I'm Michelle
Because you shouldn’t have to choose just one moment to remember, this is your way to hold on to the whole story.
Because some moments are meant to be seen as they unfold, movement, emotion, and the beauty of this season, just as it was.
If you’re dreaming of timeless, natural portraits to document your baby’s milestones, there’s no better location than Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC. It’s one of Wilmington’s most iconic locations, and for good reason-it’s a stunning location! As a sought-after spot for maternity and family photography, Airlie Gardens offers a breathtaking backdrop of gorgeous live oaks with Spanish moss, vibrant blooms, serene water features, and some of the most magical scenery in the South.
Tucked along the coast in Wilmington, NC, Airlie Gardens is a photographer’s dream come true. From the ancient limbs of the 500-year-old Airlie Oak draped in Spanish moss to romantic fountains and ivy-draped pergolas, every part of the gardens tells a story. These natural and architectural elements aren’t just scenery—they add depth, dimension, and emotional richness to your images.
While Airlie Gardens is a stunning backdrop, what makes Airlie so magical isn’t just the scenery—it’s the feeling. There’s a quiet reverence in its age-old oak trees, a softness in the breeze across the water, and a sense of escape from the everyday. That emotion shows up in your images. It’s why so many families choose this location to capture this sweet season in life.
Our First Year Collective Membership is designed for families who want to beautifully document every milestone—from pregnancy to that unforgettable first birthday. Whether you’re planning, a cozy newborn shoot, an Airlie Gardens milestone session or a joyful one-year celebration, our membership ensures you’ll have stunning, cohesive images throughout your baby’s first year.
Memberships are limited to 20 a year to ensure a personalized experience for every family. If you are expecting, reach out soon to ensure availability. When you book your First Year Collective, you’re investing in more than photos—you’re preserving your baby’s legacy.
Inquire about our First Year Collective Membership today and ensure your baby’s story is beautifully told—from the very beginning.
These photographs become treasures passed through generations. Your children will one day hold these images close, seeing themselves through your loving eyes and discovering the quiet grace that surrounded their earliest days.
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Michelle Popp Photography is a Wilmington NC newborn photographer also specializing in family, maternity, and baby photography serving all of Wilmington, Hampstead, Topsail Beach, Jacksonville, Figure Eight Island, Leland, Surf City, Swansboro, Wrightsville Beach, Ogden, Porters Neck and surrounding areas.
Pure, Organic & Timeless
If this season feels tender, beautiful, or just a little fleeting, it may be His way of inviting you to pause and hold it close. I’d be honored to walk with you.