I'm Jamie Leigh Delaine Bio Shoots!

She likes Tegan&Sara.  I like Tinkerbell and Gus-Gus.
I love t-shirts and she loves tea.
She loves to make her bed.  I don't.
I love to make dinner.  She doesn't.

Jamie thrives on organization, plans and crossing off check-lists.  Ha.  I know those things are great, but oh snap, I have to focus so hard to do it.  And I don't love it.
I love changing plans, no plans, care-free, "whatever."  She is learning to enjoy that.

We are quite a pair - and we've decided that we definitely would not have gotten along in high school.  But we are friends now.  We officially met at WPPI last year, and we are rooming together this year.  And we're photographers and we're fuuuuun and we're going to WPPI this year... so guess what!

We're doing some shoots together!  Check out the details here!  (Jamie Delaine made this, of course.  Since she's the organized one ;D)

We have very different styles, and very different personalities, but we are convinced it would be so much fun to run a shoot together!
Soooo, photographers, couples, Las Vegas-ians... anybody, really, who wants pictures taken - give a us shout!  And then e-mail us, since we won't hear you!
Here's my email: kristen@kristenleigh.net
Or hers: jamie@jamiedelaine.com

Here are some shots from the first day we met last year!  Isn't she a cute one?

And a few more portraits because I like them. And the people in them.  And summertiiiiime!







See you in Vegas, friends!

Mario + Brenda {Jamaica Wedding}

"I hope you think my favorite song, 
The one we danced to all night long." 
Taylor Swift 
Ritz-Carlton Montego Bay.  Fresh Jamaican food.  Thirty family and friends.  Khaki suits and storm clouds and grandma's jewelry and friendly ocean sweeps behind the ceremony. And Taylor Swift as the last dance.  Laughing, old family inside jokes, new family jokes, hugs, dancing, laughing and kisses.   And fantastically beautiful.
This small Montego Bay wedding was exactly what small, island weddings should be :)

If you ever have the opportunity to make this the view from the room where you get ready for your wedding - I think you should do it.  But who am I?




Brenda had a lovely beaded head piece from Portugal, the country where her husband is from!  Isn't that such a wonderful idea?  It looked so tropically vintage and I loved it :D

And we must show-off her utterly fantastic bling!
As Brenda finished those fabulous last-minute details, I hurried over to photograph the dapper and classy men.  I pretty much had goosebumps all day.  And I was in Jamaica, so I wasn't cold (YAY!) I had goosebumps because it was impossible to take a bad picture.  Everything.was.perfect.
I love all the different beige and cream colors.  It whispers "I'm at an awesome beach, thank you very much.  But I'm not a surfer dude, I'm a suave, elegant man.  Who laughs with my friends a lot."
And back to the bride!  She was just a masterpiece!  I loved how regal and stunningly poised she was.
The flowers in Jamaica breath-taking.  Seriously, bring your oxygen mask.  
Samara with By Design Events back worked herself silly making everything was perfect!  She did all the design!
Look at that cheery little ceremony :D 
I adore it.
And the palm trees are like cheerleaders, waving their pom's back and forth in excitement.
Mario makes her laugh like no one else can.  I think that's one of the top things I want in somebody, and what I love in my couples.  
The moment the ceremony was done, we made a dash to the beach since we were losing light fast.  And everyone was more the happy to oblige!  Who doesn't want to go kiss your lovey on the beach?



Spicey baby.
Samara truly rocked the details - she is my favorite wedding planner! Call her! One and all!  Just say "Hello!" and call her! haha
What a smashing crew!
They were probably singing Taylor Swift to each other ;) LOVE it!
This lovely cabana/gazebo/porch was the host for their intimate reception.  My eyes had a major crush!
The island details were, again, killer.


And since I'm on holiday break, I'm just going to have to end the post here.  Because I love colors and island nights.  Holla.
Congratulations Mario + Brenda!  I am so excited for you and I wish you the happiest marriage :D

Jeff and Mikaela - New York Engagement Shoot



"I’m falling for you
As I'm standing here
And you hold my hand..."
colbie caillat - falling for you

Jeff and Mikaela. Wooow.  They are crazy.

No, seriously.  They are crazy.
Like if a SuperDooperLooper roller coaster and the squirrel running on my roof merged together and drank soda out of a straw made from Skittles.  And then got coffee afterwards, with cotton candy on the side it might be as crazy as this couple.  They're crazy.
Jeff is a retired Marine and works two jobs (one where he gets up at 3:30 am!) and Mikaela is about to head into law school.  So they are serious, responsible adults.  Don't get me wrong.
But they have this young, crazy, elementary-school-kid thing going on.  It's very fun :D
They only met a year and a half ago, and some would think that's really quick to be engaged.
But, as Jeff cooly said "When you know, you know."
This is very Zales commercial-y to me. SooOOoo romantic ;D
There's that big, beautiful smile! Mikaela is a whirlwind of talking, laughing, skipping and hair-flipping. She's just too fun! Jeff is going to have an awesome life with her.
Oh. And she's absolutely gorgeous. No big deal.
Part of their "young-ness" that I loved, was how crazy they were about each other.  They were always touching, exchanging glances, quoting inside jokes and basically smitten with each other.

After we did our formal-city-look, they changed into more casual outfits.  I personally LOVE them both.
Ah, wait. But first.  Their changing-room also doubled as Jeff's incredible, manly pick-up.  We had to grab some shoots in there :D

This was cute (and totally unposed.)  I told them to hop out and get changed.  This is what followed:
Mikaela: Tell me I'm a bird! Yeah... I'm a bird!

Jeff (quietly): Yes, you're a bird.  And if you're a bird, I'm a bird.
Mikaela: (giggles)
Alright. Enough cute.
Jeff grabbed his guitar, and we headed to a new location.  My first shot with their new outfits:
I got really excited. haha
And then this one happened, and I liked it even better. I just like my couples?
YOU ARE SO PRETTY. not fair.

I'm really a fan of guitars.
Hahah what trouble ;)

I had to corral them over and get them to focus for the next shots.  Sometimes life is just too exciting? Haha

And other times, your fiance is just too huggable :D
Adorable.

Man, I am out of things to say - I just love them so much!  I can't stand how cute they are!

Train. Clouds. Guitar. Kisses. Plaid. Boots.  I dare you to find something you don't like.



Waiting at a train - so old fashioned and perfect.  A very lovely way to end the shoot :D

Jeff and Mikaela - you guys made my week and I am so glad we got to hang out!  I'm so excited for you :D

I am a photographer and I love it.


I have a hit-counter on my blog.  Who doesn't?  It's the best though - I can see every single person who comes onto my blog, how they got there, how long they stayed and how often the return!  Pretty cool :D


Well.  The day before I left for Jamaica, I saw that someone had googled "I am a photographer and I love it."  Interesting google search, huh? 

