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JULIE SHERIFF PHOTOGRAPHY

A Magical Santa Experience | December 2024

A Magical Santa Experience | December 2024

Another incredible Santa event is in the books, and I can’t stop smiling thinking about all the joy and wonder that filled the studio! This event is always one of my favorites of the year, and it was such a gift to witness the excitement of each child as they experienced the magic of Santa in the most unexpected way.

Unlike the usual meet-and-greet, our Santa sessions are filled with surprise and wonder. Each child sat down for their portraits, completely unaware that Santa was sneaking up behind them. Their reactions—wide eyes, giggles, and a mix of shock and delight—made for the most heartwarming moments. Some kids immediately burst into laughter, while others took a second to process what was happening before their faces lit up with joy.

The set was cozy and festive, complete with twinkling lights, soft blankets, and classic Christmas touches. Families arrived dressed in beautiful holiday outfits and the sweetest matching pajamas, making each session feel even more special. And of course, Santa made sure to hand out his signature candy canes, a simple but sweet tradition that adds to the magic.

It’s always an honor to create these timeless memories for families. Watching parents tear up as they see their child’s joy, knowing they’ll cherish these moments forever—that’s why I do what I do.

To all the families who joined me this year, thank you for letting me be part of your holiday season. If you missed it, I hope to see you next year for another magical Santa surprise!

Wishing you a season filled with love, laughter, and holiday magic!

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JULIE SHERIFF PHOTOGRAPHY
Davis County Photography | Salt Lake City Photography | Utah County Photography | Weber County Photography

That sweet, chubby, smile-all-day, roll-everywhere, drool-on-everything stage.
The newborn softness is fading, but they’re still small enough to curl up in your arms.
Still need you in the middle of the night.
Still giggle at your face like you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to them.
(And to be fair—you are.)

It’s such a tender in-between.
They’re no longer brand new…
but still so very little.

Every day they’re learning something new.
And every day, you’re letting go of something you didn’t realize was ending.

That’s why I love this stage in photographs—
The dimples. The drool. The way their whole face lights up when you say their name.
It’s pure magic, and it passes too fast.

What do you miss most about the baby stage?
Or if you’re in it now—what are you trying to soak in while it lasts?

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That sweet, chubby, smile-all-day, roll-everywhere, drool-on-everything stage. The newborn softness is fading, but they’re still small enough to curl up in your arms. Still need you in the middle of the night. Still giggle at your face like you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to them. (And to be fair—you are.) It’s such a tender in-between. They’re no longer brand new… but still so very little. Every day they’re learning something new. And every day, you’re letting go of something you didn’t realize was ending. That’s why I love this stage in photographs— The dimples. The drool. The way their whole face lights up when you say their name. It’s pure magic, and it passes too fast. What do you miss most about the baby stage? Or if you’re in it now—what are you trying to soak in while it lasts?

The backpacks are emptied.
The papers have been recycled (well… most of them).
And just like that—school is out, and summer is here.

There’s something about this time of year that feels a little nostalgic before it even begins.
The slower mornings. The barefoot afternoons. The sticky popsicle faces and late bedtimes.

I know the days will be loud.
Messy.
Full of moments where I wonder how we’ll make it to bedtime.
But also… full of wonder.
Of real connection.
Of time I don’t get back.

I’m not trying to make it perfect.
I just want to be present.
To laugh more.
To pause when I can.
To soak in this short season before the backpacks return.

Here’s to the magic of summer—
And all the ordinary, beautiful moments waiting to unfold.

What are you looking forward to most this summer?

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The backpacks are emptied. The papers have been recycled (well… most of them). And just like that—school is out, and summer is here. There’s something about this time of year that feels a little nostalgic before it even begins. The slower mornings. The barefoot afternoons. The sticky popsicle faces and late bedtimes. I know the days will be loud. Messy. Full of moments where I wonder how we’ll make it to bedtime. But also… full of wonder. Of real connection. Of time I don’t get back. I’m not trying to make it perfect. I just want to be present. To laugh more. To pause when I can. To soak in this short season before the backpacks return. Here’s to the magic of summer— And all the ordinary, beautiful moments waiting to unfold. What are you looking forward to most this summer?

One year.

One whole year of firsts.
First cries.
First smiles.
First steps toward becoming who they are meant to be.

But also—your firsts.
Your first time hearing “mama.”
Your first sleepless night that ended with a sleepy smile.
Your first glimpse into a kind of love that leaves you undone—in the best, most sacred way.
.
This birthday isn’t just for your baby.
It’s for you, too.
For the mother you became, the strength you found, the softness you allowed.
.
Because while your baby grew…
So did you.
.
What’s one thing you want to remember about this first year?

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One year. One whole year of firsts. First cries. First smiles. First steps toward becoming who they are meant to be. But also—your firsts. Your first time hearing “mama.” Your first sleepless night that ended with a sleepy smile. Your first glimpse into a kind of love that leaves you undone—in the best, most sacred way. . This birthday isn’t just for your baby. It’s for you, too. For the mother you became, the strength you found, the softness you allowed. . Because while your baby grew… So did you. . What’s one thing you want to remember about this first year?

I’ve photographed all three of her babies—maternity, newborn, and now her baby’s 1st birthday.

She won’t be able to attend our Celebrating Motherhood event this year, so during her session this week, I gave her a little piece of it—a quiet, private version, just for her. Before the cake came out and we celebrated one year around the sun, we took a moment to celebrate her.

And I’m so excited to see what next week brings as more mommas come through for this year’s event.

This event is my way of saying thank you to the mothers I’ve had the honor of photographing in the past year. Some years, the schedule is packed. Other years, it’s just a handful of moms who can make it.

And honestly? There’s something really special about those quieter years.
When it’s small, we slow down. We breathe a little deeper.
There’s space to truly soak it all in.

It becomes less about the hustle and more about the heart.
And those are some of my favorite moments of all.

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I’ve photographed all three of her babies—maternity, newborn, and now her baby’s 1st birthday. She won’t be able to attend our Celebrating Motherhood event this year, so during her session this week, I gave her a little piece of it—a quiet, private version, just for her. Before the cake came out and we celebrated one year around the sun, we took a moment to celebrate her. And I’m so excited to see what next week brings as more mommas come through for this year’s event. This event is my way of saying thank you to the mothers I’ve had the honor of photographing in the past year. Some years, the schedule is packed. Other years, it’s just a handful of moms who can make it. And honestly? There’s something really special about those quieter years. When it’s small, we slow down. We breathe a little deeper. There’s space to truly soak it all in. It becomes less about the hustle and more about the heart. And those are some of my favorite moments of all.