Alex and Lauren {Annapolis Engagement}

"girl i swear
you got me acting crazy
half the time
i don't know what my name is"
alan jackson - never loved before

Well, I'm awfully behind on weddings, so I'm going to blog an engagement session!  That makes sense, right? Right.

This is Lauren.  And she is quite engaged.

This spunky, colorful, excited little lady is marrying her "Russian MAN" next week.  And they are thrilled. 

Which is weird.

Why weird?  Well, for many a year, Lauren was not into Alex at aaaaaalllll. "Like, no chance buddy. Sorry, no way. Uh uh, not happening."  Poor Alex.  He's liked her for about 9 years and she just was NOT havin' it.

Lauren was a goody-two-shoes-church-girl.
Alex was a "bad-kid" who went to public school.

Homeschooled kids and public school kids just don't mix.
Right?
(ps. In a great ironic twist, Lauren is a public school teacher now. LOVE it haha)

God had "great things on His mind" for those two little kids.

As we walked and talked through Annapolis, and I heard their story, I thought it was so cool how God really was at work the whole time.  9 years. That's a lot for Alex!  But, if Lauren had liked him right away, who knows what would have happened?  They echoed time after time how God has so changed both of their hearts.  Lauren, to be a gracious, selfless woman.  Alex to be an honorable, solid man.  They both had a lot to learn.

And God was preparing them for each other.

Though Lauren knew she would NEVER like Alex, they were good friends.  They liked music, snowboarding and other such things, so over the years their friendship grew.  On a trip to NYC last year, Lauren realized she really liked Alex.  "Uh oh."  After she got home, she went back and forth "Maybe I do? I don't know... maybe not? Ah!"  I know the turmoil ;)

But at the right time, in God's right way, they started dating and quickly they were engaged.  And Lauren knew she liked - er, loved - this man.  She loved him. 

(A lesson to all the boys out there? Perhaps? ;)

Alex had patiently fought for her heart, and now he gets to marry the girl of his dreams.  Alex became a man worthy of following and Miss Lauren wants to be by his side forever.



It's the best when best friends fall in love :D

There is this natural, comfortable, "just fits" feeling about it.

Alex and Lauren, I love seeing what God has done - it's so happy, so wonderful and so "YAY!"

I'm completely rejoicing with you!

Enjoy the slideshow and see you in a few days for the weddddding!

Bends {Personal}

"'Oh, I've dozens of plans.  My future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does.

It has a fascination of its own, that bend, I wonder how the road beyond it goes -- what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows-- what new landscapes-- what new beauties--what curves and hills and valleys further on...
God's in His heaven, all's right with the world,' whispered Anne softly."
Here's to God in His heaven and the bends in our lives on this Monday evening.  Here's to that.(and friends who read Anne of Green Gables for me, so I only have to steal the quote from them :D)

London Vacation Day 4 {Personal}

Tooooday we started by visiting el famous-o Abbey Road.  The Beatles were properly remembered.  Lydia played their songs on her iPod, we wrote on the wall outside Abbey House (maybe I wrote Taylor Swift lyrics ;) heehee) and walked across the famous lined street.There were actually lots of cars and lots of tourists and we all had to share "getting a picture."  hahaThen we had lunchy-lunch!  Homemade cauliflower soup (like a variation of brocoli + cheese soup), a baguette that was warm and scrumptious (they really do make the best bread over here.  Why can't our country make bread THIS good?) and soft serve ice cream :D

And Lyd had a lemonade popsicle and hid from the sun.

We ate our treats right at the park where The London Eye is seated.  It's quuuuuite large.

It was a hot day, but everyone in the park was lollying around, sitting on picnic blankets, watching the street performers/mimes/statues do their thing.  I actually got pulled into one of the street performances - it was pretty hysterical.  More on that later ;)

We also found a merry-go-round and were completely charmed with it.  But, we agreed, London carousals are much, much more painful then American ones.  It was a crazy, bumpy ride! haha



But happy nonetheless :D Day four was wonderful!  Can't wait to see what's next...

London Vacation Day 3 {Personal}

Today was a wonderful and sunny day three of this London holiday.  We had an early morning as we had to catch the train to Brighton for an afternoon at the English seashore.  In my hurry I forgot my memory cards, my iPhone and extra money.  Well done, huh.
We bought disposable cameras (which I think will be quite fun once we get the pictures back!) and in the last 45 minutes of being there, we found a shop that sold CF.  SOLD!  To the woman without her brain.
I'm so glad we were able to get a few digital shots.  I looooove this one.  The "sand" isn't sand... it's millions of pebbles!  And the chairs are just too cute (and also mighty expensive.  You have to pay 2 pounds to sit in them.  Oh well.  They are fun to look at.)  We had lunch at Figuro's Cafe (can't go wrong with a fresh Panini in the sun with your bestie!)

Aaaand we also spent a lot of time on the Brighton Pier.  It was so whimsical and jolly.  I was a happy little camper.

Off to bed so I have energies and awake eyes for tomorrow's adventures!

London Vacation Day 2 {Personal}

I'm about to fall asleep in my cozy little bed in cozy little downtown London, but I am determined to at least post a few pictures every day.

Today Lydia and I went to Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. James's Park, Trafalgar Square, The National Art Gallery and Piccadilly Circus.  We ate at a Tavern (sandwiches and chips and for dessert we had a warm waffle with ice cream and toffee.  It was, um, yeah, you guessed it... delicious.)  We watched the World Cup game there, with lots of rowdy but excited fans.  Definitely an awesome memory :D I didn't even put the pictures from the "real camera" on my computer yet, but thankfully I have some trusty iPhone pictures to share ;)

Tomorrow we head to the English seaside so we are going to sleeeeeep now :D  Farewell, farewell!

London Vacation Day 1 {Personal}

I'm here!  With Lydia (whose name I am more and more pronouncing "Lhid-yah" with a soft ending... British accents are easy to copy I guess?)

We are staying in a beautiful, quaint little flat right near the heart of downtown London.

This is the view from our window:

Charming, huh?

After a delicious lunch of meatballs + chips (look at me using these brilliant British phrases), a quick rest and some new make-up, we headed to The Tower Bridge.  Along the way there were too many sights, smells and interesting views to take in!  I was a giddy little fool haha(Oh it smelled good.  We ate at a little pizza cafe... the bruschetta made me get teary it was so good.)Tower Bridge!  It's so pretty I'm gonna die!!! (Quote, anyone?)



Lyd!  We are here!  Finally taking our Europe vacation together :D  Let's keep having this much fun, deal?

ps.  You are preeeetty.

Going to England {Personal}

Time it was, and what a time it was,
it was
A time of innocence,
a time of confidences

bookends - simon + garfunkel

Ello' Govna'! In about an hour I'll be off for London.
(hmmm. I'm going to let that one sink in a little longer.)


Yes.

London.  Which is in Europe.  Which is a place I've never been. And I'm fantastically excited!
My best friend, Lydia Jane, is over there now.  She booked weddings on back-to-back weekends there, so I'm coming to shoot the second one with her.  After the wedding, we are going to tour around the land and end the trip with a train ride to Paris.  Doesn't that sound wonderful?  I think it's exactly what 20-something best friend photographers should do. 

