Gretchen Day Photography

07/21/2026

[ Baby Ruthie ]

Earlier this summer, I was wandering the trails of Forest Park with Joselyn and Pat as we celebrated the little girl they were eagerly waiting to meet. This time, I had the joy of stepping into their home to meet her.

Sweet Ruthie has arrived.

There is something especially meaningful about photographing families through multiple seasons of their story. From maternity to newborn, from anticipation to arrival, each session becomes another chapter of God's faithfulness written into their lives. It is one of the greatest privileges of my work to witness those chapters unfold.

We spent the afternoon together and the late summer light poured through the windows with the kind of softness photographers dream about. The room felt peaceful and warm, creating the perfect backdrop for documenting these first days as a family of six.

Like most newborn sessions, everything unfolded exactly as it should.

Ruthie wasn't quite ready to fall asleep when I arrived. There were diaper changes, nursing breaks, gentle rocking, and patient pacing around the room before those sleepy little eyes finally closed.

And honestly...

I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Those pauses are some of my favorite parts of in-home newborn photography. They create space for conversation, laughter, and simply being together. They remind us that this season isn't meant to be rushed. Babies have their own rhythms, and there is something beautiful about slowing down enough to follow them.

Throughout the afternoon, the older girls drifted in and out of the room, eager for another turn holding their new baby sister. Every glance toward Ruthie seemed filled with wonder. They gently kissed her forehead, wrapped tiny arms around her, and looked at her with the kind of affection that only siblings can give. Watching their love for one another unfold was one of the sweetest parts of the day.

Of course, there were toddler emotions too.

There were moments of excitement, moments of distraction, and moments when little hearts needed Mom or Dad's attention. None of those interrupted the session. In fact, they told the story. Family life isn't made beautiful because it's perfectly calm—it is beautiful because love faithfully meets each need as it comes.

Joselyn and Pat move so naturally from comforting one child to celebrating another.

My hope with every newborn session is to preserve more than beautiful portraits. I want families to remember what this season actually felt like—the tiny yawns, the nursing breaks, the laughter between sisters, the sunlight across the bed, the peaceful moments that quietly filled an ordinary afternoon.

Years from now, these images won't simply remind the Miller family how tiny Ruthie once was. They'll remember how deeply she was loved from the very beginning, how her sisters couldn't get enough of her, and how faithful God was in the beautiful, ordinary days of welcoming another precious daughter into their home.

Joselyn and Pat, thank you for inviting me into another chapter of your family's story. It is such a gift to watch the Lord continue to grow your family, and I pray these photographs will always remind you of His kindness, His faithfulness, and the incredible blessing of these fleeting days together.

https://www.gretchendayphotography.com/blog/ruth-abigail-joy/

07/21/2026

[ The Gmoser Family ]

One of the greatest joys of being a photographer is that I don't just get to capture moments—I get to witness stories unfold.

I first met Eryn and Scott in 2023 when we photographed their engagement session. The following year, I had the privilege of documenting one of the most joyful days of their lives as they promised forever to one another.

This summer, I found myself standing behind my camera once again, this time photographing an entirely new chapter as they introduced me to their precious baby boy, August—better known as Auggie.

It never gets old.

Every time a couple invites me back for another milestone, I'm reminded what an incredible privilege this work truly is. These aren't just photo sessions; they're glimpses into the ways God continues to write beautiful stories in the lives of His people.

We met at Lafayette Park on a warm Sunday morning. The summer heat had already settled in, but the light couldn't have been more beautiful. Soft sunshine filtered through the trees, wrapping everything in that gentle glow photographers always hope for.

As lovely as the scenery was, the best part of the morning was simply spending time together.

We caught up on life since the wedding, talked about all the adjustments that come with welcoming a new baby, and laughed as little Auggie happily enjoyed every minute of being outside. He was content from beginning to end, offering sweet smiles, curious expressions, and endless cuddles with his parents. Sessions with babies can sometimes be unpredictable, but Auggie made the morning feel effortless.