Somehow those key-words fit my blog best!  Right over Zack Arias of OneLight fame.  I thought that was pretty fun! As I finished packing my flip-flops and stuffing another pink dress into my suit (just in!) case, I thought about that sentence.  I am a photographer and I really do love it.  Most people don't get to love their job like this.
(Haha I am also turning into a beast corsage-pinner.  I'm gonna start charging the big dollars... and make a blog about it ;D)

I'm sitting here right now listening to live music, while big palm fans spin over my head.  I can't see the ocean, but if I wanted to, I could get up and see it.  I'm in Jamaica for goodness sakes!  What a job!  I love my job locally too - see how happy I am getting onto the merry-go-round?



See my grinning like an idiot on the merry-go-round?
See me doing my job on the merry-go-round?

See me getting in trouble with the merry-go-round guy for not giving him a ticket when I got on the mery-go-round?  I was really, really excited - what can I say?







Thanks to my second shooter, Andree, for grabbing these shots of me doing my job, that I love, at Tara and Preston's wedding!  I need to go to bed so I have energy tomorrow at this fabulous destination wedding.  But I just had to blog, as a reminder to myself to be grateful.  I don't deserve to be able to do this.  It really is a gift and honor. 






Josh and Kelley {I'm Kristen - MD/DC/VA Wedding Photographer}

"Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine
I walk the line"
johnny cash - walk the line

This isn't the first time Kelley has graced this blog (she's often a bridesmaid in weddings I shoot.)
And this isn't the first time I've done a shoot for Kelley (I shot their little family last year!)
But this is our first shoot of just Josh and Kelley: a 4-year-anniversary shoot!

You all know how I loooove stories.  So bear with me while I tell you my Josh&Kelley stories.
Kelley was my literature teacher all through highschool.  I believe it was during 10th grade that she started going out with Josh.

I was at church, and one of  my classmates and I were talking in the lobby.
"Oh my gosh, did you hear about Kelley?"
"Noooo! What happened?!"
"She has a boyfriend."
"WHAT?!"

I scanned the room for her, and quickly found her in little black heels, cute jeans and black top (aka: so cool).  I gushed like the nerdy-but-hopeless-romantic-sophomore that I was and asked all about it.  She smiled and showed me a picture and told me his name.  Oh siiiigh. How sweet!

Skip forward a few months.  The blah of cold Maryland spring was upon us, and I was peeved about spending my Friday in class (I think I had senioritis really early...)  Kelley was teaching well, but the day was kind of slow and everyone was rather ho-hum.

Our class was in the basement of Kelley's house, and it wasn't strange for mailmen, neighbors and friends to drive-in and out or ring the doorbell.  This particular day, we heard a car pull-up, door open and close and footsteps walking up the driveway.  Kelley completely froze as she listened.  I honestly didn't even hear the car, because I was so used to it.  But Kelley listened, then peaked out the window, saw Josh and with a huge grin apologized to us girls as she went running out of the room.

"She's in love with him."  That's when I knew.  I still didn't even really know this guy, and Kelley isn't exactly excessively cheesy about love - so I never knew how things were going.   But I knew right there and then that she was sold. 

She glided back into the room - rosy and distracted - and the "oh-this-is-adorable" factor only increased each month.  Josh proposed in NYC a few months later, and I remember seeing them holding hands practically hopping into church.  After I saw her ring and watched them walk inside, I teared up.  She seemed so happy.  I was so happy for her.

In October 2005 they got married and their tilt-o-whirl life together began!  From surprise pregnancy news, to emerergency delivery news, to crazy job news and moving all over Maryland news, they have had quite a four years. 

I think this Alan Jackson song sums up their life so far:
"Remember when we vowed the vows
and walked the walk

Gave our hearts, made the start, it was hard
We lived and learned, life threw curves
There was joy, there was hurt."

"Remember when old ones died and new were born
And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged
We came together, fell apart."

"Remember when the sound of little feet
Was the music
We danced to week to week
Brought back the love, and the found trust
Vowed we'd never give it up
Remember when"

Right now their "dance" is very much to little feet, tired mornings, runny-noses, regular life and an unclear future.   And they love it.   Josh just loves Kelley.  He works for her and his kids, he leads her and his kids, he sacrifices pleasure, ease and fun for the high-call of being a husband and father.

And Kelley has thrown herself into supporting her man, and raising her children.  It's not easy, it's not perfectly scripted and deliriously exciting, and that's why I love to watch them.  They are more committed then ever and it's because of something bigger then themselves.  God has been their rock from day one, and I love to see Him walk them through each and every day, step by step. 


And don't get me wrong - they aren't these gloomy, down, burdened people!  They are full of life!

I love seeing them rolling into church with their kids, smiling and talking and mingling with everyone.  I love Kelley's funny status's on Facebook, and Josh's big hearty laugh.  I love how close they are with both their families and how they go on all kinds of outings and adventures. 

I love how they really do seem more in love as the months go on. 

I remember last year at a wedding I was shooting, Josh came late as he was waiting to hear about a job.   It didn't end up working out, and I know it was hard.  Kelley ran and gave him a HUGE hug when she saw him, and told him how much she loved him and kept her arm around him the rest of the day.  It was so sweet.

Right off a movie set, I tell ya...

Josh and Kel, your marriage and love screams to the world "This is what it should be like!"  It's not perfect - it's very selfless and hard, but when you do the work, it can be completely amazing. 

I respect you both oh so much and I can't wait to see you turn old and gray together ;D

And we will close with my favorite of the day :D LOVE it!

Josh loves Johnny Cash, so this whole shoot was kind of "themed" off of that - so here is the slideshow to "Walk The Line." Enjoy!

Colin and Amanda - Annapolis Engagement Shoot

"Cupid draw back your bow
And let your arrow go
Straight to my lover's heart for me"
sam cooke - cupid



I shouldn't be allowed to get butterflies and goosebumps every time I go to work.  Or maybe I mean it should be required?  I don't know.  Basically, my job is amazing.  And it gives me butterflies and goosebumps. 

Let's take Amanda and Collin, for example.  I met them right on the water for their engagement shoot in Annapolis.  They had me from hello - gosh, they were so fun.  First of all, they live in North Carolina - that state contains some of the sweetest people I've ever met.  Goodness.  Second, they've known each other since they were seven - adorable.

Third, the sun was just radiantly glorious.  I loved all the marshmallow-dessert-pink clouds smoothly covering the navy and Tiffany-blue sky.  I loved how the sun splashed onto every surface, which coated everything in the harbor - from the brave, wooden boats to Amanda's adorable eyes.

Being in Annapolis at 4:30 pm on a weekday, meant that we had the whole place to ourselves.  We could hear the gentle moans of the boats lining the dock, the clinks of the chains that kept them from exploring the wild blue yonder.  But mostly all we heard were the echoes of all of our laughter.  Like a toddler running wild through an elegant antique shop, so were we as we laughed, danced and paraded about the city.

Me: "Soo, do you think you are allowed on that boat?"
Collin: "Um, probably not."
Me: "Hmm..."
Collin: "Should we just do it anyway?"
Me: Of course.
(Amanda: Laughs in the background the whole time)
Don't worry - we nailed it.