In the meantime, I've been trying to keep up with work.  Maybe there are... four?... weddings I need to blog.

Miss-I'm-SO-over-boys-and-I-love-to-run married Mr.-I'm-not-I-boy-I'm-a-man-and-I'll-love-you three weeks ago:

And then two weeks ago, Reese Witherspoon slash Barbie married a fellow teacher and studmuffin.


On the same day, two little lovebirds name Bill + Bethy became husband and wife, after their sweet, simple, small-town romance. (Yes, two weddings one day.  There is a good chance I had LOTS of help that day... more to come on that ;)

Aaaand, on Friday Courtney, in her chucks, married her best friend, Noah.  Their wedding invitations quoted Peter Pan "To be married would be an awfully big adventure."  These two are QUITE unique, crazy and adventurous!


I'm going to try to post a picture or two each day in Europe and enjoy the fun of being there.  I have SO much work to do at home, and the day after I return home the moving truck comes to escort my family to Florida.  Ah.  It's so busy these days. I love it.
DON'T MISS ME TOO MUCH :D

Family Update {Personal}

This is my house.

And this is my home.

If you are friends with me in person or friends with me on facebook, you might have heard that my family is moving.  In about two weeks the truck is coming and they are headed to Florida for a few years.  Why?  My dad's job.  "The Office" fans will understand this analogy:  a company in Florida is like Dunder Mufflin and my dad's company is Sabre (making my dad the old lady with white hair and dogs.)  My parents and the youngest five kids are renting a cute, spacious, coastal house (complete with swimming pool, cul-de-sac and quick drive to the beach!).  I will be staying here in Maryland in our house, and my brother Tim will be attending Notre Dame College on basketball scholarship.

World, I'm going to miss them. It's exciting and wonderful that they get to go, but land-o'-lakes is it starting to hit me.  We've had a good time together in this house, and most likely it will never be the same again.  All nine of us, under one roof.  Just the nine of us, under one roof.  Yeah, it looks like that ship has sailed!  (Some of my fave blog posts about my family).

But we have had some wonderful times all together. 

Times like family birthday's at home, with just "us" (where we maybe lump a few of the summer birthday's together):

And we've had children's birthday extravaganza's (my mom goes above and beyond with kids parties... and my dad gets really into it once all the kids arrive):

We've had many a Christmas-time in this family room (mom finally stopped trying to get us to wear holiday pajamas so "the pictures would look cute" and settled for red + green anything.  I'm def wearing cheeseburger pants. But, hey, they ARE red)

Hahah oh early mornings. Hahah we look like something washed up on the shore of the Baltic Sea.  And I don't even know what that means, but I think it still fits.
We've had Easter-egg-hunt-times.  The kids all stand by the door, hair fluffied from naps, baskets in hand, ready to find some treasures.  They aren't allowed to peek outside, but they always do.  One year it actually was good they did, because they caught the neighbors dog eating the candy, so we had to shoo him away and calm the little people down. "We have plenty of candy for you, don't worry.  Dogs never get to do Easter egg hunts, so he wanted to be a part of the fun."


We've had loud times where someone's friends are still up and talking and laughing at 2 am, and the whole house can hear them... but we usually let them just be loud. 

We've had quiet times, where we watched TV with a little lady on our lap.

Or "boring" times of walking out to the driveway, buckling the kids in their carseats and heading out for errands.

On the same driveway we've had probably hundreds of basketball games, where dozens off boys from all over our area have come to join the fun.  It's been a rough ride, but all those pick-up games, with dad's watchful eye and not-always-wanted instruction, have paid off and now Tim is playing in college.

The driveway has also been home to too many of my "practice shoots" with the kids.

And same goes for the backyard:

As well as the front-yard:

Alright, and yes, the side-yard too:

We've had times that were supposed to be "bath and bedtime", but turned into "take pictures and make silly faces time."

Of course, "clean your room times" sometimes ended up being "hide from Kristen in the closet time."

(quickly followed by "get found by Kristen time."  That's what happens when you have a super-slueth older sister ;D)

Times for walks in the neighborhood,

as well as time for runs in the neighborhood.

Times where "Yes, mom, you have to be in a picture.  And yes, I'm probably going to blog it.  And no, you don't look bad.  You are beautiful."

There have been the times where letters were written on the back of bills and taped to my mirror. (ps.  I think we are wearing shoulder pads?  Or Lauren just thinks we have ridicuuuuulously large biceps.  Hm.)

And times where letters were written on proper scratch paper, probably used as a stall-bedtime-technique, but sweetly given to dad in the kitchen.

Kitchen-time is always food-time.  And we have had plenty of food time.

And plenty of around the table time.  ("Kristen, don't take a picture of us eating dinner." "But we'll want to remember it someday!" "I'm not looking." "I just don't want to be blogged!" - Guys, I was right.  Isn't this sentimental now?)

We've had fall afternoon's practicing soccer together...

...winter afternoons sledding together...

..as well as winter afternoons wishing we were young enough to not have to shovel...

We've had summer mornings where burnt little beauties make cereal forts for breakfast and as soon as they are done scamper outside for the whole day.   The return at night with dirt on their hands, popsicle gunk in their hair and smiles on their even-redder-faces. 

These times have been sweet and sour, long and short, laughter-filled and tear-filled, amazing and excruciating, refreshing and exhausting.  But they've been wonderful and God-given.

"For everything there is a season, and a time, for every matter under heaven.
He has made everything beautiful in its time." {ecc 3.}

It's been beautiful.
And now it's a new time.  I'm excited to see what is ahead.
:D

Nate + Jen {Stronghold Mansion Wedding}

there's something so familiar
yet so unknown,
the closer we get i swear
it feels like coming home
keith urban - if ever i could love

It was a highschool afternoon, and I was doing what most bored highschool kids did in 2006.
Xanga stalked.

I randomly clicked through the colorful and horribly-HTML'ed pages and I came across "Jengal's" xanga.  It was supposed to be Jen Gal, but I always thought it reminded of "bengal" and I thought of football players with tigers on their helmets.  And that, my friends, is completely besides the point.  Jen Gal had posted some news.  She had a boyfriend.  Here is the picture she posted of this boyfriend, and what did she have to say about the relationship? "It's glorious."

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 continued to be "glorious" for Jen Gal and Nate Boyfriend.  And it just so happens that they fell in love.  When people fall in love, weddings and marriages tend to follow.

Jen, surrounded by her favorite girls, slipped into her wedding gown. 

My goodness, how much she has grown up since those early days of fresh dating.  The little girl has become a woman, a wife.

Pink smiling emoticons, blue lake backgrounds and eProps have matured, learned and grown into a bride wearing pink lipstick, blue skies and a bouquet of flowers. 

But I'm happy to report that there is childlike personality in this lady.  She didn't outgrow laughing, smiling and teasing. 

For example, Jen couldn't help but peek outside to see the guys (er, her man) carry things in.  She'd shriek and giggle and announce "OH! He looks SO handsome! AH!" And she'd sway back to the balcony to peek again.



Quickly after I arrived, the wedding began.




Um. Giiiiiirl, can I have yo numba?
What a perfect bride and perfect setting to wait to walk down the aisle, huh? I don't think I could improve the moment one bit.

