There is nothing more tender than the smile of a happy child, and in the case of the Maternity Session at Fairmount Park Horticulture Center photo session, the smiles are almost endless. This happy family were captured in a number of candid photographs featuring their adorable daughter as they share the special time amongst this wonderful natural horticultural center.

The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center is a gem of nature nestled in the Philadelphia area. It’s beginnings date back to the late 1800’s. In 1876, Philadelphia was the host city for America’s Centennial Exhibition. Horticultural Hall was one of the two large exhibit halls at the Fair that were meant to become permanent additions to Fairmount Park. The current Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, constructed in 1976, stands in its place. Along with the construction of Horticultural Hall, an arboretum was planted for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. This arboretum became known as the Centennial Arboretum with foundation plantings completed in 1877.

Although Horticultural Hall was demolished in 1955 after suffering severe damage from Hurricane Hazel, the Centennial Arboretum still exists. Many new trees have been planted to complement the few original trees still standing proudly on the grounds.

Fairmount Park’s Horticulture Center is also home to many interesting pieces of art. There are fountains and sculpture displayed throughout the grounds to accent the plants. Prominently displayed indoors, is the Seaweed Girl Fountain by Beatrice Fenton. In the outdoor display, Gambol II by Robert David Lasus can be seen behind the Cherry Allée and from Belmont Avenue. Individuals may visit the center for a stroll through the Arboretum, or to enjoy a picnic under the trees, or to look at the brilliant horticultural displays. And in the case of the Maternity Session at Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, it provides a memorable setting for this loving family to show case their beautiful little daughter.

The center provides a combination of historic buildings and artistic displays mingled with more modern aesthetics. Because of the variety of the setting, there are many emotions that can be elicited from this family. The excitement of sharing moments with their very cute daughter as well as displaying what a close knit family unit they are.

The above picture of one of the original buildings provides an interesting backdrop for the trio.

The face of the little girl is precious, matched only by the motherly smile of her Mom.

Dad apparently plays an important part in this little girl’s life and seems he can’t contain his joy for his precious little girl.

Of course there needed to be some play moments like the above to keep the little girl happy and participatory for a long session of photographs.

Broad smiles by Mom, Dad, and baby during this Maternity shoot, captured for posterity.

This is a lovely shot of this little cute bundle on her own walking so gingerly along the pathway.

The final shot above is casual and endearing both at the same time. These photos will help the couple to remember what it was like when they were new parents for their little girl before time goes by and she becomes a young woman. There is an old saying, “The days are long but the years are short.” Loosely translated, it outlines that while we may feel the impact of a particularly long day as it is happening, when we sit back and look at prior years and events we simply can’t imaging how quickly the time has slipped by so fast! That’s why this family knows it is important to relish and treasure the time they have together that will form memories they may keep close to hear for years to come.