Within minutes of our rule-break, the sky turned dark and there was almost a yellow-green light draping the city. With the sunlight rapidly disappearing, Amanda and Collin played on...

If you don't have a taste of these two yet, let me expound further.  They are delightful and wonderful.  Collin is a gentle man and a gentleman.  There's a difference? Yes.  He is gentle, careful and kind in his tone, but he is still very manly.  A gentle man.  He is also gentlemanly - holding doors, checking for cars, making sure the girls are taken care of.  Amanda, you found a good one :D

And Collin?  You have a completely amazing woman engaged to you.  She is fantastic.  Amanda is lovely, happy and so in love with you :D  I love how she just smiles and smiles and smiles - with her whole face!

You guys have a hysterical sense of humor.
Me: "Ok, give her a quick kiss!
Collin: "How about a lick?"
Amanda: "Eeeeew!"

You both really make being together seem so easy and pure fun.  I know relationships are hard-work, and very serious, but I hope that I can just have as much fun with my fiancee as you two do together!

Big squeezes are the best kind. Can I get an 'amen'?!

See what I mean? Ugh they are so cute and fuuuun!  Also, notice that these pictures get darker and darker... yeah, the sky was not cool with a photoshoot.  It tried to ruin our plans and turn-off our light.

I knew it was going to rain.  Actually, I knew it was going to pour.  We had to work fast - and we did! 

But not fast enough.  During these shots, the rain started coming down hard!  I ran onto the porch, while they booked it across the street (leaves were spinning in the air, clouds were rolling in the sky, there wasn't another person in sight.  So romantic)

I wanted to get inside, but I loved the atmosphere too much to bail on it.  Amanda and Collin were AMAZing and let me get some windy rain shots.  I loved how they turned out

Then we ran fast back to the pier, where we grabbed a few more shots inside an Italian cafe, and called it a day :D

Rain made Amanda look so pretty (and not like a "drowned rat," thank you very much.)

Yeah, I guess we can close on that note.  Good? Good.

Collin and Amanda, I had a BLAST with you!  I'm thrilled that I get to be your photographer and that I get to spend a rainy afternoon with you :D 







Brewer Family Shoot {I'm Kristen - MD/DC/VA Photographer}

"these are some good times
so take a good look around,

you're gonna miss this."
trace adkins

I think I was in middle school when Dave become a youth pastor at my church.  I remember the night really well - I felt very out of place.  I wasn't exactly a cool kid and the highschoolers scared me BIG time.  And I had no idea who "Dave and Jen Brewer" were, but they seemed fun. We all clapped and welcomed Dave to the group.

Dave was a highschool teacher, Jen was a fabulous highschool athlete and they met in highschool, so I guess it works well for Dave to be a highschool youth pastor!  I always thought they were a great couple and I even remember the first time they "knew" who I was and said "Hey Kristen!" I was like "Yes. Score. They know me." haha I told you I wasn't very cool ;D

And soon this great couple turned into a great family :D  I remember each time Jen was pregnant, and all of us highschoolers loved to guess what she was having, and talk about names, etc.  Needless to say, this family has a special place in my heart.

Even though I'm a few  years out of highschool, I think I see them more then I did while I was!  I love going to youth events and seeing little Brewer children running down the halls, while calm, steady Jen looks on and Dave, like, I don't know, throws balls at them. Basically they are a loud, happy, fun family and I love it!

For two years I helped on a team that ran and organized the youth events and I was constantly teased by Dave and other guys about being "Kristen LAY PHOTOgraphy dot BLOG spot DOT com" and they'd mock me about treasuring moments. Someone was always bound to yell "Kristen! Did you see that? Did you capture the moment?" All in good humor of course...

It was fun times but I have to say, I was pretty honored they wanted me to really do a shoot with them ;D  They are honestly such a down-to-earth, enjoyable family.  And I love them!

This actually is the second time they have been on the blog.  Once when I baby-sat I grabbed some shots of the kids.  You may remember the story of Sarah, and how she had cancer in 2008.  I remember that horrible-sick-to-your-stomach feeling I had when I found out, and I also remember how amazed I was with the peace and hope the Brewer's had. 

And happily, Sarah is doing great!  There are still some side-effects she is fighting, but she's alive and well!

As much as I love Sarah, I really love the other kids too.  Caleb (the only boy) is such a funny little guy.  He has some of the best one-liners you will ever hear.  He's one of those kids that makes you say "How did you come up with that?!" haha He's pretty awesome :D

Alethea and Mikaela  are great too.  They are such good big sisters.  Alethea is more on the quiet side and loves to read, and Mik is very bold and loves to run around!  It's so sweet how their different personalities work so well in their dear little friendship.

Hello big girl!  She really grew-up this year.  I don't know when it happened, but goodness gracious, she turned into such a big girl!

Oh I love her.

Dave and Jen, thanks for coming out for the shoot!  And more than that, thanks for teasing me, laughing with me, listening to me and being such good friends.  And so sorry the whole couch-in-the-woods thing didn't work out this year ;D

Enjoy the slideshow!

The Bonebrake's - Family Shoot {MD/DC/VA - I'm Kristen}

Lift up your hearts with a smile
Lift up your feet with a dance
Lift up your spirits with a song
Its family time
Ziggy Marley - Family Time


Life is a serious thing - no joke.  And that's why it is SO important to seriously enjoy it.  I love when I meet people who really, really do.  The Bonebrake family.  Guh.  They love each other and they love life.

The kids are sweethearts and we had a blast running around a local park together.  I loved their giggles and trips and ideas for pictures. 

I love that their voice-message for their phone is "Hi!  You've reached the Bonebrake's and we're playing with the kids! Leave a message!"

I love how Andrea calls her baby boy "Mr. Blue Eyes."

They have such a care-free, relaxed, happy vibe to their family.  Their kids are going to love all their childhood memories - they have amazing parents.

He saw a puppy.  I am SO not as interesting as a puppy. 

Ps.  When was the last time you saw so many cute faces in one collage? 

Hey dad, I hope you are ready to keep the boys away from these two!  Good luck with that!

Maryland has some gorgeous color, I can't lie.  As fussy as the weather is, it really has some exceptionally gorgeous times.

Cuuuute!

They really are the best of friends.  I loved watching them together :D

I kinda wanted to take him home with me.  Think they'd notice?

And that's a wrap!

It was a pleasure meeting and working with you guys!  I hope you enjoy the pictures :D





What I love these days...

Last fall I wrote a blog post about "Nights" at my house.  I just walked around my house and took pictures of what was going on.  The dirty doors, the sleeping kids, the orange peels, the dinner dishes - my life, pretty much.  That is one of my favorite things to re-read.  I don't ever want to forget how wonderful my life is.  Here are some things I am loving these days ...
...
I love going on spontaneous (and somewhat unproductive) shopping trips with my friends.  I know that someday I won't be able to just stop my morning and drive to Target with Lydia and try on Chicken and Hot Dog costumes (and listen to the strange, goth grandma who really wanted the Witch costume, but not for $40.)  I wish we had bought these.  I would so wear mine around on rainy days to cheer the world up.






