Sisterhood, Style & Storybook Scenery: A Couture Session at Mary Coffin Gardens

There’s something undeniably special about photographing sisters together — the quiet understanding, the shared giggles, the way they move as if they’ve known each other forever (because they have).

This couture portrait session at Mary Coffin Gardens in Delaware felt like stepping into a storybook. With flowing gowns, lush greenery, and two sisters completely at ease with one another, the entire experience unfolded effortlessly — the kind of session where magic doesn’t need to be forced.

A Garden That Feels Like a Secret

Mary Coffin Gardens is one of those rare places that instantly slows you down. Tucked away and quietly beautiful, it offers winding paths, archways of greenery, and pockets of light that feel almost cinematic.

The garden’s historic roots and ever-changing seasonal landscape make it an ideal backdrop for fine art portraiture. Every turn offers something new — textured stone, blooming florals, shaded walkways — all of it lending itself naturally to storytelling imagery.

It’s the kind of location that doesn’t distract from the subjects, but gently frames them.

Couture That Tells a Story

For this session, the sisters were styled in rich, detailed couture gowns designed to move beautifully in natural light. Flowing tulle, delicate lace, and layered textures added softness and depth, enhancing the fairytale feel without overpowering their personalities.

These pieces aren’t just outfits — they’re part of the narrative. When paired with a setting like Mary Coffin Gardens, the result feels timeless, elegant, and intentional.

Every twirl, every laugh, every quiet moment between them became part of the story we were creating together.

Connection Is Always the Focus

While the gowns and setting are undeniably beautiful, the heart of this session was the bond between the sisters.

They shared whispered jokes, spontaneous laughter, and the kind of closeness that can’t be posed. Those moments — the in-between ones — are what transform a portrait session into something meaningful.

This is what I aim for in every children’s session: imagery that reflects who they are together, not just how they look.

Why Couture Garden Sessions Are So Meaningful

Couture garden sessions are ideal for:

• Celebrating the bond between sisters

• Marking a milestone or season of childhood

• Creating artwork that feels heirloom-worthy

• Families who love expressive, story-driven imagery

These sessions are calm, unhurried, and thoughtfully guided — allowing children to be themselves while creating portraits that feel elevated and lasting.

Ready to Create Something Timeless?

I travel throughout Delaware, Philadelphia, and South Jersey for special sessions like this, offering couture wardrobe pieces for little girls up to size 12/14 and guidance every step of the way.

If you’re dreaming of a portrait experience that blends connection, artistry, and a touch of fairytale magic, I’d love to help bring that vision to life.

Let’s tell your story beautifully.

If you’re dreaming of a portrait experience that blends connection, artistry, and a touch of fairytale magic, I’d love to help bring that vision to life.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Seashells & Ferris Wheels: A Jersey Shore Summer Worth Remembering 🎡

If you’ve ever looked at a blank wall in your home and thought,
“This could use a little more drama… maybe a windswept child holding a seashell while a Ferris wheel glows in the distance,”
— welcome. You’re my people.

Jersey Shore sessions at Shooting Star Photography are about more than beach photos. They’re about turning summer into artwork — the kind that belongs on your walls long after the sand has been shaken out of your bags and the kids have outgrown their favorite shore hoodies.

Whether you’re a South Jersey local or visiting the shore for your annual family week, these sessions are designed to feel effortless, joyful, and beautifully unforgettable.

Where Fine Art Meets Sandy Toes 🌊

Jersey Shore beach sessions are everything summer should be:
golden light, salty air, bare feet, and kids who don’t need to be told to smile.

These sessions are relaxed and movement-led, allowing families to explore, play, and simply be together. The result is fine art portraiture that feels natural, emotional, and timeless — not stiff or overly posed.

Sessions take place at thoughtfully chosen shore locations, from quiet stretches of beach to iconic coastal backdrops that feel both nostalgic and cinematic.

Golden Hour Changes Everything

We photograph during golden hour — that soft, glowing window just before sunset that flatters everyone and turns the shore into something magical.

