying his arrival as much as I am, who knows, perhaps you’ll consider a little brother or sister for Avery, too?!”

Congratulations, Matt and Holly! 🙂

After the shoot, Matt said:

“Top class experience only matched by the pictures she captures. There are a large number of photographers around and as my wife and I just had our first born child we wanted to capture some pictures of this life changing event. No other photographers work looked as good as Sarah’s and we are so glad we chose her. Avery (my son) was well looked after by Sarah, the studio was kept to a good temperature and was constantly asked for our input and if we were alright”

Matt, Newborn Photography Client from Romford, Essex

It’s always lovely to hear from clients how pleased they are when their Wall Art, Albums and Prints arrive! Matt went one step further, creating this stunning short video as he unboxed his Heirloom Bellissimo Album. As little Avery grows up, I’m sure he’ll feel how loved he is every time he looks through these pages – and how proud his mum and dad were to meet him and hold him:

If you’re interested in newborn portraits or family photography in and around Bicester and/or Oxfordshire, please get in contact:

Sarah Plater LMPA is a qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.