I love looking at pictures from my friends wedding - the first of my group of friends to get married.  I love how we are all still so young.  That was a happy day :D I also love stopping my work for a bit and trying on my bridesmaids dress two months after the wedding (it's even a little loose!) and dancing to "You Make My Dreams Come True" and then going back to work in my desk in the dress.  That's fun :D

This is very small, but I was excited to see my car hit "8000" and "9000" miles.  I just happened to look down right when it was at both of those!  I hummed "Happy Birthday." My leetle car is getting soooo biiiiig ;)

As I'm working on my studio, I've felt like a giddy puppy with a wagging tail and big round eyes when boxes arrive in the mail.  It's so fun getting a new chair or dresser.  I always feel like an idiot when I put it together.  But hey, it's fun to open :D

I ADORE the weather right now.  My world is like a water-color painting or cheery greeting card.  God is glorious and I love how He decorates our land.  I can't wait to see heaven :D
And now we get to the really good stuff that I love.  Oh I love them so much.  My three littlest siblings (Dude who is 10, Shannon who is 8 and Laury-Lou who is 6) have always had my whole heart.  But recently they've been stealing my spare-heart, putting it in their Betty-Boop schoolbag and leaving me only loving them more.  I love them.

I love when they steal my phone to "call mom" and when I get it back there are gobs of blurry pictures and self-portraits. 

I love their cheeks and missing teeth. 
I love when I happen to be entering my neighborhood just as my mom is leaving.   I see their skinny little arms waving at me from the window as I pass them.  Then I see their bangs and noses turned around in their seats as they look out the rear window - still waving and bouncing. 

I love that whenever Dude uses my computer for school, he goes to my itunes and types in "Amarillo Sky" and he plays it on repeat for hours.  I'll come home from being out all day and find a Doritos bag on my desk, little dirty boy socks under my chair and Jason Aldean singing his heart out, while the tractor takes one more round.  Every single time.

I love that my mom bought new sports pictures to hang in Dude's room and he decided to hang them up himself. 
"Hey mom!  I put the pictures up!  I didn't take the white corners off yet, but I think the arrangement is really nice." 
Mom and I definitley stood in his room and looked at the wall.  He was off at school and we just laughed in his room talking about how precious he is and how much we love him.  We really, really do.  And we are not touching those pictures - they will probably stay crooked until we move out of this house.

And just last week I had a sweet treat waiting for me when I came home after midnight.  My sisters "camped out" on my floor - they fell asleep waiting to say good-night to me.  

Their favorite song is "Amazing Grace" so that plays on repeat when they are in my room.   Shannon is especially moved by that song.  Last summer she burst into tears when it was playing in the car, and she started talking about a boy we know who died.  And just two weeks ago she was having quite a temper and locked herself in the bathroom, screaming that she wouldn't go to bed.  I put "Amazing Grace" on my ipod and set it outside the door.  The screams stopped.  It was quiet for a while.  Before the song repeated twice she was in my arms saying she was sorry and ready for bed.

I love these days. 
"It is good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all your toil these few days of life that God has given you - this is the gift of God.
You will not much remember the days of your life because God keeps you occupied with joy in your heart."


Make sure you remember to enjoy today!  And if you can take a picture of a sweet memory with your cellphone - even better ;D

Angel and Allison {Wedding in DC/MD/VA - I'm Kristen}

"If it's a friend you need
Let it be me"
ray lamontagne - let it be me

I first met Allie at her sister, Shanda's, wedding.  I really really liked Allie. She was a wonderfully doting maid-of-honor, she smiled a lot and she lit-up like the backside of a firefly when her man, Angel, was around.   And this weekend, she become his wife.

When I arrived Allie's hair was just being finished.  I kept telling her how AMazING it looked and she spun around, smiling of course, "Did you see my inspiration!"  She held up one of my pictures from Elise and Garret's wedding back in May!  That was a fun little treat ;D

The wedding and reception took place and the completely stunning and jaw-dropping Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air.  I had goosebumps running up and down my arms... that place was extraordinary. 


You can't ask for better details!



:) :) :) :) :) :)

Allie got ready in a dear little room with floor-length mirrors, vintage wallpaper and pretty wood furniture.  The bathroom had old tile and a claw-foot bathtub!  And her bridal party fit perfectly to help her look flawless :D

Don't even get me started on how fabulous her dress was, or how adorable she looked putting it on.  I love girls who are just genuinely, unashamedly happy!

After Allie read Angel's card, she was popping at the seams, and especially looking forward to their first look. 

Seeing each other before the ceremony is such a nice way too enjoy all the little moments of the wedding day.  You have a few minutes to just calm down, get the nerves out and be with the person you love the most. 

Angel was so sweet during the first look.  "I really thought I was going to cry today, but I can't!  I'm just too happy.  Wow, I'm so happy."  And Angel even said "A first look is the best idea ever! I'm so glad we did this."

Of course I agreed - I was very glad we did this!  You just can't beat pictures from these moments :D

At that point, Allie gave Angel his present.  I think the best present I have seen yet.  She gave him cuff links with a map of the exact place they met and the exact place the got engaged on each one.  It was pretty cool :D

We were running short on time, so we didn't do any other pictures before the ceremony, but before we get to the ceremony I think everyone needs to see a few more details :D

I just love old mansions.  No way around it. 

I was a little Jose Villa inspired after Jessica Claire's wedding ;)

Moment's before the ceremony!  Isn't this staircase so regal?




And isn't their ceremony site so fabulous?  It reeled me in hook-line-and-sinker.  Whoooa.  The rain was pouring all around us and the trees were rustling - it was a set that Hollywood could only dream to create.

They were so so happy.  So happy.

The little portico where they stood was lifted up about three feet from the ground, so when it wasn't raining I could run down and basically be under the altar.  The ceremony flowers got "in the way" of my shot, but I loved how it ended up turning out.  Go color!

"With this ring, I thee wed..."

They did it! Yippeeee!

Before I rush off to Angel and Allie's formals, I have to show you the bridesmaid fun explosion.  This group was a BLAST!

Love.

Allie was hungry and was determined to eat allll the food.  "What kind of bride gets amazing food for her wedding and doesn't eat it?! That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard."  Haha She is my kind of girl!

.... I just love them haha

Of course we need a few of the lovely bride.  She was sizzlin!



And now husband and wife - the best part of the day!

 I was pretty much overwhelmed with the beauty. 






"Eight years ago when I met you, I knew this is it for me.  You're it."



They love to laugh and laugh together - I couldn't help but giggle behind my camera.  They are so darling :D

This one is happiness!

They are so sincere in their love - it's quite precious.

A highlight of the day: wax lips.  They look a tad creepy but it was Angel's idea to give to guests as favors.  "Best $60 I ever spent." haha I loooooved it and had to take some pictures!

Goofs ;)



Wax-lip smooch! haha

It started to drizzle and Allie got so excited and started spinning and laughing.  I have the best clients in the land!

