We Made a Beautiful Mess This Mother’s Day—And It Was Magic

This Mother’s Day, we did something a little different.

We skipped the stiff poses and “say cheese” moments.

Instead, we invited moms and their children into the studio for something real, something playful, something unforgettable.

Our Mother’s Day “Mommy & Me” Paint Sessions were a joyful celebration of connection, color, and creativity. And now that the paint has dried and the photos are edited, I can officially say: I’m so glad we did this.

Here’s What Happened:

Each session brought moms and their little ones together a beautiful location in Star, Idaho, where a blank canvas, bright paints, and lots of laughs were waiting. What started with careful brush strokes quickly turned into giggles, handprints, and paint-splattered cheeks. Every moment was pure gold.

I stayed behind the lens, capturing the real stuff:

• The way a toddler carefully dipped their brush in paint while sneaking glances at Mom

• The full-belly laughs when someone “accidentally” painted someone else’s nose

• The quiet moments, too. The kind that sneak up on you when you’re fully present with the ones you love most

What Everyone Took Home:

• A keepsake canvas painted together (and let me tell you, each one was its own masterpiece!)

• A gallery of multiple high-resolution digital images, capturing the fun, the chaos, and the love

• And maybe most importantly, a memory shared, frozen in time

  
  

Why It Meant So Much

As a photographer and a mom myself, I know how rare it is to be in the photos. We’re so often the ones behind the scenes, making the moments happen. These sessions gave moms a chance to not just show up, but to be seen, to laugh freely, to connect, and to remember what it feels like to just enjoy their kids.

And based on the reactions, it meant just as much to the kids as it did to the moms.

Thank You…

To every family who trusted me with this experience, thank you. Thank you for showing up, for letting loose, for embracing the mess, and for reminding me why I love what I do. These are the kinds of sessions that stick with me long after the photos are delivered.

If you missed out this time, don’t worry. I’ve actually added these paint mini sessions as an option to book at any time. Just message me when you are ready.

Want to see the magic for yourself?

Check out the photo gallery below.

And follow along on Instagram @iamjeanwolford to catch the next fun offering before it sells out.

Because motherhood isn’t perfect.

It’s colorful. It’s messy.

And it’s always worth remembering.

Your ⭐️ Photographer

Jean