All Aspen wanted for her eighth birthday was to be a sparkly, shiny, water-loving mermaid much like Ariel from Disney. But considering Aspen is a little girl who lives on land and doesn’t have sea legs, it was an impossible request.
But Aspen’s grandma discovered professional photographer Desirae Deal who offers — of all things — a mermaid session. It was the perfect birthday present!
The Arkansas-based photographer provided Aspen with all the tools needed to transform into the magical mermaid she’d dreamed of being. Aspen slipped into a bright pink mermaid tail set with matching bikini top and a special crown placed atop her head.
Desirae captured Aspen frolicking in the shallow water edged with smooth stones. The photoshoot was an absolute success and Aspen had the most amazing time!
But the fun wasn’t over just yet!
When Aspen’s dad arrived toward the end of the photoshoot, Aspen asked him if he would play in the water with her.
That’s when inspiration struck Desirae…
“I said ‘Well you know I think I have a mermaid tail that he could wear.’ It just went from there. Once she knew it was a possibility, there was no changing her mind.”
Michael didn’t once balk or hesitate with the suggestion. It turned out to be an amazing photoshoot that has since gone viral!
“It was the most fun session I have ever done.”
Desirae shared the photos full of love and energy on her Facebook page. They’ve been shared more than 164,000 times.
She captured the father-daughter duo frolicking in the water. Dad even threw back his head and let water spray everywhere for a very neat photographic effect.
Desirae shared on her Facebook page that Michael’s willingness to participate was the “absolute best gift he could’ve gave her.”
“Let me tell you he did NOT disappoint! The laughs, the joy and the memories they created… I have no doubt that this story, this priceless memory, will be talked about and cherished for generations to come. Take the pictures. Play with them every chance you get, for they are only little for so long.”
People cannot get enough of the dad without inhibitions fulfilling his daughter’s lone birthday request – to play in the water with her. They flipped their fins and showed off huge grins.
“The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. I think playing with our children is something everyone around the world can relate to on some level, whether it be thinking of our own children or bringing back memories from childhood ourselves. They will never forget that birthday.”
In fact, these likely are the types of photos that will resurface for Aspen’s future milestones.
“I can see them being used on graduation and wedding days and many more.”
Desirae hopes the viral photoshoot will show other parents how something as simple as agreeing to play with their kids can make all the difference to them.
And to make memories every chance they get.
“Childhood is so fleeting. It’s gone so fast. That might sound simple, but I think it is the little things that we show them (through love) day in and day out that have the biggest impact on their core values. If a child knows love, they in turn give love, and I think the world could use a lot more of that.”
These photos Desirae snapped of Aspen and Michael capture their bond perfectly! Aren’t they the best?
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