Unless you add a Dad and a smile :D

I say it over and over (and I say that I say it over and over) but the last few seconds on dad's arm as he takes her to her new protector, provider and man... well, it's my favorite.

I'm not going to lie, they were a touch distracting during the prayer.
They would open their eyes and look at each other, whisper funny little jokes that made each other laugh.  Rub each others hands, lean on each others heads.  I have no idea what was prayed, but I'm sure it was good so "Amen!"


They legit couldn't take their eyes off one another.  Alllllll ceeeeremonyyyy loooong.
It was quite sweet :D

This moment was actually precious.
The guests cheered, the sun leaked onto their faces, the music rejoiced and the newlyweds were so happy.

But as soon as they passed all the people, Jen gasped and threw her arms around Nate.
Cue tears.

She cried and cried, laughed and laughed and hugged her husband.  And then he kissed his wife. And his wife repeated "I can't believe it, I can't believe it" in-between kisses.
The world vanished and they just loved on each other.  And made their photographer cry :D

After I pulled myself together, we sailed down the hill for formals.  Jen's sisters all walked with her, sharing their extreme excitement for her.  "It went so well!" "We are so happy for you!"

Recognize this place?  Yup.  Ryan and Melissa's wedding was here too!

Even though I ADORE this venue, I was a little worried about shooting there twice in two weeks.
Never fear, I think it was better the second time ;)

As we happily started taking pictures, I realized one of my favorite "parts" of this couple.

They are the same with the camera is down.   So many of these pictures weren't posed... (well. Ok. This one was. Ironic picture placement.)

ps.  This is a new all-time favorite

Ok, back to them.  I love how consistently "into" each other they are.  All day they were talking, holding hands, catching each others stare.

This is just how they are together.

They are REALLY happy. REALLY affectionate.  REALLY passionate.  When I stop clicking the camera, they don't stop smiling and visually showing each other care.

Jen's veil was magnificent.


Jen, you are a beautiful, bright woman and your intense care for your loved-ones - be it Nate, family or friends - is so obvious.   You share the love of Jesus blatantly and unashamedly.  You'll be an amazing wife.

Nate, you are a diligent, courageous man.  You have found a good thing, like Proverbs talks about.  And I think the Lord is well-pleased with you.  You are such an example!

I couldn't be happier for you both :D

Aaaaand now it's reception time!

Brides, you should probably just go ahead and get married at Strong Mansion.  Just saying. 





They had sitting at the reception a box of their letter to each other over the years.  I love personal touches like that at a wedding!



Oh!  And they had a fruit smoothie bar!  And live piano music amusing everyone's ears.
It was such a lovely time.

Now we have come to the bestbestbest part of the day.
Toasts.  Wedding's tend to have them.
This one did.
Very sweet toasts by Nate's dad, Nate's brother, Jen's sister and Jen's best girl-friend.
Afterwards, Nate took the microphone to thank everyone for coming, and to honor their parents.
"Mom and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman,  I don't know where we would be if it weren't for you, but I know it wouldn't be here. Jen and I..." He glances at Jen. "We... just... are so... bles-thank-you... you have been..."  His sentence to wander. But his eyes stayed locked on his wife.  In the midst of honoring his parents, he was completely taken aback by her.  He dropped the microphone down and said "Oh I am so in love with you."

Jen wrinkled up into his arms, they smiled at each other.  His sentence came back on track and the parents were properly honored.  But, wow, talk about sweet and romantic.

Jen, you were right, your relationship with him is glorious.  Congratulations!  Enjoy your life together :D

Father's Day {Personal}

Everyone was afraid of him.

Before try-outs, during try-outs, after try-outs.  But no one messed with him.  He could take a room full of twenty teenage girls in sneakers and silence us.  No giggles, no rolling-eyes, no chattering.

My dad was a very focused coach.  

But if there has been ever a man who is good at what he does, it's my dad.  I've never met someone who can do what he does.

Watch someone and see their current skill.

See potential and vision for where they can be.

Build where they are weak, without ignoring where they are strong.

Constantly challenging where they are strong, with out discouraging where they are weak.

He takes individuals and makes them run like a machine together.

He analyzes tactic, technique, personality and character like no one else I know.

And he is a true friend.  I used to joke with all my teammates/friends that they came over to my house to talk to my dad, not me ;)Even now many of the girls he coached in highschool still ask him for life advice (ok, who are we kidding... boy advice!), come over to catch up and chat with him at church.
One of my favorite parts of being his daughter is getting to be challenged by him.  My dad does not flatter.  He calls it like it is.  He tells you the truth, he tells you boldly and he pushes you to push yourself.  Let me tell you though, nothing is more encouraging then supportive words from him.  He really, really means it.
Here's a quick story.Summer league basketball.  (Summer league, by the way, is such a joke.  Girls are always on vacation, games are late at night, the local schools don't turn the AC on so gyms are painfully hot.  It's a joke.)  Our five starters, this particular game day, happened to be our only five players. In the first two minutes I rolled my ankle trying to get a rebound.  Now, my ankles have always been bad and "a roll" happened almost every practice or game.  It hurt for a few minutes, but I knew the difference between minimal injury and major injury.  This was minimal, the only thing major that had just happened was I got major out-rebounded.  
My ankle did hurt though.  I kicked my legs a few times, took a few steps - I'm sure I grimaced while I half-jogged.  While I licked my wounded wounds, my girl drove down with the ball she rebounded and scored.  
"Sprint, Kristen! What are you doing?!?"Um. Being tough, Dad.  Most girls would be in a heap like icing, crying little girly tears after that ferocious accident. Jeez.  "I hurt my ankle!""Do you need to come out?""No.""Then sprint."Grimace."So what are you gonna do? Quit? Sprint or quit."
I don't know exactly what it was, but I never forgot that.Isn't that just how life goes sometimes?  It hurts, it's difficult, it's "eeeeh."  And you can keep going, or you can quit.And if you decide to keep going, you might as well sprint.110%.Pursue excellence.Why do things hard and well?  To exalt Christ.  To make much of our King."But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"Sprint in a way that makes the Lord look excellent.
Dad, you have taught me to be serious about God, by the way you have been serious.You have to taught me to never quit by never quitting yourself.You sprint, you push, you fight and you are a true man.I love you :D

Kyle + Ashley {Frederick Engagement Pictures}

At long last love has arrived,
And I thank God I'm alive,
You're just too good to be true

lauryn hill - can't take my eyes off you

Ashley was the new girl in the neighborhood.  Loving her city-side apartment, Ashley was looking forward to meeting new people.   Work was good, soccer was exciting and Ashley was happy.


One day, in direct objection to her regular schedule, Ashley took her lunch break at home.  Why? Who knows.  But she did.


Guess who lived above her.  And guess who had been itching to meet her.  And guess who was "sick" and home from work when Ashley unlocked then shut her apartment door. And guess who heard her rustling around right underneath him.  Guess! Guess!


Yup.  Kyle had noticed Ashley, and was pretty sure she was pretty cool.
It was the perfect chance to make his move.


Everyone loves "that" moment.  You have it all planned it in your head, maybe have a conversation starter or two.  You just have a feeling it's going to go smoothly.


