*Photos in this post (other than Zelda’s) are not part of Project Love. They primarily serve as examples for what to expect from a Princess for a Day session.
Have you ever felt compelled to do something, but you just weren’t sure how to begin? I’ve been in that boat for the past couple of years. As a portrait photographer, I’ve come to know many of my families intimately, and I’ve heard some incredible stories of pain, love, and strength. I know that life throws some hefty curveballs. Those curveballs are especially hard to take when they involve our precious babies.
On the outside, we see families whose faces reflect so much joy and happiness – and those are true reflections. But for families who face overwhelming health and medical challenges, it’s a bit harder to see what’s underneath: the uncertainty, the endless doctor’s visits, the desire to live every moment to the fullest because they don’t know what lies ahead.
Every story tugs at my heartstrings, and I’ve wanted so badly to find a way to use my profession to encourage these families – more than a free session or free prints. I’ve been brainstorming ways to truly uplift the kids as much as the parents. Then, after hearing an incredible story from a fantastic photographer I met in Clubhouse (Heather Larkin of fairyography.com), I had my answer.
What better way to spark pure joy than to dub a girl a Princess for a Day?
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What originally started as a sweet Valentine’s project suddenly became more. I wasn’t quite expecting the influx of messages and heartfelt stories. I knew right then and there that this would turn into something more – I’m here to do my part to support families and bring magic to little girls who are facing difficult medical journeys.
I’m excited to announce that I will be doing as many Princess for a Day sessions as possible, so keep the nominations coming!
Who Can I Nominate for Project Love?
You can nominate any family with a little girl who is facing a tough medical battle. I have princess dresses available for babies through size 14 in girls. Every girl deserves to experience childhood to the fullest, but sometimes medical conditions make it hard to be a kid. Medical protocols, equipment, and hospital stays prevent them from living a normal life, and I’d love to create some magic for them.
What is Princess for a Day?
The chosen nominee – or princess – will get to select her favorite princess gown from my closet of designer girls’ dresses, ranging in sizes from 9 months to girls 14/16. Then, the beautiful princess will help select a magical location for her very own photoshoot, complete with all the glamorous poses. Not only will she get to show off her strong and beautiful spirit, but family members have professional portraits of their little princess for years to come. It’s truly an honor to gift a fairy tale photoshoot to these very deserving girls and their families.
How Can I Nominate a Princess?
Simply send the PARENT of the little girl you are nominating to my website to fill out my contact form. I would love to know their story so that I may understand why they would love for their child to receive this opportunity.
*I ask that the parent/caregiver (not the friend who is nominating the family) fill out the form to protect their privacy. However deserving, some families may prefer to keep their story among close family and friends for various reasons, and I would like to respect that.
Note: I will not share any stories or nominations without consent from the parents. All nominations are kept private. Winning nominees may opt to keep their sessions and photographs private as well.
Kicking Off Project Love | Zeldas’ Story
Precious Zelda is brimming with light despite her challenging diagnosis. This girl finds beauty in everything, and she’s an absolute delight! Just check out that gorgeous grin and sassy stance!
You would never know it, but sweet and spunky Zelda is scheduled for FIFTH open heart surgery at the end of February – and she’s only three and a half.
At birth, this sweet miracle was life-flighted to Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital, where she was unexpectedly diagnosed with a severe heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aorta pulmonary collateral arteries. Add that complex diagnosis with additional pulmonary hypertension, and this strong girl has already experienced enough hardship to last a lifetime (but she sure doesn’t show it!). Currently, Zelda is on palliative intervention care – she’s hooked up to oxygen 24/7 until they can get her hypertension under control, which severely limits her activities.
This princess has a long road ahead, and her prognosis is unknown, but she and her parents are hopeful! Her spark reminds everyone around her to find beauty amid the hardship.
Upon reading about Project Love, Zelda’s mom Brittany urgently contacted me to see if we could make this little diva a princess for a day before her upcoming heart surgery. And how could I say no to that infectious smile?! I absolutely couldn’t wait to give this girl a fairy tale photoshoot.
So, we dubbed Zelda my very first princess of Project Love. It was everything we hoped for and more. I think I had just as much fun as she did!! I hope she’ll always remember her incredible strength, beauty, and powerful light that she shares with the world every time she looks at her princess photos.
Let’s Create Magic Together – Nominate a Princess
This is what community is all about. We inspire each other to push on, do better, and give back. Little Zelda was such an inspiration to me, and I hope her story sparks something in you, too.
Let’s create some magic together for these amazing kiddos! If you have a special family in mind, send them here and mention Project Love in the details so we can get in touch.
PS – If you have a handsome prince or young superhero you would like to nominate, please send them my way! My closet is full of princess dresses, but I certainly don’t want to leave out our deserving little guys facing difficult medical journeys, too.
Project Love Client Closet
Share the link to this post with your nominee for more information. Here’s a little peek into my Princess for a Day client closet. I have everything from sparkly rainbow gowns to delicate lace!
