For months, the six of us, all photographers, all mothers, some of us balancing full-time corporate careers (myself included) talked about getting away. Escaping the constant pull of schedules, school pickups, client emails, deadlines, and the mental load we carry so well. We wanted a weekend to reset. To create. To rest. To be inspired. To simply be around one another without multitasking.

And somehow, it actually happened. It was time for these ideas to leave the group text and come to fruition.

The Ringleader

This entire vision belonged to Seana of Seana Williamson Studios — probably the most down to earth from the group. When I think of her, I think of her being grounded, with her bare feet in the grass. She has such a fresh perspective on life and art, so much different than my own, which I appreciate so much. She's such a breath of fresh air.

A mom of two and the creative force behind her beloved Playground Portraits, Seana has a gift for capturing the natural chaos of childhood with tenderness and honesty. Her vision for this retreat was crystal clear from the start. She shared it with such great passion, intention, and just enough boss energy to make sure it actually happened.

The Rest of the women

Jennifer of Baby Viking Photography — mom of three and dance photography extraordinaire — brought her bold, artistic energy and later gifted us with a sunrise session that I’ll never forget. (and let’s not forget all of the delicious wine she supplied us with).

Me, Rachel of Dampolo Photography — mom of 2, wedding & portrait photographer juggling that along with our studio and full time banking job.

Emily of Emily Holt Photography — corporate baddie, mom of two, and our film queen — inspires me endlessly with her love and dedication to film photography. Watching her work is like watching someone speak their native language.

Lindsay of Lindsay Burgess Photography — mom of three girls and another corporate-world warrior — has the most beautiful eye for fleeting details. She sees the quiet moments others might miss. She also styled our motherhood session with such softness and intention.

Analise of Analise Saab Brown Photography — homeschooling mom of three boys, gentle parenting poster child, and the calmest presence you could imagine. She only joined us for an afternoon, but her energy lingered long after she left. I’d bottle her patience if I could.

And of course Seana, the creator of this event.

Six women. Six artists. Six mothers. All navigating wildly full lives, and all choosing to show up for one another.

(Left to right: Jennifer, Rachel (me), Emily, Analise, Lindsay, and Seana) Photo credit: Emily Holt Photography

Asa Barn

Asa Barn sits quietly in the farmlands of Ipswich, tucked into the North Shore landscape like it’s been waiting for something sacred to happen inside its walls.

The Blizzard of 2026 had just swept through, blanketing everything in thick white snow. Animal tracks stitched their way across the land. When I pulled up the long driveway, I was greeted by Blue, an old collie sitting regally outside the barn door, as if personally welcoming me.

Later we met Skittles, the white horse with the most ironic name; Olive the goat; and a dusty gray cat who inspected our cars but refused to give up her name.

Inside… absolute magic.

From the moment I walked in and was swallowed up in hugs, I knew this weekend would be something special. A vast wall of windows overlooking an orchard, with the sun setting over the snow. A grand open concept on the bottom floor, with a farm kitchen, so many cozy nooks, and a bedroom with perfect bright light and an en suite bathroom gleaming with charm & character. Upstairs, another bedroom, bunk room, library balcony overlooking the first floor, and a bathroom filled with even more charm and a beautiful claw foot tub that would later play stage to a motherhood session. The top floor, a calm, dark space with cushioned seats lining the walls, this would later host one of the many relaxing plans on the docket for the weekend.

Barn (1st) photo by: Analise Saab Brown Photography, all others by Dampolo Photography

Friday Night: We Made It

Four of us arrived in time for dinner at Fox Creek Tavern for good food, wine, and the kind of conversation that happens when the kids aren’t present.

After dinner, back at the Barn, we enjoyed more libations as we slipped into our cozy loungewear and yapped all night. A 5th arrived a bit later, after finishing up a busy day of her corporate work- ready for some drinks and relaxation. We stayed up until at least midnight (which for a bunch of working moms is WAY past our normal bedtimes).

Saturday: Motherhood & Stillness

We woke slowly, in our own time, which might have been the greatest luxury of all.

