Mr. & Mrs. Ulyat: Summer Maternity Photos at Fairfield Lakes Park in Lafayette, Indiana

“A new job, a baby, and a home addition all in your first year of marriage? What the heck are you going to do in year two?” I asked Bret and Leslie during their anniversary/maternity shoot. 

“We hope a whole lot of nothing!” Bret said. 

Bret and Leslie Ulyat’s first year of marriage has certainly been a busy one, but it’s full of blessings. And, I think it’s safe to say that they’d agree that Blakely Sue—their little girl who is due this fall—is their sweetest blessing from year one! 

Since Miss Blakely is due near Bret and Leslie’s anniversary, their mini anniversary shoot (which I gift all VRP brides and grooms) turned into a maternity shoot. And, I’m so excited to share Mr. and Mrs. Ulyat’s summer maternity photos at Fairfield Lakes Park in Lafayette, Indiana on the blog! 

A Few Thoughts on Year One According to the Ulyats

After anniversary sessions, I send couples a few questions and challenge them to get real about marriage in hopes of showing other newlyweds that (1) they aren’t alone and (2) that marriage takes work and intentionality to truly thrive. 

And, Bret and Leslie were willing to share their thoughts!

What have been the highlights of year one of marriage?

“There are so many, but as cheesy as it sounds, we truly looked forward to coming home to each other and having someone that is always there to talk to and have on your team. Some major highlights include: expecting our first child, continuing to make our house into a home, many date nights, getting closer with each other’s families, as well as some quick vacations.” 

What’s the best part about being married?

“Always having that person that you can lean on and talk to about anything without judgement. They may not always tell you what you want to hear in the moment, but that has made us stronger both as individuals but as a couple.” 

What’s something that’s been more difficult about being married than you expected?

“Just because we are married doesn’t mean that we don’t have arguments or that we know each other 100%. As a couple, you are still learning about each other, and sometimes that means when to leave one another alone for a little bit to let them just be after a little argument instead of smothering them. Does that make sense? LOL For example, if we get in a disagreement, I want to just walk away and gather myself and cool off whereas Bret just wants to keep talking about it until it’s resolved. So, instead of doing what you want to do, learn what your partner needs and try to accommodate that.” 

What’s one piece of advice that you’d give to newlyweds?

“Continue to date each other. And the biggest thing is to learn your partner’s communication style!” 

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Ulyat!

Bret and Leslie, it’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a year since your gorgeous wedding day and packed dance floor. But, with so many blessings and changes during year one, it might be hard for you to believe that it’s only been a year!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me to be your wedding photographer. It was such an honor to capture your first day as husband and wife and to take your maternity photos. And, I cannot wait to get you both in front of the camera again for Garrett and Jenna’s wedding in just a couple months!

I hope you love these previews from your summer maternity photos at Fairfield Lakes Park in Lafayette, Indiana!

Isn’t Leslie GLOWING?! I don’t know about you, but I’m in LOVE with Leslie’s dress! It photographed so well. 

So glad this adventurous couple was willing to get a little wet for their photos!

Want to see more of Bret and Leslie? Check out their engagement and wedding photos!