Sometimes a session comes along that just has ALL of the things – a dreamy location, the most gorgeous outfits, creative techniques, and two people who are completely magic together in front of the camera. This mother daughter session at Malley’s Chocolates in Lakewood was exactly that. As a Lakewood lifestyle photographer I am always looking for locations that feel special and unexpected and Malley’s delivered in the biggest way. We reached out in advance and got permission to shoot there during a quiet time of day – and what followed was one of my most favorite sessions!

by Alison Nicole Photography | Cleveland Lifestyle Photographer

Lakewood Lifestyle Photographer – Why Malley’s Chocolates is a Hidden Gem

If you have never been to Malley’s Chocolates in Lakewood you are truly missing out – and not just for the chocolate or ice cream! The inside of this location has the most charming Alice in Wonderland inspired spots along with all the warmth and color you would expect from a classic ice cream and chocolate shop. The colors, the textures, the whimsy… it is genuinely such a fun and unique location to use on the west side. We timed our visit so that the shop was quiet and we basically had the run of the place. Mom and her little girl had absolutely no shortage of energy or personality. They even showed up in the most perfect pink and purple twirly dresses to match the whole vibe perfectly. I mean… could you even plan it better than that?!

The Creative Side of This Session

This is the kind of session where I got to pull out all the tricks and I had so much fun with it! We did slow shutter shots of the two of them dancing together which turned out absolutely dreamy – movement and motion blur and pure joy all in one frame. I used mirrors inside the shop for reflection shots which added such a cool layered look. One of my favorites from the whole session was shooting through the window from outside while they ate their ice cream inside – that little slice of life shot is just everything. And toward the end I used my Lensbaby lenses along with the Lensbaby Omni Creative Filter System for some really magical and creative portraits. The Omni held in front of the lens added beautiful light effects and fun colors that felt completely at home in that whimsical space!

This Lakewood Lifestyle Photographer Loves a Mother Daughter Session

I said it before and I will say it again – mother daughter sessions are some of my absolute favorites to photograph. There is something so pure about the way a mom and her little girl interact and this session had it ALL. Dancing, cuddles, laughter, pure joy, and of course… ice cream! This little one was completely in her element twirling around in that dress and her Mom was right there twirling with her. These are the kinds of images that families will treasure forever – not because they are perfectly posed but because they are REAL. Real joy, real connection, real life. That is what I am here to capture as a Lakewood lifestyle photographer and this session reminded me exactly why I love what I do!

Book Your Own Session!

Are you interested in a lifestyle session this spring? I would absolutely love to work with you! Whether you want something creative and location-specific like this one or a relaxed in-home or outdoor lifestyle session, I am your girl. I am currently serving families in Cleveland and surrounding areas including Westlake, Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood, Avon, Avon Lake, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and more. If you would like to learn more about family sessions please click here: Family Sessions. To see more lifestyle photography sessions on the blog click here: Lifestyle Photography Sessions. To get the booking process started fill out my contact form here: Contact Form.

Thank You!

Thank you so much for reading and scrolling through this sweet session at Malley’s! If you are looking for something else please know that I also offer newborn, branding, couples, and senior sessions. Check out these links: Cleveland Newborn Photographer, Cleveland Branding and Headshot Photographer, Cleveland Couples Photographer, Cleveland Senior Photographer. I would love to work with you!