We'll end with a sweet first dance moment... They sang the song to each other and honestly acted like no one else was in the room.  I support that :D

Congatulations Angel and Allie - and please enjoy the warm beach!!! And here's the slideshow (with the best guy for rainy, fall romance - Ray Lamontagne)


Ryan and Veronica {Wedding in MD/DC/VA - I'm Kristen}


"Ain't it lovely how we fit together
Girl you're the best
And it seems like we've been talking forever"
hall&oates - talking all night


Veronica and Ryan have an adorable story.  It was simple and out-of-the-blue and absolutely meant to be.  I love Keith Urban and one of his songs says: 
"I could have turned a different corner
I could have gone another place
Then I'd of never had this feeling
That I feel today"


Veronica was trying to get out of a family outing and just wanted  a way home.  Ryan was minding his own business.  And they "just happened" to be at the right Starbucks, with the right schedules.  Veronica asked a complete stranger (well - not complete, she kind of knew of him and knew he wasn't a bad guy ;D) for a ride home.  That ride home ended up becoming a long, late conversation where Ryan and Veronica talked about everything. For hours.



And, as Veronica says "We've been together ever since."
I like that plan.  Go to Starbucks, ride home with the man you are gonna marry.
That's a great idea.

Speaking of great ideas, I was quite a fan of all the ideas Ryan and Veronica had for their wedding!  The venue, Shade Tree and Evergreen, was a simply stunning backdrop.  And all the beautiful wine-colored details were so tasteful and lovely.  



I just LOVE everything about this picture.  Location, dresses, colors, smiles, beauty's - all of it!

In keeping with their fabulously fun personalities, Veronica walked down the aisle to a Justin Timberlake song.  I've seen YouTube videos like that, but never at a wedding I shot!  It was seriously so fun watching all the guests bounce up and down, laughing and smiling.  And Veronica looked so happy and excited dancing her way to her groom.
And Ryan still teared up (you all know how much I love the groom face!)
I love outdoor weddings because I can get different angles :D  (Well, and nature is just beautiful!)
Gah.  Just perfect.  They both are so haaapppy!
Yayay! They did it!  Husband and wife!

I almost felt like I was shooting an ad.  Everything was just ridiculous - I was in heaven!



Even though this shot is simple, I think it is one of my favorites of the day.  There is a sincerity and trust that these two have.  They have an "easiness" about their relationship.  They fit and they honestly are best friends.  I adore how comfortable they are together and I think this picture shows that so much.

But, let's be honest, they also have many other friends who they have great fun with too :D

Thanks for having me at your wedding - it was so much fun and I am super happy for you both!

Smart Family Shoot {I'm Kristen - MD/VA/DC Photography}

"Ordinary? No! I really don't think so,
Not a love this true"
me and you - kenny chesney
You may or may not recognize this family on my blog.  If you have been following me for a while, you might remember Jess, Neil and little Nyah from our first shoot together two years ago.  Or maybe you remember when Jess's bestie, Heather, get married. Jess was a bridesmaid and Nyah was a flower girl.
Or maybe you re-call the preggo shoot we had when Jess and Neil found out a baby boy was headed their way.  Perhaps you remember when Mr. Ryder arrived!  We did a shoot then, too.
More recently we did a shoot of Jess and Neil for their 5-year-anniversary. It was off the charts amazing (and at a fair :D).  

Needless to say, I've grown to love this gorgeous little family.  I love to talk to them, I love to watch their kids grow-up and laugh and cause trouble ;D  I love how real, normal and genuine they are.

I also love how they really all are so child-like.  Everybody needs people like Neil, Jess, Nyah and Ryder in their life.  I strongly believe that :D

And no one can complain about their good-looks :D





They are just SO cute!  Seriously!

Good luck when this one is old enough to date... Neil is gonna have to hire an escort for her ;D

And Mr. Adorable Blue Eyes already dissolves my heart - I feel bad for every girl he meets the next 25 years!  They are gonna fall fast ;D

And before you know it, I'll be shooting their weddings!

HA!haha Nyah's little drama queen leg... She's so cute.  And I love everything about this picture.  They rocked it!

Just chillin' like a villian

And one more of him... because I just love him :D

I love you guys!!!

Ryan and Melissa: Engagement Photography {Maryland - I'm Kristen}

"songs I played them for you
a moment, a love 
a dream aloud"
sweet disposition - the temper trap


(ps.  This was the first "let me check my light and you two can head over there" picture on my camera.)

Ryan and Melissa officially won an award from "I'm Kristen."  They gave me the longest contract I have ever received.  The first two pages are normal contract information and on the last page I have a little "get to know you" section where I ask brides to tell me why they love their men, and vice versa.
Ryan told me why he loved his girl.  Oh yesss he did.  The section starts with "Words won't come close to describing how great she is, but I'll try" and what follows is a two-page, single-spaced, small-font, 22-bullet-point list of things Ryan loves about Melissa.

He raved about her.  He went on and on and on.  From her solid faith in her Savior, to her love of McDonalds french fries, Ryan had it all.
One part said "Her favorite band is Incubus, her favorite dessert is banana's foster, her favorite flower is a lily, her favorite color is red (even though she does like blue a lot, too), she loves shoes and she is afraid of heights."  It's completely adorable that he knows so many details and specifics about Melissa - and finds those things important about her.  Ryan "treasures the little things" about his girl :D






And Melissa's section about him was just as long, and just as sweet.  She told me the story about how she had a middle-school crush on him, how they actually met and started dating and how excited she is to be engaged to such a wonderful man.  "This past year and a half has been better then anything I could ask for or deserve."

She talked about how uplifting and caring Ryan has been.  From e-mails with scripture every morning, and flowers for no reason at all to telling her she's beautiful (even with no make-up on) and planning a surprise "half-birthday" party for her.  
Melissa talked about his humility, his diligence, his care and she finally said "I just couldn't be happier... I really could go on and on."
There were another few pages talking about what they love to do together, how they got engaged and what their wedding will be like.  I'll be honest - I was floored.  They didn't have to write all of that.  It would have been so easy to jot down a few sweet things and send this along.  But it seemed like such joy for them to write about each other!  They wrote so happily!



They wrote that way because they really are that happy!  Ryan and Melissa were just so pleasant, so wonderful and clearly so in love.

ps.  Melissa was worried because she didn't know how to model and was afraid she looked bad.  I told her she was right. Sigh.  She just looked so bad in all these pictures.  Really frustrating to have models who look bad in all the pictures.  Geez.
Um. No.  These two could have been sent to me from a modeling agency.  I was freeeaaaking out I was so excited taking these pictures!
Aw :)  That's adorable.
Can I also give major props to our location?  An old auto-body shop and gas station.  I love shooting in places that are a bit out-of-the-ordinary!  (And I loved how God made twilight hour so glorious.)
:D
If their awesome careers don't work out, good thing they have a back-up plan: Modeling!

I thought I'd mix it up a little? 

