📍 Photographed at Holl & Stone, Garner, NC


When I say this session was full of love, laughter, and sticky fingers—I mean it in the best way possible.


Hayley brought her whole crew—five beautiful, energetic, and totally unique kiddos—for a Mother’s Day session that turned into one of my favorites. We set up under the trees at the beautiful Holl & Stone in Garner, brought in flowers and a whole lot of ice cream, and just let the magic unfold.


This wasn’t a “pose-and-smile” kind of shoot. It was playful, messy, and real. From the moment the cones were handed out, it became less about the camera and more about soaking up the moment. Some kids went straight for the scoops, one eyed the flowers with deep suspicion, and Hayley? She smiled through every second, the calm in the middle of her perfectly wild storm.


But this session wasn’t just special because of the sweet chaos—it was special because of Hayley herself. She’s currently carrying a baby girl as a surrogate, a gift she’s giving to another family. As someone who’s completed two surrogacy journeys myself, this hits incredibly close to home. It’s hard to put into words what it means to capture moments for someone who’s walking that same road.


I’ll be seeing Hayley again soon, when she welcomes that precious little girl into the world—and I’ll be there with my camera, documenting another beautiful, selfless chapter in her story.


To Hayley: thank you for trusting me with your memories. Your joy is contagious, your heart is massive, and your kids are a blast (especially when ice cream is involved). I loved every second of this session.

Sweet outdoor portrait of a parent and child sitting together on a white blanket with pink flowers in a wooded setting.
A group sits outdoors under an elegant white arch decorated with flowers and fabric in a natural woodland setting.
Child in green shirt holds an orange rose while enjoying vanilla ice cream cone on summer day.
A child in an orange t-shirt takes a bite of food while standing in a wooded outdoor setting.
Young child enjoying a vanilla ice cream cone on a sunny day in a garden setting.
Child in a light colored polo shirt eating an ice cream cone outdoors in a grassy field.
Parent and child sitting on white blanket outdoors during casual photo session in wooded area.
Two people share a joyful moment while relaxing on a white blanket outdoors surrounded by greenery.
Two people share a joyful outdoor moment while sitting among flowering plants in a garden setting.
Family enjoying an outdoor picnic together on a white blanket with decorative arches in a garden setting.
Small child in pink polka dot dress holds vanilla ice cream cone while standing outside on grass.
Two people sharing a tender moment while sitting on a white blanket during an outdoor picnic in a wooded setting.
A heartwarming outdoor portrait on a white blanket in a natural wooded setting during a photo session.
A tender outdoor portrait showing affection on a white blanket with pink flowers in a wooded garden setting.
A group enjoys ice cream cones and orange roses while sitting together on grass in warm sunlight.
A joyful child in a white shirt and denim shorts stands in a garden holding an orange flower on a stem.
Outdoor portrait of two people sitting together on a white blanket with flowers and decorative arch in a forest setting.
A person wearing a pink shirt smells a yellow and red rose in a garden setting.
A photographer in a beige sweater holds a professional camera while standing next to a rustic red wall.

Hey there! I'm Krystie, a passionate and dedicated photographer based in Smithfield, North Carolina. With a knack for capturing life's most precious moments, I specialize in family, children, pet, maternity, and portrait photography. My goal is to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for my clients, resulting in stunning, authentic photos you'll cherish forever.


I take pride in my patience and ability to make everyone feel comfortable, from our first meeting until long after the session ends. Whether I'm entertaining a lively one-year-old or capturing precious moments with your family, I approach every session with a calm and friendly demeanor.


Communication is key to a successful photo shoot, and I make sure my clients know what to expect every step of the way. My quick turnaround times and attention to detail ensure you receive beautiful, high-quality images promptly. I love seeing the joy and happiness on my clients' faces when they see their photos for the first time.


When I'm not behind the camera, I enjoy exploring new places with my family. This sense of adventure and love for life's little moments inspires my photography, allowing me to see the beauty in every situation.


Get to know  more about me  or  send me an inquiry. Let's create some amazing memories together