Family Photo Session at Riverbend Park | Jessika’s Family

After months of non-stop rain, I finally managed to carry out this family photo session at Riverbend Park. In fact, we had to postpone it at least three times for various reasons, twice due to rain. I almost thought I wouldn’t be able to make it happen, but we finally found the moment. It seemed like the stars aligned: the sun peeked out from between the clouds, and Jessika and her family had their annual family photo session at Riverbend Park in Jupiter.

Seven years of family photos together

Every time I think of this family, a smile comes to my face. They were among the first to hire my photography services when I arrived in the United States almost seven years ago. It’s an unimaginable pleasure to see families grow, and this may already be their fifth or sixth family photo session.

I still remember when I met them at Coral Cove Park. Halfway through the session, little Chelsea started running along the beach, and no matter how much they called her, she didn’t stop running. Years have passed and, as I mentioned before, I’ve seen them grow. Above all, the girls, Kayla and Chelsea, are turning from shy little girls into two beautiful young ladies.

Their parents, Jessika and Dave, are lovely. They are the kind of people you want to be friends with. Every time I see them, we start with a hug and say goodbye by taking a photo together. We’ve already been to many places together, the latest being Worth Avenue. However, I had always wanted to come to this park with them.

This session was going to be special for me. First, because I would see them again for another year. Second, because one of the reasons we had to postpone it was one of those things that leave a mark on you forever. So seeing them again at Riverbend Park, after everything, was like catching my breath and getting back to work. The session was very enjoyable and, as is tradition by now, Chelsea was eagerly waiting for her moment to start running… I adore her. Jessika, let’s start planning for September this year… for whatever may happen, hahaha.

Why Riverbend Park is great for a family photo session

Riverbend Park is a large Palm Beach County park in Jupiter, along the Loxahatchee River, just off Indiantown Road. Together with the Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park, it protects the site of the last battles of the Second Seminole War. In fact, people have lived along this river for more than 5,000 years.

Today, the park has trails, wooden footbridges, kayak routes and huge oak trees covered in Spanish moss. At its heart stands the “Tree of Tears”, a 300-year-old oak on top of a burial mound. Legend says it may have sheltered wounded Seminoles after the Battle of the Loxahatchee. Because of all the shade, the park is also a great alternative to the beach on hot or sunny days.

Good to know

Tips for your family photo session at Riverbend Park

• Make it a tradition. An annual session in the same park lets you see your kids grow in front of the same oaks and fences.
• Coordinate, don’t match. For example, navy, white and cream work beautifully with the greens of the park.
• Bring bug spray. The park is next to the river, so mosquitoes can show up, especially in summer.
• Choose comfortable shoes. We walk along trails and footbridges, so boots, sneakers or flats are best.

Are you planning family photos in Jupiter? Then have a look at my Jupiter family photographer page for more locations, pricing and answers to common questions.