I'll end with a part of the contract that I particularly loved.  
"At the end of everyday I send Melissa a little text message that says something like 'You're the best' or 'You're the greatest' because I want to pound into her head that she is the best thing in the world.
She has changed my life. God is soooo good for allowing me to be a part of her life and to be able to marry her.  I'm the luckiest man in the world."
I'm so excited for you two (you happy little heads :D)
Enjoy the slideshow!



Preston and Tara - Wedding in Glen Echo, MD

"Wrap yourself around me
'Cause I ain't the way that you found me
I'll never be the same
'Cause you make my dreams come true"
hall&oates

Tara, her long blonde hair and even longer legs came whirling into Starbucks.  She looked wind blown, natural and happy.  She smiled introducing herself, smiled ordering her coffee, smiled drinking her coffee, smiled sitting at the red table - she basically just smiled.  Tara told a funny joke and gave my arm a little squeeze and rolled back in her seat, then continued to tell me about her wedding plans.

"It's going to be at a park near my parents house. We're trying to do a fun, elegant carnival theme."  My fair-loving-ears perked up.  Tell me more.


"We want it to be very colorful -- we are going to rent the carousal at the park! -- with good music, hopefully from a live band!"  She went on and on about her ideas for this splendid wedding at Glen Echo park and she reeled me in - hook, line and sinker.  I'm pretty sure I would have cried if I hadn't gotten this job because this fun-loving, ridiculously smart, smiling bride was going to have my dream wedding and I wanted to shoot it.

Hey guess what!  She thought I was alright and booked me!  Haha :D
When her lovely day finally rolled around, I met up with her at the house where she grew up, right outside Glen Echo Park.  It was so sweet to see pictures on the walls of her as a little girl, and there she was in her yellow J. Crew wedding shoes and Carolina Herrara wedding gown, looking exactly as an elegant lady aught.

She glided from room to room, smiling of course, and let everyone "Oooh" and "Aaah." It's probably how Princess Diana or Grace Kelly would work a room - delightfully warm and extremely pleasant with a sophistication you can't teach.

The chose to do a "first look" so that they could move seamlessly from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception.  And spend lots of time taking gorgeous pictures at the park.  Be sure to check out the slideshow for more of their first look :D


Before we get to that, though.  I'd like to brag about my bride some more.  Lets see... what else can we discuss?  Well, Tara was born in Paris but was raised in Brazil, Australia, America and various European countries.  She went to Yale Law (so did her dapper man, Preston - but don't worry, they didn't meet there.  That's much too Legally Blonde for this couple ;D)


But the most impressive thing about her is how she doesn't give you that any of that snotty-I'm-pretty-much-awesome vibe.  Nope.   She is as welcoming as they come and you can't help but like her!

"Oooh!  Wow!  This is just lovely!  What a day!  Ooh this is so much fun!"  She actually reminded me of a young Julia Child.  "Ope! [big laughs!] Ooooh! [sigggh]" Smitten with life - and her man.

Her friends were just as dear and sweet.  They are wonderful ladies (and very, very pretty!)

I've mentioned this before on the blog, but I still adore Glen Echo Park and I honestly got goosebumps as I was taking pictures.  I love everything about the venue!
Back in its golden years, it was an amusement park. It also boasted a swimming pool, candy shops and soda fountains, with swing dances held nightly. It was colorful, it was happening and was, I am sure, so much fun. Today the Spanish ballroom still has swing dances on Friday nights and the "1921 Dentzel three-row menagerie carousel" operates daily.

Many couples, I'm sure, have strolled hand-in-hand through this park.  Many nervous boys have asked cute girls to dance with them.  And today, a husband and wife strolled the grounds together.

One of my all time favorites. Of all time. Ever.  I love the styling, the colors and the simplicity.

Beautiful people alert!





Since we are enjoying these snaps of Tara and Preston, let me introduce the groom.  Tall, dark, handsome and smart, Preston is a very ideal match for Tara.

He is a very sincere man, with a gentle demeanor and strong but quiet presence.

He is a very successful and a very hard-worker.  It was neat to hear his family and friends talk about how loyal he is.  That's an incredible quality to have and I know will bless his lady!

And even though he wasn't jumping up and down in excitement about taking pictures, I'm pretty sure he secretly loved getting to pull his model moves ;D


:) :) :)
Preston has that "light her up" effect when he's with Tara.  
If I had to shoot this wedding, and this couple, for every weekend for the rest of my life, I don't think I would get tired of it.  I mean, maybe if I was 74 and in a wheel-chair, but other than that...
Glam!  Woooowie!
This has all been so exciting.  And we haven't even gotten to ceremony or reception yet!  The best is yet to come!
The church and guests fit perfectly with the theme of the  wedding.  I loved it :D
Tara's parents walked her down the aisle.  Her mom was especially emotional and it made me teary. 
The church had so much natural light!  Heeeeaven! 

Sharp groom alert!


And now they are off!  And married! Ready to conquer the world!  After their carnival reception, of course.
And now we arrive.  To the old bumper car pavilion and reception venue.  I probably shot just details for any hour, so bear with me.  There are a lot of detail pictures coming up!
Main Event Caterors headed up by their Senior Event Designer, Alison Bates Fisher, did a fabulous job with the decor.  Spot Floral Design also played a major role!  


Instead of a guest book, Tara and Preston had a wishing tree!  I would say at least half of the wishes included "lots of laugher together" :)
Speaking of laughter?  What can I say, I'm a hottie.
While I was running around, trying not to drool on the table settings, Tara came over and asked me to ride the merry-go-round with them.  Deal!


While we waited in line, as the sun shone it's last rays, Tara waved to her guests spinning by.  She leaned on Preston's shoulder.  She smiled, covered her mouth and her eyes glittered.  "This is such fun!"



I found the picture on the left in a room in Tara's house.  Little dancing Tara, with hair blowing and dress ruffles spinning.  I think she has probably danced through life just like this.  And now, as the picture on the right shows, she's still smiling and twirling but not alone. Someone in the picture.  A very important someone - who comes alongside her, cares for her, loves her.  And she loves him.

"Oh, this is such fun."






Christy and Braden - Married Shoot in MD/VA/DC

"I got a man to stick it out
And make a home from a rented house oh
And we'll collect the moments one by one
I guess that's how the future's done"
mushaboom - feist


Back this summer when I had my dear interns, I did a "we're married and are pretty much crazy about each other shoot" for Christy and Braden.

They modeled for us

Aren't they sweet?  Christy is an amazing momma to two little children.  She's super creative and is a fantastic artist!  Check out her stuff!

Braden is one of the pastors at my church.  But let me tell you - get him to a wedding reception and he has some CaRaaaZZy dance moves.  It's pretty intense :D  Good thing Christy just smiles at him haha
Cuuuuute!













Thank you for coming out!  You two were wonderful :D

The Jackson Family Shoot - MD/VA/DC Photography

"oh reckless abandon
like no one's watching you
a moment, a love, a dream aloud
a kiss, a cry, our rights, our wrongs"

-- sweet disposition by temper trap

You are a child, you go to school, you fall in love, you get a job, you get married, you have children and somewhere in there you grow-up.  Somewhere in there you become an adult. 

