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A Reading Pennsylvania Pregnancy Story: Irina and Sergio

  • Writer: Ashlie Bradley
    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 professional maternity picture of pregnant woman in a blue gown and her husband in a white shirt gently touch her belly, gazing at each other fondly against a floral backdrop.


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.


Pregnant woman in a flowing mint green gown sits gracefully against a dark background, exuding serenity and joy.


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.


Pregnant woman in a flowing mint gown holds her belly, smiling warmly for a maternity portrait. Dark backdrop enhances serene, joyful mood.

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 professional maternity photo of a pregnant woman in a flowing blue gown stands smiling at her husband who is seated in beige, against a floral backdrop, conveying warmth and love.

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.


Pregnant woman in a flowing light green gown poses for a maternity photo confidently against a dark background, conveying strength and serenity.


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.


Pregnant woman in a flowing blue gown poses for her maternity portrait with hand on head against a floral backdrop. Mood is serene and thoughtful.

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.


Reading PA maternity photographer, Ashlie Bradley takes a picture of a pregnant woman in turquoise dress in a studio. Bright lights, brick wall, and photos in background.

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.



Your story is worth being told. 💛

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