My journey with the Riglione family started a few months into Mary-Jo’s pregnancy with their little boy. I met with her and Donato one evening and ended up sitting in their lounge and chatting as though we’d all known one another for years! They had only that week found out that they were expecting a son, and I recall all the excited chatter about their maternity shoot (which you can see here), designing his nursery and looking for the perfect rocking chair. What felt like just a few short months later, I received the text to say that little Salvatore would be arriving the next morning. Nothing will ever prepare you for the emotions, even as the family photographer, of seeing this tiny human for the first time, and knowing that he’d been there the whole time. We just hadn’t seen his face yet. Now, he’s the sleeping cherub in his loving parents arms. The pouty lipped, auburn haired, apple of his parents’ eyes. Little Salvatore, you are only beginning with this journey of life. You are going to know such love, and experience so many incredible things … you should also know that your mommy has exquisite taste in decor and aesthetics (which means you’ll be surrounded by beauty at all times), and that your daddy is going to take care of both of you with all the love and attention he gives to making the perfect cups of coffee for everyone who enters your front door. Dearest Donato, Mary-Jo and Salvatore … I’m so excited to watch your adventures together as a family unfold. Thank you with all my heart for having me along on this stretch of it! All my love, Claire xxx