In Full Bloom

It was one Saturday and it was raining cats and dogs where most people would love to sleep in and stay home. However, this was not the case for me. I was in a very sunny mood and also much excited to work. I was actually praying that we would push through with the project that day as I would be helping out some very special ladies look their best and be camera ready for their shoot. No, I do not know them nor have I met them yet in person, but for me, next to brides on their big day, they are literally glowing and are in full bloom: soon-to-be-moms. I texted my good friend Feliz Lucas of Lifestyle by Feliz to confirm if we are good to go to which she happily said yes. Together with her spunky photographer husband, Jayjay Lucas of Chestknots Studios, they organized a fun maternity shoot. When she texted me a few days earlier to ask if I wanted to help out, I knew it was going to be a blast so I volunteered. In their Facebook Ad, the expectant moms were supposed to come all made-up with hair and makeup. She told me later on that there were some clients who requested if they can
avail of the hair and makeup service at the venue of the shoot.

Now we fast forward to Saturday, after dropping off my daughter at my parent’s house, I arrived at Pioneer Studios where we were having the shoot about 30 minutes earlier than my call time so I could to settle in and set up. It was a very cozy place that made one feel at home and at ease while working. A few minutes later my first client and soon-to-be mom, Nieva arrived with her very supportive sister. She said she just wanted to look natural and fresh for the shoot.

Sexy expectant mom Nieva at 7 months


Next is my client Sylvia. She came in with her husband Marvin all the way from Lipa, Batangas. They braved the storm to have fun with the other expectant moms and dads. Like Nieva, she wanted a fresh natural look for her make-up and luscious curls for her hair.

Sweet and Supportive Soon-to-be-dad Marvin with beautiful soon-to-be-mom Sylvia

Simply breath-taking photo of pregnant Sylvia at 5 months


While I was helping their beauty glow even more for the cameras, I was also able to give the expectant moms a few tips I learned about motherhood and breastfeeding. I told them that they will get all sorts of advice from everyone about being a mom but they should not be pressured to follow everyone of them. It will ultimately be a test and adventure with their husbands to firmly decide how they want to raise their own child and learn how to just politely nod to ideas that they may not necessarily want to follow. Based on my experience, I also advised them to treasure their times alone with their husband and cherish sleep as early as now before their baby comes out because having a baby is definitely life-changing … in a good way of course.

It’s too bad my husband was not available to take behind the scene shots while I was working. I didn’t even have a camera on hand but thanks to my trusty old Nokia E52, I managed to take a few pictures to share with you.

Some pictures with my new found friends and proud expectant parents after the photoshoot :

As an added bonus, I even got cool give-aways from Tiny Buds and wall decals from Mesh


I have never seen that many pregnant bellies together at once. It was indeed a unique and cool inspiring way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon: being able to work with some of the most talented photographers and stylists and be surrounded by some really beautiful ladies beaming with pride for the God-given gift inside their womb.

My sexy momma friend Feliz Lucas, also in full bloom at 9 months

* Otherwise indicated, all photos and styling were done by Chestknots Studios