Breast Cancer Support

Valentine’s Day Style Photoshoot & My Healing Heart

Today I am sharing an adorable Valentine’s Day look that I shot with the talented Katie of Katie Britt Photography this past weekend at The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery in Raleigh. As with most blog posts, I’ll be sharing my style with a sprinkle of the behind-the-scenes emotional reality.

Valentine's Day Look_Cupcake Shoppe Raleigh
Valentine's Day Shoot & My Healing Heart

Flashback to December

Back in December, I found Katie on Instagram and was soooo excited to schedule our pregnancy announcement photos with her. We started get to know one another and plan for the shoot. I picked out the props, had my friend make a custom onesie and ordered this adorable dress from Chicwish that I had been eying.

Valentine's Day look & My Healing Heart

Our Miscarriage

Fast forward a few weeks, and we were faced with the most devastating news… the baby no longer had a heartbeat. Katie was extremely understanding, and we canceled the shoot. Looking at the dress brought me such sadness. I had imagined my pregnant belly and dreamed of those bump photos. We had dreamed of this for so long. The dress sat collecting dust in the closet as our dreams slipped away.

Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart

Healing My Heart

As the weeks progressed and my heart healed, I knew I wanted to meet Katie in person and turn the pain and disappointment surrounding the photoshoot into something fun. We decided to go for a Valentine’s Day theme, because what on earth is better than cupcakes, pink and love?! Nothing, I say!

Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart
Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart

Valentine’s Day: Rebuilding Confidence

Over the past month, I have struggled with anger towards my body and a sense of self-doubt brought on by the miscarriage. It’s been a battle to rebuild my confidence, and find love for my body following the trauma. Meeting Katie, was like meeting an old friend and shooting with her made me feel amazing. She is the most kind, and talented woman I have ever worked. Can you believe photography is her side hustle?!

Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart
Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart

Valentine’s Day: Seeing Myself Through her Lens

Seeing my body and my smile through her lens, I was reminder once again of the strength of my body and my heart. No matter what Mac and I shall face, I am proud of all that my body has been through and its resilience. I just have to believe I will be pregnant again and I know in the future, Katie will capture those beautiful moments for us. It felt so good to feel joy and embrace the small moments of light after such a painful month.

Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart
Valentine's Day look & My healing Heart

Valentine’s Day: The Cupcake Shoppe

So let’s talk for a minute about this gorgeous bakery!!! The Cupcake Shoppe was so sweet to let us shoot in their boutique space and everything was literally picturesque. Katie did little to no editing, that is just how cute their shop is. If you are looking for a bakery for an event or an adorable spot to work or meet friends, I highly suggest their shop. They even have GF cupcakes, yum! The mocha latte with oat milk that I had was also DIVINE!

Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart

Valentine’s Day Outfit: Pink Chic Dress

Now for the outfit details… This dress is soooooo cute, I know I will be wearing it all the time. It’s soo soft and flattering and I paired it with polka dot tights and slingback heels for a playful dressy look. The tights really took the outfit to the next level. You could also wear it with boots for a different vibe or even sandals in the Spring. Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to mix it pinks, reds, and neutrals, but I could also see this dress with a blazer for a work look or a night out.

Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart

Valentine’s Day Look: Adorable Earrings

I am so obsessed with these lightweight earrings from Scout & Molly’s. I’ll be taking them to NYC with me and stay tuned for a fun giveaway with Scout & Molly coming soon. These exact earrings aren’t available online but stop by the store in North Hills for tons of similar options under $25.

Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart
Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart

fBook Your Valentine’s Shoot

Want to shoot with Katie!? Check out her website or Instagram for more info.

Valentine's Day Look & My Healing Heart

11 Comments

    Melisande Balleste

    February 3, 2019Reply

    ❤️ 👗 and the ❤️ day idea.

      Anna

      February 3, 2019Reply

      Thank you sweetheart!

    Cheryl

    February 4, 2019Reply

    You are so beautiful and such an inspiration to us woman with breast cancer , I smile every time I see you & read your posts, you will be blessed with the most perfect baby ! Keep smiling 🙂

      Anna

      February 4, 2019Reply

      Thank you so much! I am maintaining hope.

    Danielle Livingstone

    February 5, 2019Reply

    How beautiful. Your honesty and positivity inspire me every time you post something Anna. Thank you for sharing once again xxx

    Jessie Bishop

    February 5, 2019Reply

    Great post. You’re lovely as always! <3

    Thinking about your healing heart reminds me of a verse from the Cummings poem, "I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)".

    I will always carry your heart with me, dear friend!

      Anna

      February 6, 2019Reply

      I love this soooo much!!

    Artika Raemi

    February 6, 2019Reply

    This post is so lovely to read. So happy to know that you’re healing and staying positive. You bring so much light to this world and I’ve always loved reading your blog posts since I’m going through chemo right now and your blog is basically my life guide. Stay awesome as always.

    Lots of love, Artika.

      Anna

      February 6, 2019Reply

      Omg that means the world to me. I’m sending you love. Thank you so much for reading

    elaineqbanico

    February 24, 2019Reply

    Thank you for sharing your story. I have just been diagnosed in December last year and had my lumpectomy. The Mammaprint result showed high risk for recurrence, hence my doctor advised of chemo to be part of the treatment plan on top of radiotherapy. It is scary and my hsuband and I are trying to keep the faith in still conceiving after I get cleared 2-3yrs post treatment. I am following your story and pray we survive through all these ordeal. God bleds you, Anna!

      Anna

      February 24, 2019Reply

      Sending you lots of support during your treatment and hope for the future and your family

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