8 moms, 8 months pregnant thanks to Hurricane Matthew

Cassie Clayshulte Photography captures 8 beautiful moms-to-be

Image from Cassie Clayshulte Photography

SOUTH CAROLINA – A South Carolina photographer known for capturing beautiful pictures of newborn babies might have eight more clients thanks to Hurricane Matthew.

Cassie Clayshulte of Cassie Clayshulte Photography took photos of eight expectant mothers who are all eight months pregnant after Hurricane Matthew swept the East Coast last October. 

Recommended Videos



Clayshulte said when the storm hit the small town of Bluffton, she was inspired to do something for parents who gave birth during the mandatory evacuation.

"I felt the call to show those in our area that something beautiful could come from something devastating," Clayshulte said.

Clayshulte's photography business is the official newborn photographer for Coastal Carolina Hospital and she noticed that after major events, like a hurricane or power outages, she sees a surge in newborn clients, so she knew nine months after Hurricane Matthew would be busy.

That's when Clayshulte got the idea for a special project.

"I wanted to show everyone that the storm gave some Bluffton, Beaufort, and Hilton Head couples a special miracle," Clayshulte said. "If it weren’t for Matthew, these eight couples wouldn’t be expecting these little miracles."

Clayshulte's photos of the eight expectant mothers incorporated the hurricane damage that existed in the area to illustrate that beautiful things can come from disaster. She also featured the beaches of Hilton Head to show how the area is still a great place to visit.

"This storm destroyed trees and property and our area’s tourism industry took a big hit, but the storm helped these couples create something even more beautiful and these stunning mommies-to-be are living proof," Clayshulte said.

The mothers, who were the stars of the photo shoot, can't wait for their little miracles to be brought into the world.

"I feel babies always come at a time when they are most needed," Bluffton mother Danielle said. "When he is born, I feel he will fill a hole in our lives we didn't even know was missing. I'm so eager and excited to meet him."

One of the mothers was excited to add another addition to her family.

"We decided to go ahead and try for another great kid. I do call our first Hurricane Porter, so it will be interesting to see if little sister is just as wild, especially since she was conceived during an actual hurricane," Bluffton mother Molly said.

Clayshulte she wants to use her talent to make the world a better place one photo at a time, but also hopes to show everyone that world is already full of beauty. They just have to choose to see it.