Life moves on with little warning.  It's not like a car-racing video game where  you reach flashing checkpoints along the way.  It just sort of happens!

You are a child one day and before you know what's happened you have been married for 25 years and your children are becoming adults!  At least, that's the case for the dear Jackson family.


I've known the Jackson's for a few years now, and they have been so supportive as my business has taken off!  Mrs. Jackson is so quick to encourage me and Nicki was one of my interns this summer!  Check out her fabulously fabulous blog!

The kids are so well-behaved, so adorable and very affectionate and loving!

I have to say, Mr. Jackson, you and your wife have a special and precious 25 year marriage and you are raising your sons so well - I'm sure they will follow right after you!

They are so happy! I'm a fan of happiness :D

Awww.  I hope you two have another 25 years of laughter, memories and growth together.  Give your kids an extra big hug today and love love love them, cause soon I'll be shooting them with their children!

 Much love,
Kristen

Water

Today I woke up (good start) and decided quickly that I needed a shower. 
I turned on the water to let it get warm (I am NOT a fan of cold showers), while I got my towel, clothes and radio.  A minute later, I jumped in and it was much too hot.  So annoying.
And whaaat is this?!  Katie took the good shampoo!  WAY annoying! Now my hair is gonna be crispy.  Not silky and beautiful. Stink :(

Despite the troublesome start to the day, I managed to continue on with life.  I went to my office, where work was almost leaking out of my 30-inch Mac Pro screen. 
I drove around town, frusterated with the construction and traffic on our main road.  It slows even the simplest trips down!  Plus, the rest of the drivers on the road are being fools today.  Who let them have a license?  Our government needs to buckle down (road pun? haha) and not let these crazies on our streets.  Speaking of government!  Actually, never mind.  I'm not going there. 
Instead I should probably run a load of laundry, or fill up the dishwasher.  Eh.

Haven't we all had those days?  Er, actually, don't we complain - even silently in our thoughts - every day?  Our food wasn't served fast enough, our sleep wasn't good enough, our car isn't cool enough, so-and-so's new album wasn't entertaining enough.  Whatever.  We can complain about it.





I don't really think of myself as a complainer, and compared to some people, I'm probably not.
But I know this:  I have a lot, and I am not nearly as grateful for it all as I should be.

And sometimes it takes a little smack in the face to be reminded.  A group of people from my church have recently gone to Uganda, and started a donation pool to "Give Uganda Water."  Water.  That's the big deal.  Water. 
I have never dreamed of drinking water that was been been soaking in mud, used as a toilet and had dead animals floating through it.

Ha.  No, no, nooo - I need my water perfectly warmed or chilled depending on the activity.  And it better not have a metallic taste to it!

Seriously, how can I complain? Ever?  It's horrible.
The cost of my "good" shampoo can pay for water for a person for life. $23.
The cost of filling up my car, definitely more than $23.
Let's not talk about the cost of my car itself.
Seriously every single part of my life is dripping with blessing!  And somehow I complain.

Construction and traffic?  Oh I'm driving in a machine on paved roads, probably going to buy something or make money somewhere!
Dishes and laundry?  Oh I have food to eat and beautiful clothes to wear, and when I push a button on a machine my dishes and clothes are cleaned! With water!

We have fellow humans, friends and honestly heroes living in downright nasty conditions.  I don't want to make this post an annoying "another cause to support" post.  But I really, really have been so aware of all I have been given, and it's a joy to be able to help someone when you have been given so very much.  If you feel the same way, please consider donating!  100% of the money goes towards putting fresh, healthy water in the mouths of people in Uganda.  No overhead, no percents - all of it goes right to well-building!

Need any more incentive?  If you book me for an engagement shoot this year (until the end of 2009), it will only "cost" water for four people - $92.  I won't even see a penny of it!  I would LOVE to see as much water as possible in Uganda.

Let's help Give Uganda Water!

Sarah and Buddy - a wedding in Annapolis, MD

"Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you"
-- elvis presley

Clouds hung heavily and I made my way into Columbia to meet with Sarah, a potential client.  I passed the kids on the carousal and the hungry patrons waiting in line for a pretzel.  Sarah was chilling in Starbucks, and easy to spot.  She smiled in her comfy but cute little outfit and we started talking.




"I'm marrying Santa Elvis!"
Hold ooooon.  Sarah caught me off guard - she was so pulled together, so graceful.  Did she just say Santa Elvis? 
Yep!  That's how she met her man - at a costume party where he was the Jolly King of Rock n' Roll.  "It's a good thing he was cute," she told me "cause we hit it off and I hadn't even seen his face!"

The next time I saw Sarah was on another cloudy day, but instead of being surrounded by shopping bags, strollers and barista's there was a trolley, best friends and a wedding dress.

As soon as we pulled up to Quiet Waters Park, the rain started up again.  Sarah, in her effortlessly classy way, wasn't bothered a bit.  And neither were her gorgeous bff's!

They grabbed the umbrella's, sunk their heels into the dirt and smiled like their was no tomorrow.  Those kind of bridesmaids tell you something about the bride.  Someone who has such kind, understanding, helpful friends must be one of those girls herself.  These ladies were just gems :D

They left the umbrellas behind because I thought the picture would look better!  Oh I heart you ALL!

In the meantime, Sarah just glowed.  I always think my brides are gorgeous (and I'm always right) but I think Sarah had the most "glow" I had ever seen. She just glowed.  That quiet but thrilled emotion that somehow dazzles a bride's face like no make-up can. 

I'm willing to bet that Santa Elvis knew what he was doing when he kept his mask on all night - what guy wants to show this girl his face ;) Wow!  Sarah, you are ridiculous!

Actually, the groom ("Buddy"), looked quite dapper, polished and handsome.  They are a smokin' couple ;D 
The small garden and beautiful music only added to the elegant charm.

Isn't that so pretty?  I'm a fan.

During the ceremony I had an idea to take pictures of people's arms.  Arms totally tell the story of what is happening!

Here we have bridesmaid arms. 

Guest arms:

Oooo and husband and wife arms.  Those are my favorite :D

They practically drip class.  Let me tell you, it's no chore to shoot gorgeous, stylish couples!

Especially ones who are giddy and wildly in love.

Definitley a fave "first kiss" picture! So sweeet!

Cloudy days make for killer black and whites. Nooo joke.

Okee. Now I am going to tell you about my favorite part of the wedding.  It was actually when Buddy gave a toast at the reception - a toast to his bride.

"I remember our first date.  It was wonderful and we had selfishly planned our second date before I had even taken her home."

"I watched her walk inside, then I started counting how many more days I had to wait until I could see her again."

"How much work did I have to do until I could be with Sarah? And you can be sure that I was so excited to see her for our second date."

"Every day I wake up and feel the same way.  I'm just as excited to see her - actually more."

"And now she's my wife.  I love you, Sarah. Cheers!"

