
There’s just something so special about a spring maternity session outdoors, especially when everything is blooming and full of life. This Nashville family maternity session at Ellington Agricultural Center felt soft, joyful, and full of anticipation in the sweetest way. But what made this spring maternity photoshoot even more meaningful for me was the history behind it.
Hi, I am Dolly Delong, a Nashville family photographer, and I’m so glad you’re here. This particular maternity session was incredibly special because Lauren and I actually go way back. We used to work together in the college recruiting world, and it’s been such a full circle moment to now be the one documenting her growing family. I’ve had the honor of photographing both Wren and Bo as newborns, and now getting to capture this next maternity session for their family of four (soon to be five!) has been such a gift.
And of course, Ellington Agricultural Center is always such a dream for photos, and it’s easily one of my go to locations in Nashville. I love how much variety it offers without ever feeling overwhelming. From open grassy areas to quiet, tree lined paths and little tucked away corners, it creates a beautiful, ever changing backdrop that makes each session feel unique and full of life.
If you’re thinking about booking a spring maternity photoshoot, I’d truly love to help you plan something that feels relaxed, meaningful, and beautifully connected from start to finish.
And if you’re a fellow photographer trying to stay consistent with your Instagram and email marketing while serving your clients well, don’t forget to check out The Family Photographer’s Marketing Society. It’s designed to help you stay visible and supported in your business without feeling overwhelmed.
Now let me walk you through this Nashville maternity session!

This maternity session was the perfect blend of connection and movement. Lauren and Broderick showed up ready to simply enjoy their time together, and that always makes such a difference. Their kids, Wren and Bo, brought so much personality and energy, which created a gallery that feels both playful and deeply meaningful.
Spring at Ellington Agricultural Center is one of my favorite times of year for a spring maternity photoshoot. The soft blooms and fresh greenery create such a light, airy feeling without needing anything extra. It allows the focus to stay exactly where it should be, on the connection between this growing family.
Wren was full of curiosity and sweetness, staying close to her mom and gently leaning into her growing belly. Bo brought that fun, playful energy that keeps everything real and joyful. Having photographed both of them as newborns made this session feel even more special to document.
I had the joy of writing about Wren’s newborn session as well, and you can look back on those early, snuggly days here.
The beauty of an outdoor maternity session like this is how simple it can be. You don’t need a lot of structure. You just need space to move, connect, and be present with your people.
For sessions like this spring maternity photoshoot, I gently guide you into moments rather than stiff poses. Think walking together, holding hands, little snuggles, and letting your kids interact naturally. That’s where the magic really happens.
A few things that help create this kind of gallery:
This approach works so beautifully for a maternity session because it allows your story to unfold in an honest, unforced way.
Lauren’s dress was such a perfect choice for this session. The soft blue tone complemented the spring setting beautifully, and the fabric’s flow added a gentle movement that photographs so well. She is also having a baby boy (so that is another reason why this color was perfect)!
For a spring maternity photoshoot session, I always recommend:
The goal is always to feel like yourself. When you’re comfortable, it shows in every image from your session.
There’s a reason spring sessions are so loved. The season itself mirrors what you’re experiencing. Growth, anticipation, and new beginnings.
At Ellington Agricultural Center, the blooms create a soft, romantic backdrop that enhances the emotion of a maternity session without taking attention away from the family. The light is gentle, the colors are fresh, and everything feels calm and inviting.
For Lauren and Broderick’s family, it gave their kids space to explore while still staying close. Some of my favorite moments from this spring maternity photoshoot came from:
Those are the kinds of images that become even more meaningful over time.
What made this session so meaningful for me wasn’t just the beautiful spring setting. It was the relationship behind it.
Getting to photograph someone you used to work alongside in a completely different season of life is such a gift. Watching Lauren step into motherhood, documenting Wren and Bo as newborns, and now capturing this maternity session as they prepare to welcome another baby has been incredibly special.
You can feel the excitement in every image. The way Lauren gently holds her belly, the way Broderick stays close and steady, and the way Wren and Bo move between playful moments and sweet snuggles.
This spring maternity photoshoot felt like a true reflection of their life right now. Full of love, connection, and anticipation for what’s next.

If you’ve been dreaming about a maternity session that feels relaxed, connected, and beautifully documented, I’d love to help you plan it. Whether your vision is a spring maternity session like this one or something in a different season, I’ll guide you through every step so you can feel confident and cared for.
Want a little extra help as you plan your maternity session? Be sure to download my free Family Photography Session Style and Planning Guide so you can feel prepared and excited going into your session.
And if you’re a mama who prefers something shorter and simpler, I do offer mini sessions throughout the year. Let’s connect and chat!
For my fellow photographers, if you’re balancing client work while staying consistent with your marketing, The Family Photographer’s Marketing Society was created to support you. It’s filled with tools and guidance to help you show up consistently on Instagram and email without the overwhelm.
Whether you’re planning your first maternity session or continuing to document your growing family, I’m so glad you’re here.
I can’t wait to help you capture something meaningful!

Dolly DeLong is a Nashville-based family & branding photographer AND a creative business owner who educates other family photographers (aka creative business owners) on systems, SOPs, workflows, and marketing (aka how to run the backend of your own family photography business as a one-woman show)! Dolly loves serving families with her bold, elevated, and radiant photography. She also loves educating other creative business owners on how to set up systems and workflows to help them save time in their businesses. Dolly produces weekly blog posts, podcast episodes on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, and weekly YouTube Episodes.
Dolly shares her expertise in Marketing, Email Marketing, and Business Systems with family photographers in an encouraging, supportive way, because she believes anyone can find joy in systems, workflows, and intentional SOPs! Plus, BONUS: Systems are where the magic happens! You can streamline and automate the backend of your creative business with ease!
Dolly’s faith and love for her family motivate her to help other business owners find the joy and freedom she’s seen in running a successful small business.
Whenever she has a spare moment, she enjoys watching TV, loves eating way too many sweets, and listens to podcasts while running or walking. Fill out her contact form to work with Dolly DeLong Photography for a family photography session.
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