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A date with mom to Splendora's Gelato Shop | Charlottesville Family Photographer

Writer: Laura Richards
Laura Richards
Mar 18
1 min read

Last month, I opened up a model call for a mom and kids to meet me at Splendora's Gelato in Charlottesville for a fun afternoon date.


Afternoons like this of course feel so magical for kids — but I know they do for moms, too. My vision was to capture that joy through expressions, color, and light. The sunny, terracotta-painted walls of Splendora's made for the perfect backdrop!


Shot entirely on 35mm film, this session felt so warm, even on a February day. The kids were so happy to share their gelato with mom, too! Other than few light prompts when the moment felt right, I really let our time together unfold naturally, which always yields more magic than when I plan things out.


To have our kids see us moms happy in these special moments is so powerful, don't you think?


If you'd like to honor and celebrate an afternoon with your kids and the beauty of motherhood that follows, I'd love to help you plan a custom session! Charlottesville and Richmond moms — let's take family photos out of the random field and into spaces that feel like home.


  • mom and kids decide on gelato flavors at splendora's in charlottesville, virginia
  • girl is handed her gelato at splendora's in charlottesville, virginia
  • mom and daughter feed each other gelato
  • mom laughs while she holds her son
  • girl shares her cone of gelato with mom
  • young toddler boy eats a spoonful of gelato with mom
  • daughter's hand feeds her mom gelato
  • mom's hand rests on her son's head while he eats gelato
  • girl kisses mom on the cheek
  • mom kisses young son on the head while he eats his gelao
  • young toddler spoons up gelato while his mom holds him
  • mom and daughter look at each other while holding gelato
  • girl looks at the camera while her mom's hand rests on her cheek
  • young boy eating gelato beside his mom
  • girl looks off to the side while standing beside her mom in a gelato shop
  • a mom is sandwiched between her two kids while her daughter gives her a kiss
  • black and white photo of mom and daughter hug
  • mom kisses daughter on the head
  • mom looks at young son
  • girl tips up her gelato cup to get the last drops
  • brother and sister hugging while brother looks at camera
  • mom and daughter cheers with their cups of gelato
  • toddler boy hugs and kisses his mom who is smiling
  • mom and kids look at the camera inside a gelato shop in charlottesville, virginia
  • girl smiles at camera while holding a cone of gelato

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Sincere family imagery for nostalgic hearts.

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