As Ashley walked out of her apartment, Mr. Big+Sauve+Collected made his grand entrance.
By thumping and tripping down the stairs. (I think he secretly planned that.  "I guess Ashley just *fell* for me!")







Ashley laughed, and probably felt bad for him.  Or something.
Whatever had just happened worked, and he officially "caught Ashley's eye" too.


Soon after, she brought "all her neighbors cookies," which led to staying at a certain neighbors house to eat cookies and watch TV one night.  One night turned into every night. 


The best part of their day was coming home.  They'd order pizza, put on sweats and wander to each others couch for an evening of talking, laughing and tv-ing.  That casual "hang-out" time was the springboard to actually dating... and ladies + gentlemen, the rest is history.


When I met Ashley the first time, we talked for almost two hours - and I don't think I even pulled out my little "first time meeting a bride schpeal."  I loved her.  And goodness she made Kyle seem like great fun.  She told me how much he made her laugh.  How much they goof around.  I couldn't wait to meet him and see them together.


Here's an idea of how they are together:
Ashley: Oh! I brought these apples.  I thought they'd be a cute prop?
Kyle: Oh I'm hungry.
Ashley: Well, you can eat these after we use them.
Kyle: I want a steak.
Ashley: (laughs)
Kyle: (takes a bite of an apple) Mmmmm! Doesn't taste like steak.


The rest of the shoot was me tossing a joke-pitch to Kyle, Ashley covering-his-mouth/pulling-his-sleeve/giving-him-a-'stern'-face to make sure he didn't say anything "inappropriate."  Next, he'd say his joke anyway, she'd laugh (and apologize to me), then he'd grin like a little boy on a school bus, and then kiss Ashley like a man.  

"Kyle, Kristen likes us so far!  We have to be nice!  Don't blow it!" I loved them so far.  And we had only just begun.


There was much laughing ahead.  Much much much.


And kissing.  Who can complain about that?!


After we fully nailed the country-barn location, we changed clothes (er, Ashley changed clothes and of course Kyle had a very witty joke about that) and locations.






We found ourselves wandering around historic Frederick, making quite a scene.






Let me know if you ever find two happier people.  Ever.


"Kyle, are you showing off your muscles?"
"Mmmhhm. Kiss me."






I don't usually shoot in front of brick walls - I feel like it's kind of cheesy-typical-senior-portrait-y.   But once they were up there, they just were working it!  I didn't want them to move because they kept getting cuter and cuter! 


THEY ARE SO CUTE!




And, oh sheesh, the jokes got better.  Ashley's cheeks started to legit hurt.

While I was setting up this shot, Kyle screamed.  And shrieked.

He ran like a girl, kicked up his feet, flailing his hands. Um. What?

He saw a bee, and he's - apparently - very allergic to bees.  Swelling, no breathing, anaphylactic shock, epi-pen in five minutes, death... the whole nine yards.  Ashley laughed, so I assumed he was being funny.  He's so so funny.  We assured him that he hadn't gotten stung.  He was just fine.


"But I felt something guys!"
Turns out he had gotten stung, very small sting, very small swelling and he made it out just fine.  And if we asked how he was doing he'd say "I'm not a punk, I can handle it." hahah


But the whole bee-incident was very telling.  As soon as Ashley realized it was "real", she turned into "take care of my man" mode.  It was very sweet.  During the shoot, amidst all the jokes and laughing, Kyle took time to tell me about his necklace.  Ashley gave it to him, and it's a compass. He told me - "not to be cheesy, but it's true" - that his life really had direction once Ashley came into it.  He knows where he is going now.  She's changed it all. 


It's the moments of complete sincerity and romantic description, that make the hours of laughing even sweeter.  These two are sincere, they are real and they are just incredibly happy together.  I'm so glad Kyle tripped down those stairs that day.  What a life he, literally, stumbled into.

I can't wait for your wedding!  Enjoy the slideshow :D

Inspiration v.2 {Personal}

Until I was 19, the only "perfume" I used was SweatPea body spray from Bath & Body Works.  (No haters, I know everyone else did.  Or Cucumber Melon.)

But I've always been very inspired by perfume ads.  Love em.

I love how clear and smooth the light is.
I love how emotional the models are.
These ads are definitely "emotional."  They stir something up when you look at them.  

I feel like there is a story, and I want to hear it.

Obviously the models in these ads are beautiful and these people aren't really in love, or related but I love the real family feeling these pictures display.


So if Calvin Klein + Ralph Lauren's photographers can make models look emotional, in-love and happy, then I should be able to with real people who are actually emotional, in-love and happy.

Any ads really inspire you?  I loved visiting the blogs of all your inspiring-photographers last time!

Ryan and Melissa (Stronghold Mansion Wedding Photography)

"The stars smiled down on me,
God answered in silent reverie."

pricsilla ahn - dream
 
Last November I took engagement pictures for Ryan and Melissa.  You should probably click here to refresh your mind before you read on.  No, seriously.  Really click here and look at them.  I know you're trying to breeze through a blog post fast, but trust me.  I'm not bragging about any photog skills, trying to get more hits on different pages or anything.  Their engagement shoot almost scared me.  It went SO well and they looked SO beautiful, I was like "Oh goodness, I hope their wedding turns out as wonderful as that shoot just was."  It seemed hard to beat, to me.

Their wedding CRUSHED their engagement shoot.  And ate it for dinner. 
Somehow their venue was more perfect, Melissa looked more beautiful and Ryan's genuine head-over-heels sweetness doubled.

Hidden inside spindling country roads, atop the gentle giant of a "mountain", Stronghold Mansion is a glorious masterpiece of history, character and romance.

Melissa's wedding was brought to you by Etsy, excellent taste and darling people.  Every detail, every "Hello! It's nice to see you!", every moment of the day was almost scripted it was so perfect.

While Melissa sat crossed-legged in her tank and sweats, applying her make-up, we talked about the day.  "Kristen, I threw up this morning." "Ohhh! Are you sick?" "No, no, no... I was just nervous.  I hope everyone has fun. I'm ready for the ceremony to be over.  I don't like being the center of attention, you know?"

She's so down to earth she's almost under the earth.  Melissa, besides her obvious physical beauty, is just a beautiful woman.  I'm not sure how she keeps such a sincere, sweet genuine dynamic. 

But she does. 
And Ryan is going to forever benefit from that loveable character she has.

Pretttty hahnds :D

Melissa was very low-maintenance getting ready, and actually spent a lot of timing helping her girls with touch-up questions and letting them now how beautiful their hair/make-up/dress looked. 

She wore gorgeous jewelry from Etsy, her great-grandmother and her fiancee' ;)

Melissa's mom brought it in to help her put it on.

At the same time, Ryan's mom came in.  The two mom's talked about their dresses, raved about how wonderful each other looked and really giggled like school girls.  I guess when you have two delightful women, you end up with delightful children?  Or at least in this case.  They have amazing children. 

Melissa quietly smirked and smiled listening to them.  She loved that everyone was enjoying her day so much. 

