With our second baby boy due in just a few weeks, I wanted to share his space-themed nursery! This theme was our runner-up when Tucker was born, so it was fun to watch the idea finally come to life.

​We started off with a dreamy constellation accent wall, which, thanks to wall decals, was super easy to create. I love how it turned out. Because it and the carpeting are dark, though, I wanted to keep everything else light and minimal. 

His Moses basket will be moved into our bedroom when he's born, and the Montessori-inspired play gym will probably make its way downstairs. So that just leaves the rocking chair, crib, and shelf.

​I learned the hard way that dressers can and will be destroyed by toddlers, so I decided to go with a cubby shelf instead (we use one in Tucker's room now, too). We'll invest in nice dressers once they're both old enough. Plus, the reachable fabric bins allow both boys to easily pick out, organize, and put away their own clothes.

Next up: Snuggling this baby boy in here!

We spent our anniversary weekend creating this accent wall. Just a dark blue paint with these beautiful constellation decals. 

On the left: I found these great vintage paper pieces on Etsy — a book page with January's constellation guide, and this cute set of space-themed children's playing cards. They'll probably be hung up once he starts standing, but for now, they'll live on the shelf. Right: A diaper/necessities basket. Instead of a changing table, we'll just change him on the floor with a changing pad (I imagine I'll be downstairs changing him most of the time anyway).

These are some Montessori-inspired elements of his nursery. On the left is a black-and-white mobile, designed to develop concentration, focus, color discrimination, etc. It's the first in a series of mobiles, which we'll introduce him to around 1 week old. You can learn more about them here. On the right are a few of his first toys, including a wooden grasping ring and these awesome reflective balls. 

Burt's Bees crib sheet + Little Unicorn muslin quilt.

I made these simple watercolor moon phases paintings myself!

I'm obsessed with his Moses basket, which he'll use in our room for the first few months, and I can't wait to get him into this little constellation-patterned outfit!

Brett's session was a dream come true, overflowing with love, laughter, and amazing light. 

For the most part, I just documented them hanging out — no prompting, no posing. Just a mom loving on her babies and vice versa — and that's exactly how these special sessions should be. 

I was so excited that Brett chose to take advantage of my Client Closet. That golden, mustard-colored dress looked incredible and provided the prettiest pop to her film and images.

For her voice overlay, Brett recorded a reading of Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem "A Song of Life" — her wish for her children. I paired it with Tim Halperin's instrumental version of "Light and Wilderness." Make sure your sound is on to hear how well they paired!

Keepsake Motherhood Film sessions are becoming a quick favorite of mine, and I can't wait to create more in 2021. We all know moms are so often left out of the photographs (because they're the ones taking them), but I find that we're especially absent from the videos. 

If you're craving your own Motherhood Film, learn more here. I'm now booking for April 2021 and beyond! It's never too early to start planning for Mother's Day ;)

Laura Richards is a family photographer based in Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in lifestyle and documentary sessions, family films, and heirloom print art. Learn more about Keepsake Motherhood Films here.

Meet my cousin-in-law Brittany and her husband Ian. Their baby girl is due just a few days before my second little boy, making this such a special session. It's been so fun having someone I know on the same journey. Who knows, maybe we'll end up at the hospital at the same time! 

Brittany first mentioned me doing their maternity photos a few months ago, when we were all sitting around my backyard fire pit with hot dogs and s'mores (beers for the guys, hot apple ciders for Brittany and me). I was so excited, because I knew their session would be a gorgeous one! Brittany has the best style, and she and Ian love to laugh! Pair those things with some perfect fall light, and BOOM, add this one to my favorite-sessions-ever list. 

During their photography session, I was also able to shoot video and create a sweet little keepsake maternity film. I know their daughter will absolutely love seeing this one day and hearing the joy in her mama's voice.

Brittany and Ian, thank you both so much for trusting me to capture this important chapter of your lives. Can't wait until our babies can meet!

Laura Richards is a family photographer based in Charlottesville, Virginia. She specializes in lifestyle and documentary sessions and heirloom print art. Check out 7 reasons you'll love your own LRP experience here.