Watching Eryn and Scott with their son was one of my favorite parts of the session. Parenthood is still new for them, but you would never know it. The way they looked at him, soothed him, smiled at him, and delighted in every little thing he did made it so clear that this little boy is deeply loved.

Scripture reminds us that "Every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17). As I watched this family together, I couldn't help but think about that truth. Children are one of God's sweetest gifts, entrusted to us for a season, and every stage—from engagement to marriage to parenthood—is evidence of His kindness and faithfulness.

Photography has a way of helping us remember what God has done. Years from now, these images won't simply remind Eryn and Scott of what Auggie looked like as a baby. They'll remember how tiny his fingers were wrapped around theirs, how he smiled when they talked to him, and how full their hearts felt during those first months of becoming a family of three.

Those are the memories worth preserving.

Eryn and Scott, thank you for continuing to trust me with your family's story. It has been such a joy to celebrate these milestones alongside you—from your engagement to your wedding, and now to meeting sweet Auggie. I pray these photographs become reminders not only of this beautiful season, but also of the faithful God who has walked with you through every chapter and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

https://www.gretchendayphotography.com/blog/gmoser-family/

07/21/2026

[ The Haegele Family ]

There are some families that simply feel like old friends by the time you meet for another session, and the Haegele family is one of those for me.

I've had the joy of photographing Heidi and Jacob's family for several years now. The last time we were together was for Quinn's newborn session just over a year ago. It hardly seems possible that the tiny baby I photographed then is now a walking toddler with the biggest personality and the sweetest little grin.

One of the greatest gifts of being a family photographer is getting to witness these milestones. Children change so quickly, and every session tells another chapter of a family's story. Looking back at photographs becomes such a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness through each passing season.

Our session almost didn't happen that evening. The weather had forced us to reschedule, and while it's never fun adjusting calendars, I walked away so thankful we waited. Forest Park greeted us with the most beautiful summer glow near the Victorian Bridge. The light filtered through the trees in that perfect golden way that photographers always hope for, and it made the entire evening feel peaceful and unhurried.

As beautiful as the light was, my favorite part of the session had nothing to do with the scenery.

Watching Remy with her little sister was such a joy. She was patient, gentle, and so clearly delighted by Quinn. Their relationship is already full of affection, and it was a privilege to capture those quiet hugs, playful giggles, and little moments that often become the most treasured photographs.

Heidi and Jacob are also the kind of parents who make family sessions so enjoyable. They trust the process, embrace the unpredictable moments that come with little children, and genuinely enjoy spending time together. That relaxed spirit always creates space for authentic photographs—the kind that tell the real story of a family rather than simply documenting what everyone looked like

Photography gives us an opportunity to pause, even for just an hour, and recognize how full these ordinary days really are. The toddler giggles, the tiny hands reaching for Mom and Dad, the sister who proudly wraps her arm around her little sibling—these are gifts from the Lord that deserve to be remembered.

Heidi and Jacob, thank you for continuing to invite me into your family's story. It has been such a joy to watch your girls grow, and I'm so grateful for the trust you've placed in me over the years. I pray these images will always remind you of God's kindness in this sweet season and of the incredible blessing it is to watch your daughters grow together.

https://www.gretchendayphotography.com/blog/Haegele-forest-park/

07/21/2026

[ The Hunt Family ]

One of my favorite things about photography is watching the faithfulness of God unfold over the years.

I've known Grace since high school, when we spent countless miles running together. Back then, I never could have imagined the beautiful life the Lord had in store for her. It was such a joy to spend the morning with Grace, Kyle, and their three boys, documenting this sweet season before it slips quietly into the next.

We met on an overcast summer morning in Lafayette Park, where the soft light and peaceful garden paths created the perfect setting for a slow, relaxed family session.

Kevin and Cooper were an absolute delight. Every silly face, funny noise, and playful prompt was met with huge smiles and contagious laughter. Their joy was infectious, and watching them run, explore, and snuggle.

And then there was sweet Dakota.

Some of my favorite moments from the session were the quiet ones—the gentle kisses on his head, tiny hands reaching for him, and the proud smiles that only older siblings can give. It was impossible not to see the love that already surrounds this little boy.

