We're all overdue for a South Stems x Helen Merz Photography collaboration. I love partnering with Cara from South Stems because her creativity and style enhances the backdrops for my mini sessions. Additionally, she sources locally grown flowers, which makes supporting her an easy choice!


I really loved the backdrop Cara created for our mini collab in June 2022 with floral garland and wanted to bring it back for 2025. Examples of the floral garland can be seen through this note. The colors are just so incredible! And I can't wait to see them pop against a studio seamless backdrop. You read that right! The biggest update for this set of mini sessions is that they will take place in studio. That way we don't have to worry about NJ's July heat and humidity.


Keep reading to see what's included in every session and how you can get get access to sign up before the public!

A couple sits on wooden chairs against a stone wall decorated with vibrant orange marigold garlands and a black dog nearby.
A couple embraces in front of a stone wall decorated with colorful hanging paper flower garlands.

Included in your Session:


  • Indoor studio space
  • Floral Styling by South Stems
  • 15 minute session slot
  • 10 edited images
  • Online viewing gallery
  • Digital Downloads


Investment for this session will be $225. $100 deposit paid at time of signing up and $125 due the day of your session.

A joyful family shares a tender moment together against a backdrop of colorful flower garlands at an outdoor setting.
Two people sharing a romantic kiss in front of a colorful floral backdrop while sitting with a baby on a yellow chair.
Beautiful outdoor scene with rattan peacock chair, colorful floral garlands, and stone wall backdrop, creating a joyful moment.

How to Sign Up:


Mini Sessions are announced to my email list prior to going public. Want to get the email? Sign up here. Email announcement will release next Monday 6/17! Spots will go quick, so don't delay in reserving your spot.

Couple in coordinated black outfits sharing intimate moments against a stone wall decorated with colorful hanging flowers.
Yellow chair placed against stone wall with hanging colorful flower garlands and greenery below.
Outdoor family moment captured with bubbles and colorful hanging flower garlands against a stone wall.
A family poses outdoors against a stone wall decorated with hanging strands of bright red paper flowers.
Outdoor portrait against stone wall with hanging pink and orange flower garlands and decorative backdrop.
Family of three sitting and laughing together against stone wall with hanging colorful flower garlands.
A yellow chair adorned with floral decorations and hanging strings of colorful beads creates a whimsical garden backdrop.
Stone wall backdrop decorated with cascading pink and red flower garlands for outdoor portrait session.
Child wearing denim overalls poses playfully in front of stone wall decorated with pink and red flowers.
Family photo session against stone wall decorated with vibrant red and pink hanging flower strands.