A Reading Pennsylvania Pregnancy Story: Irina and Sergio
- Ashlie Bradley

- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Some pregnancy stories begin quietly.
Others begin with shock, disbelief… and a very honest, “Holy sht—this can’t be real.”
Irina and Sergio’s journey into parenthood is one filled with humor, tenderness, and the kind of joy that only comes after uncertainty. Their maternity session wasn’t just about creating beautiful portraits; it was about celebrating a long-awaited miracle and the family they’re becoming.

A First-Time Mom to a Rainbow Baby
For Irina, this pregnancy marked her first time becoming a mom, and the arrival of a rainbow baby after a journey that wasn’t promised to be easy.
When she first found out she was pregnant, her thoughts came quickly and honestly:
“Holy sht! Not true. The doctor said this would be hard—how am I pregnant?”
And then, almost immediately… “Fudge, I’m late for work.”
That mix of disbelief and real life perfectly captures the beginning of so many meaningful stories. Joy doesn’t always arrive wrapped in perfection, it often comes crashing into an ordinary moment and changes everything.

Discovering a Little Personality Along the Way
As her Reading, Pennsylvania pregnancy progressed, Irina found herself falling in love with the small, quiet moments.
Her favorite part?
Feeling her baby grow and slowly discovering his personality.
Those kicks, movements, and pauses become tiny conversations between mother and baby, ones you don’t fully understand until you’re living them.

Why Maternity Portraits Mattered More Than Expected
Irina didn’t originally plan on having maternity portraits taken. But Sergio did.
He shared that he doesn’t have many photos of himself as a baby, and capturing this chapter, this once-in-a-lifetime moment was something he deeply wanted for their child.
That request alone says so much.
Maternity portraits often begin as a gift for the baby… and become a gift for the parents too.
When choosing a maternity photographer, Irina wasn’t looking for perfection or pressure. She wanted something far more meaningful:
Someone kind.
Someone friendly.
Someone who wouldn’t make her feel like just another name on a calendar.

A Session That Felt Like Fun, Not a Performance
During their maternity session, Irina and Sergio leaned into what felt natural to them; being playful, being a little silly, and creating something unique together.
Irina loved:
Collaborating on a creative theme
Having Sergio there by her side (even if he didn’t say much 😉)
Feeling like the experience was about them, not a formula
The session wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t stiff.
It was fun, and that joy showed through every image.

Seeing Herself Through a New Lens
When Irina saw her portraits for the first time, the emotions came quickly.
Excitement.
Emotion.
And yes; even a bit of discomfort.
That’s more common than people realize. Seeing yourself during pregnancy, especially after a difficult journey, can feel vulnerable. But those feelings often soften into something else with time.
Now, when Irina looks back at her maternity portraits, one thing stands out above all else:
How fun it was.
Not just the photos, but the experience itself.

Looking Ahead to What’s Next
As they prepare to welcome their baby, Irina is most looking forward to becoming a mom, watching their family come together, and continuing their story with their newborn session.
From maternity to newborn, these portraits will one day tell their child a powerful story:
You were wanted. You were celebrated. And your story mattered before you even arrived.

Ready to Tell Your Own Reading, Pennsylvania Pregnancy Story?
Every pregnancy journey is different, but each one deserves to be remembered with care, intention, and heart.
If you’re expecting and want to learn more about my maternity portrait experience in Reading, Pennsylvania, I’d love to connect with you.
✨ Click here to learn more about my maternity portrait experience and what it’s like to be fully guided, supported, and celebrated every step of the way.
Your story is worth being told. 💛





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