Psalm 127 tells us that "children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him." What a beautiful picture this family is of that truth. The days are undoubtedly full and busy, but they are also rich with blessings that are worth remembering.

One of the greatest privileges of my work is helping families pause long enough to recognize those gifts. Years from now, these photographs will remind them not only of how little their children once were, but also of God's kindness in every ordinary, joy-filled season.

Grace and Kyle, thank you for inviting me into another chapter of your family's story. It has been such a gift to watch the Lord continue to grow your family, and I pray these images will always remind you of His faithfulness through every season to come.

https://www.gretchendayphotography.com/blog/hunt-familly/

07/13/2026

[ The Miller Family ]

Joselyn and Pat's family has always been one of those families that make my job feel so special. Maybe it's because they're dear friends, or maybe it's because they simply enjoy being together. Either way, this session was filled with the kind of genuine moments I love most.

At the end of May, we met at Forest Park on an evening that had us all watching the weather. Storms threatened throughout the afternoon, and it seemed like we might spend the evening dodging rain instead of taking pictures. But just before our session began, the clouds broke apart and the sunshine poured through, giving us the most beautiful summer light.

Instead of rushing from one posed portrait to the next, we stopped quiet path alongside the stream. The girls explored, laughed together, and stayed close to Mom and Dad. Maggie, Jane, and Allison each brought their own personalities to the evening, making every part of the session feel natural and fun.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was watching everyone love on Joselyn's growing baby bump. It's such a special season—one filled with excitement, anticipation, and the beautiful chaos that comes with preparing for another little life.

These are the sessions I love most. There's no pressure to be perfect. Just a family slowing down long enough to enjoy one another while I quietly document the moments they'll want to remember years from now.

Joselyn and Pat, thank you for trusting me once again to preserve this season for your family. I can't wait to meet baby Ruthie soon!

https://www.gretchendayphotography.com/blog/miller-family/

05/20/2026

📣 Big Announcement!!!

I'm now offering birth photography!

I became immersed in the birth world when I was pregnant with my daughter. Like so many first-time moms, I thought I would remember every detail. But I don’t have a single image of her birth or those first moments of her life. That absence has stayed with me.

When my sons were born, I knew I needed something different. I wanted to remember it all—the strength, the stillness, the chaos, the love. The image of me holding my son for the first time is one of my most treasured possessions. It holds everything I felt in that moment—relief, awe, and overwhelming love.

When my kids were little, the on-call nature of birth photography grew to be too much for our family. Being available at a moment’s notice, day and night, while raising young children wasn’t something I could sustain well. I stepped back with a full heart and no regrets for the time I needed to be fully present at home.

Now that my youngest is in school, I finally feel like I have the bandwidth to give birth photography my full attention again—and I couldn’t be more excited to return.

As a birth photographer, I want you to see:
•The strength you embodied as wave after wave rushed over your whole being.
•The beam of pride on your husbands face as he marveled at the power you displayed while pushing your baby out.
•The love that filled the entire room when their baby was born.
•The face you made as you held your baby for the first time.
•The first time your baby opens their tiny eyes to gaze into yours.
•To remember the exact moment your story changed.

More than beautiful images, my desire is to love and serve my clients the way Jesus does - with gentleness, compassion, and care. My hope is that you would feel deeply supported, honored, and seen through your birth experience.

And I would be honored to tell your story.

Book your birth photography here: https://gretchendayphotography.pixieset.com/booking/birth

04/24/2026

🌷🌼🌻SPRING MINI SESSIONS 🌻🌼🌷
🌞15 minute session - 10 digital images - online gallery🌞
🌹Saturday, May 16th - Forest Park
🌺Sunday, May 31st - Lafayette Park

🌼$300 ($100 due at booking)
🌳Book now to reserve your spot!🌳

🌷🌼🌻SPRING MINI SESSIONS 🌻🌼🌷🌞15 minute session - 10 digital images - online gallery🌞🌹Saturday, May 16th - Forest Park🌺Sunday, May 31st - Lafayette Park🌼$300 ($100 due at booking)🌳Book now to reserve your spot!🌳