Skittles greeted us outside the windows while Seana made eggs and we sipped coffee, talking through the day ahead. Analise arrived with treats just in time for our first session.

Rosa and Millie.

It was warm. Intimate. Honest. Millie was hungry, which meant we were trusted with the intimacy of nursing photos, the kind that feel almost too tender to witness. We used every corner of the barn, chasing light and softness.

We ended upstairs in the clawfoot tub. A peaceful moment for Rosa and her sweet baby. Millie’s face bright as she delighted in the warm water and her mother’s face smiling down at her.

There is something profound about photographing motherhood while being mothers ourselves. We weren’t just observing, we understood.

Rest & Release

After our creative morning, it was time to receive.

Root Bloom Bodywork came to the barn and gave each of us 45-minute massages. One by one, we emerged glowing, quieter, softer, lighter. We ate lunch slowly. We talked. We listened.

Later that afternoon, we gathered on the third floor for a sound bath (my first). Wrapped in blankets, we were invited to remember one sentence:

“I let the universe catch up with my dreams.”

Each of us experienced it differently: relief, release, clarity, emotion. But we all walked downstairs changed in some small way.

I let the universe catch up with my dreams

Bodywork images by: Baby Viking Photography. Sound Bath image by: Seana Williamson Studios

Saturday Night: A Private Chef & A Pause

Mary, chef and owner of Mandarava, arrived like a dream. The barn filled with the smell of spices and warmth as she prepared:

Malawach with salted yogurt, zhug beets & pickles
Snap peas with herby cream & marconas
Chestnut mezzalune with puttanesca
Chocolate cake with coffee notes

She even joined us at the table, which felt like the most generous touch.

The barn was filled with the most incredible smells — warm bread made from scratch, vibrant zhug beets, and those “fast pickles” that had the most delicious bite. Dipping that fresh, pillowy bread through the colorful spread felt like art in itself. It was mouthwatering. Every detail of the meal was thoughtful and beautiful.

And then, in the middle of it all, my body reminded me that I am still human.

Sometimes when I’m away from my family, anxiety quietly builds in the background. That evening it decided to rise to the surface, not from anything around me, just my own nervous system needing a minute to recalibrate.

I stepped upstairs for a bit of air and stillness, letting my heart rate settle. From where I rested, I could hear the laughter drifting up through the beams of the barn, full, warm, and comforting. It reminded me I was exactly where I was meant to be.

I rejoined the table when I felt steady again, and later gave myself permission to turn in early.

And in its own way, that felt like part of the retreat too, honoring what my body needed without guilt.

First two photos by: Analise Saab Photography. Second two photos by Dampolo Photography.

Sunday Sunrise: Motion & Magic

5:30am came quickly.

Jennifer’s vision unfolded at sunrise with dancers Carmen and Leah. Styled by Jennifer and Emily in flowing skirts, they moved through the snow like brushstrokes against a blank canvas.

And then Skittles… She wandered right up to the fence as if to say, “This is my moment too.” It was perfect.

I played with slow shutter speeds and prisms, adding color to the quiet white landscape. It was the most joyful way to close the weekend. Movement, laughter, cold cheeks, full hearts.

The Ending (Even Though I Don’t Have the Words)

I don’t know if I have the right language for what this weekend meant.

It was rest. It was art. It was vulnerability. It was laughter echoing off barn beams. It was six women choosing to prioritize creativity and connection in the middle of very full lives.

It was watching Seana’s vision come to life in the most beautiful way. It was Jennifer’s artistry at sunrise. Lindsay’s thoughtful styling. Emily’s quiet devotion to film. Analise’s calming presence. It was space to be mothers, and artists, and women, all at once.

And for me personally, it was a reminder that even in moments of anxiety or overwhelm, I am surrounded by steady, grounding women who make space for all of it.

To Seana — thank you for dreaming this up and bringing us along.

To each of these incredible women — thank you for your art, your honesty, your humor, your softness, and your strength.

And to Asa Barn — thank you for holding us so perfectly and for… letting us rise.

Until the next group text turns into something real.