While I was busy with the ladies,  my best friend and favorite second-shooter Lydia Jane nailed these shots of the boys:

Aren't they cool?  Cigars, vintage carriage doors, black suits.  Oh my it's delicious.
ps.  Ryan was so happy.  I kept passing him as he got ready, and the anticipation on his face and friendliness in his eyes was radically noticeable.  He was a happy, happy man.

The rain kindly cooled the radiant summer heat for us, but in doing so left little time for pictures.  
The girls were sweethearts and ran their dainty heels through warm, wet grass to take these pictures.  Isn't Stronghold beautiful?  Aren't the girls beautiful?  My job issss beeeeautifuuuul.



Finally preparations were done, guests were seated and music sang through the trees.  Wedding time was here.  Marriage time was here.
Mr. Father of the bride took a deep breath.  Miss Bride closed her eyes and twitched her shoulders.

I just smiled at them.  This always is my favorite moment.
"Are you guys ready?" I asked.  "Everything looks so beautiful."
He smiled a proud daddy smile.  What a moment.

With Temper Trap serenading the those in attendance, and water droplets escaping the leaves, Melissa entered in grand, emotional fashion.

Their was not a dry eye.  Or un-chilled spine.

The moment was In.Sane. And completely perfect.

Poor Ryan sobbed.  Not a gentle tear, but an explosion of emotion.  Under his breath he repeated "I can't believe she's marrying me.  I can't believe it."

The following thirty minutes included laughter...

..vow-declaration and promise-making...

... sunshine abundant and rainbow lens flare...

... beautiful music and glorious praise to the One who brought this day to be...









...hand holding and thumb-rubbing...

...pond-side joy and sickeningly surroundings...

... a kiss that Audrey Hepburn would be jealous of...
... and rousing, uproarious cheer and excitement from family and friends.

What a wonderful thing.



And, now folks.  Now.  Oh my. 

We ran down the hill on the side of the mansion, to the gardens. 
We took a breather while the guests chatted some-yards away.  Glasses clinked, laughter echoed and birds darted around, like the animal-version of Sabrina Fairchild, hiding in the trees waiting for their moment to join the party.

But these two were on another planet.  Alone and infatuated.

Remember when you had a crush on that senior in highschool, Melissa? Yeah. He's your husband.
Remember dancing that one night with the gorgeous, humble girl, Ryan?  Um.  You married her.

Now this is it.  This is YOUR life.  She's the woman, he's the man and this is the beginning of your forever together. 

I'm through the roof for you both.

And I have to give you serious props for your venue choice!

Elizabeth Bennet and that dark, and mysterious Darcy would have been lucky to wander an estate such as this.  And I know they were not as attractive ;)



You two have a detailed love.  You really pay attention to each other - I hope you keep doing that, because it's very sweet.

You also laugh hard to together - life seems much more enjoyable.

I'm praying you two enjoy detailed, sacrificial, hysterical love until your very last breath. 

(This is my favorite from the day.  It reminds me of Phyllis Lane :D And everything that is sweet and happy.)

I could post gobs more, but we must conclude sometime.

The reception was best described as European Countryside.

I adored their name-cards - each bottle contained an ounce of Ryan's blood.  Because he would give his life for Melissa.Just kidding :DIt's filled with his favorite hot-sauce and each guest got to take theirs home for their next summer barbecue.  CUTE, huh?



They ran in through a tunnel - like any good sports fan should ;D

Smiles just never stopped.  I loved it.

As they sat down and the prayer for dinner was being said, I caught them whispering and giggling together.  Adorable much?

Then they danced and kissed to live music (guitar, violin and cello.  Brillllliant!!!)



And the parrrrrty got started!



Ryan and Melissa, I was un-done with how wonderful your wedding was.  Spectacular!  And I am so so so happy for you :D

Congratulations + enjoy the slideshow!

Matt and Bethany {London Town, MD Wedding}

Tighter and tighter,
I hold you tightly.

You know I love you,
more than slightly.
human hands - sondre lerche

I pulled into the driveway and saw a charming white and green house.  White porch, white chairs on the porch, flowers in the yard.  Walking inside, I entered a charming home.  Brothers and sisters welcomed me in, dad pointed me up the stairs, and in mom's room the bride and her friends (and kitty) were all getting dressed.

There is something I love about meeting a bride in her house.  Watching her prepare for her wedding in her house.  How many times has she run through that door with her girly-girls and spent the night making memories?  Or how many meals around that table? Or how many outfits tried on in that mirror?

It's surreal.  A lovely little family in a lovely little house, but one day your baby girl walks down the stairs in a wedding gown, hours away from starting her very own family.  I love being there for that.

Once the girls were ready, we wandered around the yard for pictures.  The sun was broiling.  The girls were freshly make-up-ed, in heels - the perfect time to complain, right? To make a big fuss?

Apparently not.  The girls were wonderful.  They asked for more pictures.  They teased Bethany, they smiled big, they went wherever I asked.  I loved it.  Their priority was making Bethany's day as perfect as they could.  That speaks volumes about them... but also about Bethany.

People don't bend over backwards for no reason.  Clearly Bethany has been a friend worthy of such selfless care.  She's been a sweet, gentle woman.  One who really thrives when other people are happy.

Her demeanor and friendship with her family and friends remind me of Luke 17:10 where it says "We are unworthy servants, and have only done our duty."  Bethany doesn't act "all that" or like she deserves the life she has been given.  She doesn't get caught up in little issues, but can see big picture, long-term, end-goal.

I loved getting to know this sweet, calm, selfless girl.

Who, may I just add, is a BABE!

All the girls were, actually!   They were such a beautiful, fun bridal party.

This is a fave :)

Bethany is also tiny.  She is the shortest little thing and I LOVE IT.  I could post so many more pictures of her, but I have to stop.  We have other things to see...

Once I was done shooting, we all went to London Town - the lovely destination for all things regarding Matt and Bethany's wedding :D

While the boys were staying cool, and the girls were rocking their last minute touch-ups, I got to run around with the flower girl.  I almost put her in my heart-shaped locket and I don't even have a heart-shaped locket.  But I wanted one. She is SO cute!

She was't exactly a fan of her shoes ;) Someday, sweet girl, someday... you will adore shoes :D

Every bride knows that the last few minutes of waiting are the worst.  Everyone keeps giving you updates. "The seats are filling up!" "It really looks great out there!" "Only five more minutes until you become a wife!"  I'd be like "Shut up. I'm going now. Move." haha just kidding. I wouldn't.  But those last minutes are hard.  I caught the bridesmaids keeping Bethany "distracted."  I don't know if she laughed, but it sure kept me entertained!  I love you girls ;)

And finally, the time came.  Like it always does.  And it was just as dear, heart-racing and exciting as ever.

The colors!  The happiness! The decor! The smiles!  Very, very wonderful moment.

Cute :D

(On a side note, I have to say, the day was beautiful.  But, wow, good night, it was hot.  Not a cloud in the sky, and plenty of sunshine... but if they ceremony had been three minutes longer I might have had to peace out and go find a fan. Or ice skating rink.  And that would have been totally unprofessional so I'm glad it ended when it done.  Props to the guys in the jackets and pants- you did what I could not have done.  You are men.)

Cuter.

Remember how Bethany is really short?  Well Matt is REAL tall.  Basically my favorite.  I love big guys and tiny girls - especially when they kiss :D  I just think it's adorable. ps. They are married now!!!