Kids chase waves. Dresses catch the breeze. Parents breathe a little deeper.

You don’t need to perform or pose. I’ll gently guide you, find the light, and let the moments unfold naturally.

The Magic of Ferris Wheel Sessions 🎡

Ferris wheel sessions are where summer nostalgia meets fine art storytelling.

Timed just as the sky softens and the boardwalk lights come alive, these sessions feel cinematic and playful — filled with movement, color, and that heart-skipping joy of childhood summers.

This isn’t a quick boardwalk snapshot.
It’s an editorial-style portrait experience inspired by vintage seaside charm and storybook wonder.

Styling Help Is Always Included 👗

One of the most common worries families have is what to wear — and you don’t need to stress about it.

Styling guidance is included with every session. For younger girls, there’s access to a curated client closet with dresses designed for movement and texture. Boys are kept comfortable and classic, and moms are styled to feel confident and effortless.

I promise: you don’t need to have it all figured out when you arrive. That’s part of my job.

A Few Things That Make Sessions Smoother

• Snacks are your secret weapon.

• Flexibility always wins at the beach.

• Wind, sand, and silliness are not problems — they’re part of the story.

After more than a decade of photographing families, I can confidently say this:
some of the most beautiful images happen when plans loosen and kids are simply allowed to be kids.

These Aren’t Just Photos — They’re Wall Art

These portraits are created with intention — edited carefully, printed beautifully, and meant to live where your family gathers most.

Years from now, when your kids are taller, louder, and somehow all grown up, these images will still remind you what summer felt like when they were little.

You only get so many summers together.
Let’s make one of them unforgettable.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

5 Magical Photography Experiences at Shooting Star Photography ✨

At Shooting Star Photography, sessions are more than a quick photo appointment. Each experience is thoughtfully designed for families who value connection, beauty, and meaningful moments — not rushed poses or generic images.

From timeless family portraits to once-in-a-lifetime childhood milestones, every session is created to feel elevated, stress-free, and full of heart. Below are five of our most loved photography experiences, curated for families throughout South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas.

1. Fine Art Family Photography

Elegant. Emotional. Timeless.

Fine art family sessions are centered on connection rather than perfection. With gentle guidance, natural movement, and carefully chosen outdoor locations, these sessions allow families to simply be together.

Whether photographed in a wildflower field, along the Jersey Shore, or in a quiet forest setting, the result is artwork that feels honest, relaxed, and enduring — never stiff or overly posed.

Perfect for families who want wall-worthy portraits that still feel real.

2. Princess Portrait Sessions 👑

Because childhood magic deserves to be celebrated.

Princess sessions invite children to step fully into their imagination. With couture gowns, thoughtful styling, and a fine-art approach, these portraits feel dreamy without being overdone.

Often booked for birthdays or milestones, these sessions are about confidence, joy, and honoring this fleeting season of childhood.

Many families return year after year to document each new chapter.

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3. The Mermaid Experience 🧜‍♀️

A childhood dream brought to life.

The Mermaid Experience is designed for beach-loving kids with big imaginations. From shimmering mermaid tails to custom headpieces and glowing coastal light, each session feels playful, story-driven, and unforgettable.

Sessions are held at carefully selected beach and bay locations that allow for movement, wonder, and that soft golden glow families love.

4. First Holy Communion Portraits ✝️

Sacred. Joyful. Deeply meaningful.

First Holy Communion is a milestone filled with meaning. These sessions are designed to feel reverent yet warm, capturing both the spiritual significance of the day and the sweetness of childhood.

Sessions may take place at your church or in beautiful outdoor settings, always guided gently and thoughtfully — never stiff or rushed.

5. Unicorn Portrait Sessions 🦄

The kind of magic they never forget.

Yes — these sessions feature a real-life unicorn, paired with a calm, storybook-inspired experience. Whether photographed in a forest or near the sea, unicorn sessions are filled with wonder, imagination, and joy.

Perfect for birthdays, dreamers, and that fleeting age when magic still feels very real.

Ready to Create Your Own Magical Experience?