Sarah and Buddy, I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and it was a joy being at your stunning, wonderful day :D

Charles and Emily - Wedding

Dancin' in your wooden shoes
In a wedding gown
Are you happy now?
-- when the stars go blue
It was "stretch and bathroom break" time in the middle of our long history class.  Emily, Lydia, Courtney and I loved "stretch and bathroom break" time.  In our ill-fitting private-school-logo-embroidered polo shirts, horrible khaki pants and make-up-less faces we giggled and stretched our way down the hall, as all cool highschool girls do. 
"Guuuuys! Guuuys.  My dad said something to me about a guy asking me out last night!" Lydia and I rushed through the bathroom door, letting it slam on Courtney trailing behind us.  We had to hear this story about Emily and boy - especially since she never talked about boys.  "Ok, well, he didn't say anyone asked me out.  He just wanted to know what I would do. BUT can you imagine?!" 
We did our very best to imagine Emily dating.  Hahahahaa aaaaaw.  Little Emily.  That'd be cute.
Emily was a little package of naive joy.  So innocent, always thinking the best of others.  If she were to make a sarcastic joke, it would be followed with an immediate "I'm sorry!  I was joking. You know I was joking right? I really was.  I was really joking. I'm so so sorry."  Usually a phone call, note or e-mail would happen later in the day to apologize again. 
Most of Emily's life in school was spent doing two things: laughing or forgetting her question.  If that pattern continued in being a girlfriend, I could picture some amazing dates. 
Boy: "Hi Emily!"
Emily: "Hahahahahah!"
Boy: "Did you have a good day?"
Emily: "I DID! hahaha Did you...oh dear. Ooooh no. Come back *hits forehead with fist* Ooooh maaan!  What was my question?
Boy: We--
Emily: "OH! Did you have a good day?! I remember!"
I have good news, everyone.
Emily made it through highschool, made it through being asked out, made it through being a girlfriend, made it through engagement and two weeks ago she got married.
Little joyful, apologetic, excited, laugh-y Emily.  Our little highschool bestie who wears moccasins, watches Jane Austen movies and writes papers about bear cubs.
Our Emily who was the last to get her drivers license, who is the Queen of Baby-sitting and who always had colorful pens in her school bag.
She's a wife now.  She went out, met a boy, fell in love, put on a ring and promised "to have and to hold" that boy forever.  In some ways in seems like nothing more normal has ever happened, and in others I can't believe it really happened!  Emily! You are married. Wow, hasn't God been good.
I love seeing you in the arms of your husband.
I love watching him hold you.
I love when he talks and you stare at him, smiling.
I love that Charles is your husband and that you get to be married to him.
He's a good good man and you are an amazing girl.
(I'm not ready to call you a woman yet -- maybe when the rest of us are married we can be women ;D  I still think we are college-age girls...haha)


I hope you treasure these first few days, weeks and months of being married.
I hope that every time he comes home from work, your heart will beat a bit faster.
I hope each time you get to cuddle with your husband, you fall for him a little more.
I hope your adorable apartment is filled with laughter and memories.
And I hope you don't take any of it for granted - God has been so kind.

When those gloomy, quiet, sad and hard days come, I hope you can look back and see how God has proven Himself faithful.  He has proven His love to you not only by giving you this man, but by rescuing you and preparing you a home in heaven. Oh how He loves you!

And I am counting on you to find the rest of us some great guys ;D 

We love you Emily Puglisi!

Special thanks to Emily Hayes who shot the wedding with me!  Since I was a bridesmaid, I couldn't shoot the whole event (Duh.)  and Emily Hayes was a dear and shot with/for me!

Tony and Tori - A wedding in MD/VA/DC shot by I'm Kristen

"I need you 
Like water,
Like breath,
Like rain"
-- leanne rimes



August in Maryland is the equivalent to a 14-year-old teeny-bopper who just got dumpped by her "first true love."  It's for the most part predictable - you know it's going to be a mess and kind of miserable.  And then out of nowhere it will be cheery, fresh and lovely! Then BAM! it will fall apart on you and be more severe and crazy then ever.  You just never know what you will get.

Thanks, weather doppler slash sob-story-late-night radio Kristen.  Thanks? Cool...story?
No it's true.  August in Maryland is typically hothothot and humid like you wouldn't believe. 

But for poor, dear Tori our weather went all "I thought he loved me! I HATE him!" on her.  It rained and rained and rained and rained.  The outdoor ceremony and semi-outdoor reception located in the heart of rolling hills was about to get cried upon.  Talk about stress! 

The groomsmen did their pictures in the rain for me (there really was no where else to go :-/)
I pinned boutonnieres while groomsmen ran around carrying chairs and unloading boxes.
In between applying her lipstick, Tori's mom was assembling centerpieces and trying to stay out of the caterer's way.
Umbrella's become almost as important as our lungs and to be quite honest it was a wet, crazy circus.
Inside the one-room-cottage where Tori stayed hidden, her friends and family rallied around her to keep her calm.  It was so sweet to see everyone bend over backwards to help Tori enjoy her day. 

Tori was a gem who handled the craziness with elegance. 
"I just want to be with Tony.  I will marry him in this room.  Just get me married."

As we all patiently waited for that longed for moment, I scooted around the caterers, guests and bridal party to grab some details.  No joke, the effort was worth it - everyone looked like a Marta Stewart ad. 

When it was finally time to go, oh the joy.  It was one of the most truly, genuinely happy "ceremony starts" I have ever seen.

The music played delicately, the leaves of the wet trees shook above us, the drops trickled down, the flowers popped in comparison to the cloudy background, the guests smiled.  Tori looked ridiculously perfect.

And Tony cried.  The world stood still for a few moments.  Everything fell into perspective.  The wet shoes and crowded dance floor (er, altar) didn't make a heap of difference.  Tony was marrying Tori.
His Tori.

As they vowed to love each other and stayed committed in their marriage through "better or worse" everyone couldn't help but know how true those words were.  The vows they made were real and were about each other, not about having an ideal wedding day.

Seriously, Tori. Whoooa.

It was marvelously sweet seeing them light up together. 
Ps.  Is that not a gorgeous wedding?  They should have planned for it to rain!

Oh my laaand how cute and happy is that?! I really love these pictures and love how it's so their wedding: smiles and umbrellas :D

Just as the wedding ended, the sun started to come out!  The rain kept coming down, but man did the golden sun make for a stunning backdrop with the wet trees and pavement!

We started the oh-so-fun process of shooting formals in the rain.  Maybe not my favorite activity of all time?  But I loved how they turned out. 

Definitley a new fave.  Get those ugly boy faces out of there ;D Kidding...kidding...

Awww, a walk in the rain with your love.  With your HUSband!  I support that :D


I love how Tony really knows what to do to cheer her up.  She adores being with him.

As we made our way back down for dinner, we saw this painting of a venue. 
Don't people dream in these colors?



The night ended magically and everyone danced holes into their shoes.  It was SUCH a celebration! 
And Tony and Tori were married. 
Good day.  Good day indeed :D