We fleeeew through pictures with the wedding party.  It was just too hot.  But I'm so happy with how they turned out :D

Wouldn't you think they had a stylist or something?  The outfits and colors are phenomenal!

Wow.  Hello gorgeous people.

We started by the water so we could get some of that fresh, salty breeze.  Water + wife + husband always equals a good picture.

Husbands making wives laugh (even in harsh direct light. shush.) is always a happy picture :D 

You two are beautiful.  Your love is beautiful, your faith is beautiful.  You have a fresh, content peace together. 

The way you interact together really makes it seem like there is no where else you would rather be.  Time slows down.  Life is calm.  It's just beautiful.


I didn't get the joke, but she did aaaaand that's all I care about!  Bethany really isn't an over-the-top emotional girl.  She has a very steadfast personality, so it made it extra cute when she giggled and fluttered with Matt.  She adores you, Matt.  It's so clear.  You must be a really amazing man.

LOVE.

As we wrapped up pictures, I had to grab some shots of Historic Londowntowne and all the decor.  Apparently, this area used to be a thriving city - filled with merchants of all kinds, courthouses and taverns.  It was a pinnacle of trade between colonies and was just a bustling little town.  But, in the late 1700's the town quieted down and practically disappeared from limelight.  The area is small and quaint, and only a few historic buildings remain.  This is one of them, built as a hotel/restaurant for travelers in 1760 its right on the wedding-venue property and I think it's stunning.  I love the stories behind it!

The rest of the reception and area was quite stunning, too.  I maybe have waaaay too many detail shots ;)

After food and feasting we all gathered inside for dancing.  I always love the father-daughter dance.  I think that might be the only time I cry at my wedding.  As they started to dance, Bethany's dad hugged her and sang along.  I caught Matt biting his lip, watching them together.  It was adorable.

And then I noticed a little sniffle, and dad hug his sweetheart even tighter.
But poor Bethany lost it. The rest of the song was a powerful, emotional dance and I couldn't help but tear up myself.

I love how proud of her he is.  Look at his face.  What a beaming daddy and precious girl!
But she was quickly passed back into the arms of her man. Her husband.  Bethany's husband.  They are married.  For the rest of her life she will be held by, protected with and hugged in his arms.  And someday they will walk out of their home, with the life and family they have together, and watch their children in someone else's arms.

And it will still be beautiful.
Congratulations Matt and Bethany! 
Special thanks to: Peter Bang and Syreena Homer for second-shooting!  You two were WONDERful.  And I'm blessed and spoiled :D

Inspiration - Post 1

 I can't do it.  I just can't get weekend weddings on the blog by Monday.  I'm working on two posts right now, hoping to get them up before this next weekend.  Both of them.  And then I'll be all caught up.

I know some people fly through blogging and get things posted so quick, but I just can't do it.  While I was working on pictures today, I realized why I'm so slow.  I look through the pictures over and over.  I get emotional about them all over again.  Sometimes I'll just take my hand off my mouse and look at everyone's faces in the picture.  Maybe it's not the most productive or efficient business system, but that's ok with me.   Weddings are emotional and touching, and I love that.  I love that the people in my pictures are real people at their real wedding in their real lives.  They aren't models or magazine covers, they are all real.  Though I think all my couples could grace any ad, I love that their pictures usually just end up in frames in their house.  I never want to do anything different. 

But I do want to get better.  I want to be a better photographer, a better emotion-getter, a better real-life documentor.  One of the most inspirational photographers to me is Phyllis Lane.  She gets it.  Her pictures are SO emotional, and SO happy. 

Everyone loves a good "serious" face every now and then, but I am a HUGE fan of big, huge, happy smiles.  I'm a fan of laugh lines, scrunched noises, mouth's yelling "YAH!"and an occasional snort or two ;)  I don't know any of these couples from Phyllis's website, but I feel like I do.  I feel like I can touch their love and it makes me smile just to look at their faces. 

I'm so inspired.  And Monday's are going to be "Inspiration Days."  I have folders of photographers or pictures that inspire me to actually feel, and hopefully their awesomeness will rub off on me ;)  Or maybe it will inspire you too!  "Cause we're on in this together! *clap*" or maybe "Mmm, it's always better when we're together." 
Whose work inspires you? And why? I'm super curious and would love to see! Leave a comment, we can be inspired together :D
all photos credit to: phyllis lane

Alain and Jessica {Gaithersburg Wedding}

i'm just too far
from where you are
i want to go home
michael buble' - home

I remember "knowing" Jessica my whole life - I don't know if I ever talked to her, but I knew who she was.  The lone girl in a family of four crazy boys, Jessica was always so mature.  Or at least being a young girl in church, I thought so.  She seemed solid, dependable and peaceful.

I specifically remember one day at church when I was in fourth grade.  She walked by me in red over-alls, red shoes, red hair band and just looked mature.  I watched her walk all around the church lobby and I just thought "She seems like such a good girl.  She's so nice."



As it turns out, I had no idea how truly WONDERful Jessica is.  I knew she was a sweetheart, but wow.  She is really, through-and-through, completely a dear.
And no ordinary man just gets to sweep extraordinary girls off their feet. No, no, no.

When you are as caring, steadfast and beautiful as Jessica, well, any man who wants to be her husband has some seriously high-standards to meet!

So on a hot but breezy Maryland day, friends and family gathered and small-talked in their white chairs.

And ever-so-sweet Jessica watched as she held her father's arm.

And the bridesmaids lined up, excited to be a part of what was about to happen.

And what was about to happen, started to happen - under a glorious blue sky.

Jessica swayed side-to-side, ready to walk down the aisle.

And then, led by the man who raised her, she walked to the man who will finish with her - a diligent, smart, madly-in-love-man.

You couldn't help but get choked up as you watched them stand together.  It gave you chills, even in the heat.

They have a mature love, a faithful love, a proven love.   Alain proposed to Jessica with scripture, and surrounded by their parents.  He honors her so well.

Alain and Jessica are simple people, with a simple story.  Alain loves to cook for Jessica, and Jessica loves to eat his food.  They love to go out for ice cream, or read books together.  Simple, everyday love, folks.

But like Rascal Flatts belts "It's ordinary plain and simple, emotional, so familiar - nothing about it too peculiar - oh, but I can't get enough of this everyday love."
They can't get enough!  I don't know how to explain it without sounding cliche' but they're rather chill, quiet personalities are just kicked up about twelve notches together.  It's like they have never felt more alive.They really belong together - God knew what He was doing.Jessica could barely take her eyes off him...... and Alain couldn't keep his hands off her.    Oh. And this is cute.  In their contract Alain told me how he loved "Jessica's smile, laugh and hands."  I thought that was so sweet, and so detailed. He loves her hands.By the way, how rocking is this car?  Big big thanks to their friend who insisted they borrow it for the day! Can I use it someday too? Please?

I love her twinkling eyes.





Alain and Jessica, your wedding was emotional, intimate, beautiful and I was honored to be a part of it.  I hope the rest of your life together is continually more and more wonderful!
Congratulations!