Each experience offered at Shooting Star Photography has its own dedicated page with full details, galleries, and availability.

If you’re unsure which session best fits your family, I’m always happy to guide you toward the experience that feels just right for this season of life.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

A Few Weeks of Pink: Inside Our Cherry Blossom Portrait Season

There are a few weeks each spring when New Jersey feels like it belongs in a storybook — and cherry blossom season is one of them.

Soft pink petals, warm spring light, and blooms that never last quite long enough. If you’ve ever dreamed of portraits that feel romantic, timeless, and quietly magical, this is your moment.

Each spring, I offer Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and they remain one of the most anticipated seasonal experiences of the year.

A Spring Setting That Never Gets Old

Cherry blossom portraits are light, airy, and full of movement. These sessions are designed to feel natural and effortless — children twirl, parents laugh, and moments unfold organically beneath the blooms.

Whether you’re celebrating:

• your child’s personality at this age

• a spring maternity season

• or finally getting that family portrait you’ve been putting off

cherry blossoms create the perfect backdrop for something soft, emotional, and beautiful.

What’s Included in the Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions

🌸 Cherry Blossom Mini Session
🌸 10–15 minute session (because toddlers have opinions)
🌸 3 professionally edited fine art images
🌸 Access to my Client Closet — gowns for girls, maternity, and mommy & me
🌸 Fully styled and guided so all you have to do is show up and enjoy

These sessions are ideal for children, families, maternity portraits, or a simple spring refresh.

Styled, Simple, and Stress-Free

Every detail is thoughtfully planned — from wardrobe guidance to posing that feels natural instead of stiff. I’ll help guide movement, connection, and flow so your images feel emotional and timeless rather than overly posed.

Soft fabrics, gentle color palettes, and natural light work together to create a cohesive fine art look that feels effortless on camera.

Limited Seasonal Availability

Cherry blossoms bloom quickly — and disappear just as fast.

These sessions are offered for a short time each spring, with limited availability to preserve the experience and the light.

🎀 VIEW CURRENT AVAILABILITY
👗 Curious about wardrobe options? Explore my Client Closet for styling inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the cherry blossom mini sessions located?
Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Exact location details are shared after booking.

Are these sessions just for kids?
Not at all. These are perfect for children, families, maternity, or mommy & me portraits.

Can we use outfits from your client closet?
Yes — gowns and styling options are available for girls, maternity, and moms.

Can we purchase more images?
Absolutely. Additional images and upgrades are available after your session.

A Spring Tradition Families Return To

Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions have become a favorite for families who love portraits that feel soft, emotional, and timeless. Many return year after year — watching their children grow while the blossoms change around them.

If cherry blossoms have ever made you stop and stare… this might be your season.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, the Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Whether you’re booking for your child, a maternity glow-up, or to finally get that perfect spring family portrait—this session is for you.

A Cozy Winter Family Session in Philadelphia

December in Philadelphia brings a mix of crisp air, festive charm, and just enough chill to make family snuggles extra special. This winter session was all about love, laughter, and the sweet connection between two little sisters and their playful baby brother.

Despite the cool temperatures, these three little ones brought warmth and joy to every shot. Dressed in coordinating outfits, they giggled their way through our time together, making it clear that sibling love is truly the best kind of magic. Whether it was their spontaneous bear hugs or their tiny boots crunching over fallen leaves, every moment was filled with pure childhood wonder.

Why Winter Family Sessions Are So Special

Winter family sessions in Philadelphia offer a unique charm—think cozy layers, cityscapes with a hint of holiday magic, and the perfect golden-hour light reflecting off the buildings. While many families wait for spring or summer, a winter session allows for stunning, moody backdrops and a chance to create something truly different.

Planning Your Own Philadelphia Family Session

If you’ve been thinking about booking a family photo session in Philadelphia, winter is an underrated but beautiful time to do it. Whether you want the urban feel of Old City or the natural beauty of a park dusted in frost, I’d love to create timeless portraits for your family. Let’s make magic together!

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Families often ask about planning sessions in the city — I’ve shared more details on my Philadelphia family photography page.