Rich + Stephanie {Morningside Inn Wedding}

i'm in love with how you feel,
i don't see what anyone could see
in anyone else
but you
the moldy peaches

The day I met them was just like they day they were going to get married.  Peaceful sky and bubbly sun, it was magnificent.  And the weather was the least beautiful thing on both days.

I walked into the small Frederick cafe, and two little heads were in the back waiting for me.  Both were laughing at Rich's previous witty comment.  Before I even sat down they filled me in on the joke, so I could laugh too.  It was funny and I did laugh.  Following the laugh, I thought "Oh I hope they book me.  I want to see these two get married."

Stephanie, according to Rich, is "ridiculously funny and just enough of a geek to be exciting and attractive."  In their contract, he repeated over and over how she has such an enormous heart with a "patience and warmth that can't be learned."  So well said.

It had been almost a year since I had since Stephanie, but I walked into a friend's bridal room when I arrived - at least that is how it felt.  I felt like she was excited to see me - genuinely excited, not like "it's 2:00 and I'm paying for you to be here so get working."  Stephanie is just lovely.

She is a highly-detailed woman, who knows what works and what doesn't - but she doesn't have that high-strung, strict personality.  I don't how she folds the two together like she does.

(Yeah. Look at her.  Gracious.)

I mean, Stephanie, not to be weird... but you looked like an angel.  SO gorgeous.



And so smiling.  Thank you for smiling during your wedding. 

Um, yeah.  Her flowers?!?! Can I EAT them? They were delicious, perfect and so Stephanie.

When Rich was getting ready to propose to Stephanie, he wanted to plan a leisurely romantic dinner in their small town, where he hoped to recreate their first kiss.


He knew that his girlfriend had become his best friend, and it was time to make her his forever friend.

Buuut, timing wasn't exactly on his side.  Moving, stressful work and unclassy St. Patty's Day college kids threatened to ruin his proposal.  Or at least make it kind of awkward, he thought.

Plans have a way of never working out.  Like Sondre Lerche says "You better be prepared to be surprised, that's all I know."  Plans changed and Rich writes:

"So instead, it was a Tuesday night. We ate leftovers, we drank Smithwick’s, and we watched The Biggest Loser. It was the greatest night of my life."

Let's take this second to pause and meet Rich.

Rich is brilliant.  Rich is tender.  Rich is talented.

And Rich is just mad about Stephanie.  She drives him wild and it's written all over his face.  The poor guy doesn't have a chance, because when she looks at him, he's gone.  Cheeks are red, hands are quivering, eyes are sparkling - hey, the man is in love!

Their first look was adorable.



And I love that he high-fived her!  Lovers, and best friends. Perfect.

We ran around gorgeous Morningside Inn to take all the "formals" in the dreamy light.


HOT couple ALert! Wooo--e-oooo weee-ooo-ee!




I'm going to let the pictures do the talking.  It was amazing. They look amazing. They are amazing. Yeah. Amazing.




Stephanie walked down the aisle to string-set written by her man.  Yeah, he's a lawyer, he writes music, he sweeps girls off their feet... He's a keeper, Steph ;)

One of my favorite parts of their whole day was the "Emergency Box." Stephanie's uncle made it and they closed it during the ceremony.  The idea is that they close this box, with wine, glasses and love letters (as well as letters of advice from their parents) and if they ever get to "breaking point" or the "I feel like I can't do this anymore point" they are suppose to clear their night, open the box and enjoy it together.  If they never need it after 10 years, they will celebrate on their anniversary by opening and writing new letters to open on their 20th anniversary.  Romantic, huh?

Kisses are romantic!

And happy husbands and wives are romantic!

Ok, I'm running out of time so I have to rush through the end.  But golly cheese, how CUTE was their reception?  Everything was perfect.



At the end of the night, I noticed Steph and Rich having one of those "You are the only one I see and the rest of the world is a haze" moments.

After hosting their guests all night, they were just so captured with each other.

We went outside to take a little breather.  I thought it was so perfect.  They sighed and laughed.

They danced and talked.  As I watched them I thought about them doing this in 50 years.  When he has a hearing aid and she has wrinkles.  It will be beautiful.

Congratulations you two!

Nick and Beth {Adams Morgan Anniversary Shoot}

"But can you feel this magic in the air?
It must have been the way you kissed me"
taylor swift

It was my second day "interning" with Sarah Barlow in a suburb outside Chicago.  Her other intern slash friend was on her way over, and I was excited to meet her. Her was Beth. Beth Laurren Photography. Yay! 

She arrived loudly, she stayed loudly and she left loudly.  Beth is tall, stunning and most "noticeable" by her fabulous curly hair.  I noddded and blinked - tossing in occasional smiles - as she introduced her self and told stories about her day.  She flipped open her computer to get directions to lunch, and I saw the background picture on her screen.  A cute, tall man with his arms wrapped around Beth's. "Hmmmmm. Dare I interrupt her?"

I couldn't help but ask about boy-girl happenings. I had to know."Who is that?" I pointed.  Beth spun around in her chair "What! Who? That?" Instantly she slowed down when she looked at the picture.  It was decorated with various desktop folders and computer icons, but the picture took her to another place.  A place where being folded in his arms leaves her speechless. 

She honestly stopped talking for a good few moments.  I kinda felt bad "Uh oh... maybe I shouldn't have said that."  But that was interrupted when she oozed "Ooooh... that is Nick. I love him.  I love Nick.  This picture is from our trip to Hawaii. I miss him.  I love him."  She kept her eyes on their picture and my heart skipped a beat.  "Ok, that's adorable."

The rest of my trip to Chicago - at least whenever Beth was involved - always included some kind of "Nick story."  I heard alllLLLll about Nick.  I remember one time after Beth left I said out loud "Oh my gosh, she is crazy about him.  She does not shut up about Nick!"  Sarah and I laughed, but I promise I wasn't mocking.  I was more amazed.  I hadn't heard someone talk like that about her boyfriend before!

A few months after I went home I got THE text.  Nick and Beth were engaged.  Eleven weeks later they were married.  It's been two years of "amazing" according to them.  They love being married and they love being together.

They still live in Chicago, but were visiting some friends and family in my area, so we had to do an anniversary shoot. HAD to.  For almost three years I've been hearing about this Nick and had never met him.  Beth wasn't lying. 

He is wonderful.  I asked him how married life was "Wonderful.  I love it.  It's the best thing I've ever done."  "Beth is crazy about you," I told him.  His eyebrows raised "Well, I am absolutely crazy about her."

I love that despite the hard work, the boring days, the annoying jobs, the petty fights people can still feel so in love.  I hope and pray that their love deepens and shocks them every year. 

Keep loving each other as hard as you do - it is SO special to see :D

And laugh and play a lot.  Because that's fun!

Kiss each other lots and lots! 

And come visit again soon, you two love birds ;)

Colin and Amanda (Herrington on the Bay Wedding)

"i found a boy who had a dream
making everyone smile
he was sunshine
i fell over my feet like bricks underwater"

oxygen - colbie caillat

In preparation for Amanda's wedding, her mom went through all the old little-girl pictures.  Of course her baby looked adorable in each picture, but she had to narrow it down to a few for the slideshow.

"Oooo, this one is a keeper."  Little five-year-old Amanda at Hershey Park, riding in a yellow bumper car, smiling like the dickens.   

In preparation for Colin's wedding, his mom went through old little-boy-pictures.  Of course her angel looked darling in each picture, but she had to narrow it down to a few for the slideshow.  She came across a sweet picture of five-year-old Collin at Hershey Park, riding in the exact same bumper yellow bumper car, smiling ear-to-ear.  Different time, different trip, and they didn't know each other at all.  But, I guess it was meant to be?  These two have been bumping into each other for way to long, and it's time. They're in love.  They're getting maaaarried!

As everyone got ready that morning, the feeling in the air was one of a theme park.  Friends and family were all around, girls were giggling, celebration and happiness was almost touchable.  Bright, colorful, smiling - like a little kid in a bumper car.  

Amanda and her friends laughed about highschool jokes, laughed about Amanda's "spot-on" presents for the girls, laughed about honeymoon jokes.  There was even a pretty major mistake made by someone regarding the linens, and Amanda found out right as I walked in.  She was on the phone, with the teary-bearer-of-bad-linen-news, smiling and consoling her.  "Oh it's fiiiiine! Just use white!  And don't you dare kick yourself about it!" *laughs*

I think that is one of Amanda's most endearing qualities - her easy, happy enjoyment of life.  Yes, maybe she had a "right" to have the color linens she wants at her wedding.  But why turn sour?  She smiled, she laughed, she enjoyed her day.

That's rare in this world of "me-monsters."  Amanda is a "you-monster."  She loves to love other people.

That (besides her ri-DIC-ulously beautiful face) must have been what attracted Colin to her.  How can you not be completely smitten with someone who loves to love?

She's going to be an incredible wife with that genuine, self-less attitude of hers.  And that gorgeous face. Because, really, how lovely was she?!

The girls got ready at Amanda's uncle's home - the surroundings were outstanding!

And the wedding was down on the Chesapeake Bay at Herrington on the Bay.  That's where I met up with Colin.  He and his guys were such gentleman, and also such happy people.  I can't stress enough how much I appreciate and love that.

Weddings should be friends celebrating with friends, couples celebrating with each other, and families just glowing in the joy of the day.  That's just how it should be, and that's just how it was.

As the ceremony was beginning, Amanda's nerves kicked in.  Like the butterflies in her stomach were kicking.  The sweet thing was so nervous and needed some best-friend love. 

And the only thing better then best-friend-love is daddy-love.  He held her, kept her warm and talked with her the last few moments before she became a wife.

As the music soared, the water murmured, the trees swayed, and guests arose, Amanda took a big breath and said "Ok.Ok.Ooookay. Dad tell me something funny. Ok. Okaaay."  She walked down to the little boy who showed up in the background of her childhood memories and had grown up to be a man - her man.

And he watched her walk down to him.  He swore he wouldn't cry.  I asked them at the engagement shoot. "Oh no, I'm not a crier."  Well, Colin, I guess she has that effect on you ;)

His mom cried, and the lady with the hat cried, and maybe I even teared up a little.

It was a moving moment.

After the wedding one of Amanda's relatives came up to her, with tears in his eyes and wisdom in his voice, and let her know that "he had never seen someone look at a woman the way Colin looked at her.  At all the weddings I've been to, I've never seen a look quite like that."  Well said. Well said.

After the ceremony we had plenty of time to roam the property for pictures - and it's these moments where, and I don't meant to sounds stupid or cheesy, but I really feel so alive.  

It's like the wrapping paper comes off, the stress washes away and beauty shines.  And I DO know how silly that sounds, but I can't explain it.  

I can't explain what it is like to wander around and spend the first thirty minutes of a marriage with a couple.  I won't be there for most of their life, but I get this little window at the very beginning.

I don't get a set or a casting-call with models.  I don't get to choose the clothes, or the hair styles, or the time of day anything happens.  I enter their life just as they have it, and I photograph their marriage just as it is: fresh, exciting, joyous, relieving and beautiful.

I get to watch all the nose-nuzzle's, the thumbs-rubs, the extra tight squeeze right before a hug is let go.  

I love it.  I love that in 75 years, their grandchildren will get to look back and see how in love Colin and Amanda were.  They get to see how they started their life together.

You two have started so well - it's almost like a storybook.  People dream of relationships like yours, and I couldn't be more supportive or happy for you.  

You light up together.  You fit.  You have that "best friends who fell in love" quality.  It's just stunning!

Thank you for not taking yourselves too seriously, but enjoying each other with all the little quirks.

Colin, thank you for respecting your lady and for treating her so royally.
Amanda, thank you for being passionate about coming alongside this man and making your lives together.  

I could have blogged probably 100 pictures, but I have to stop.  So we'll end where the party starts.  The reception was so dear, so tasteful, so wonderful.

And this was the view from the tent to the right:

And this straight out the back (not shabby, eh?)

Colin and Amanda, seriously, congratulations.  I wish you all the best :D  Thank you for having me!

Nathan and Jen {Damascus Engagement}

"On second thought, just the way you are
Is already drivin' me crazy
So baby, why don't we just dance?"
josh turner - why don't we just dance

He was new in town.  And oh goodness was he causing a stir.  I actually remember multiple conversations that went something along the lines of "Have you seen 'American Eagle Boy' yet?" "He's like a cowboy.  And he likes country music."  Nathan was here and Nathan was single.

Nathan was southern sweet with a farm-boy work ethic.

And Jen liked country music.

Well, actually, that was just the beginning of Jen.  Jen is also very sweet and bubbly - like a good Sprite (but not too annoying bubbly.  Because no southern gentleman would want that.)  She is smart, beautiful, light-hearted, fun and fits perfectly inside Nathan's hug.

After meeting at a get-together, they became fast friends.  Nathan even told Jen she was his "best friend in Maryland." Hoollller! Um, I bet that was a skip-a-beat moment in Jen's heart. 

Quickly and decisively Nathan took their friendship to the next level, and the last four years have been a whirlwind of laughter, long-distance, romance, waiting, falling in love and growing up together.

After a super sneaky and ridiculously cute proposal at a local park, Nathan and Jen are finally getting married.  Jen has always been such an encouraging "fan" of my work, and we all have been so excited to shoot together!

But on the day of the shoot, the skies ripped and the waters rained down.  It was rain that hurt when it hit you.  We decided to do what we could, and rocked the library and the over-hang in front of the town-favorite-ice-cream-stand, Jimmie Cone.

I wasn't really sure what else we could do, so we were going to cut it short and take a few last shots in the rain.  But as they were giggling and dancing atop some tables, the rain stopped!  As fast as it had begun, it was finished.

Even though it was quite wet and muddy, these two were game.  Because they are like little children.  Who love games.  And watching them play together is fantastic :D

It did drizzle for a little bit, but I think it adds so much to the pictures!  LOVE this one.  They were dancing and singing to each other ;)

I loved how romantic the humid post-rain air was. Aren't they babes?

They got props for these shots: water, mud, thorns and ticks... but look at the result?  I love my couples ;)





I seriously cannot wait for your wedding! 

You guys are going to have a lifetime of beautiful fun together and it's just absolute, pure JOY to watch you two together.


See you in a few weeks!