George + Melissa {Engagament Shoot - Alexandria, VA}

"I just want it to be love
Oooh. oh."
matt white - love

Just so y'all know: This is Melissa. And she is THE greatest snuggler in the whole world.

So says George.

Oh, and this is George, too.  He is he has a special "I love you" look that makes Melissa cry. Every.Single.Time.

Even though she hates it, George thinks Melissa is absolutely irresistible when she is angry.

Melissa thinks it is super attractive that George "doesn't try to be anything he is not. He's just himself."

They both quite love to touch each other.

When they lived in Texas, George loved to drive an hour each way to watch Melissa's indoor soccer games every week.  And as soon as he left, he had to call her and let her know he missed her.

Melissa loves that George will wear "seersucker suits, pink, Crokies, Ray Bans, yellow bands, and bowties. His wardrobe is straight out of Southern Proper, as well are his manners." Melissa loves how George takes care of her.  She loves his chivalrous, specific and gentlemanly affection.

George loves making jokes.And Melissa loves laughing at them.
Melissa loves to be funny.
And George loves to laugh with her.
It's even better when his hand is in her hair and they are laughing.

The best is when they are laughing together while their IDIOT photographer has them laying in the street at forgets to check for cars and they almost get run over ;)

But really, they are wonderful.  We chatted up a storm, us three.
And while we were walking from location to location they bought candy from a little girl trying to raise money for new school uniforms at an underprivileged school.  Her eyes lit up, she thanked them profusely and we continued our shoot. 


It would have been so easy to walk right past her, especially in the middle of your ENGAGEMENT SHOOT.  But these two love people.  Melissa raves about how George would do anything for the people he loves, and George is amazed at Melissa's skill in becoming friends with anyone.  They care about other people.  I can't wait to see how much more they can do that as a married couple.





"Can you take a picture of her feet? Melissa loves feet."
"NO! I don't love FEET. I love your feet. Or when you touch my feet."
"I don't know where I found this one."
Smiles, foot-touching and snuggling followed.



In a world of speed and chaos, I'm so impressed by Melissa and George's easy, careful thoughtfulness.  Their contract pages answering my questions were four pages long - and filled with details.  Details about each other and their love.  They care to note those things and care to remind each other of those things.  So beautiful.



So, you two little lovebirds.  Keep being best of friends, keep planning that wedding (that WILL make it onto Style Me Pretty) and keep partying through life, doing like you do.

I had a blast with you! And I'll see you at your wedding (and hopefully sooner!)

Personal Project {Personal}

Today I'm giving you a sneak-peek into a "personal project slash new business element" I've been working on.  More details to come, but at some point today you should head on over to my other blog to read about Terry and Cindy.  I won't give too much info here, but I personally have been so encouraged, inspired and challenged by this marriage and family.  Especially little Joel who I didn't get to meet, but am excited to meet someday.

Have a lovely Tuesday folks!

Helping Hands? {Personal}

I neeeeed haaaa-eeeeelp.

I'm usually such a quick, decisive decision maker.
I'm never that girl who lingers and laments looking at a menu trying to decide what to order.
I test drove one car, it drove, it was in my budget, it was white and within two hours it was mine.
Boom. Decided.

But I'm stuck with this coffee table decision.  So I'm calling upon my fresh eyes, my newlyweds, my artistic readers, my mom and pretty much anyone else.  Which table do you like?

I think all three would go well with my zebra rug, new gray tweed chairs and white modern sofa.
The first two cost the same, and the third is $50 more.
And they all are from CB2.

Take a look and tell me your thoughts:

Clean, classy, sharp:


Warehouse-y style, practical, AND in the sale section:

Modern, fun and the most expensive:

What do you think?
I need your thoughts?!Ah.
No question mark.
I NEED YOUR THOUGHTS!

And someday I'll help you order your food real quick ;)

Janko + Rachel {Glen Echo Wedding}

"Long live the walls we crashed through
I had the time of my life with you"
long live - taylor swift

Janko's mother pinned a piece of rosemary, following Serbian tradition, to his jacket.
Janko hugged her, and then continued on with his list of things to do.  Everything needed to be perfect.
And Janko himself was going to make sure that it was.

Janko is a take-charge kind of guy.
He is even the one who initially contacted me to shoot he and Rachel's Glen Echo wedding.
IWANTTOMARRYGLENECHO.
(You may remember Tara + Preston's wedding here last year.)

We had e-mailed back and forth a few times, but the first time I met both Janko and Rachel was at their wedding.
But I knew it was going to be wonderful.  A do-it-yourself wedding at an old carnival scene where two witty, well-traveled people wed?  Yeah, that's the kind of wedding I'm talking about.

Everything about the day was unreal.

It was one of those weddings where every.single.thing just "clicks." 

While we were in the dance studio, Rachel and I chatted back and forth.
Good golly Miss Molly, she is funny.  I'm so jealous of people who are able to be sincere and funny, confident and laid-back all at the same time.  Rachel is like that.  She has such a wow-factor-air about her.

(Wait for it.  The little ring-bearer outfits were kissable.)

I have much to get through, so we need to get the ceremony rolling.

You can definitely tell a lot about a couple by the guests at their wedding.  Janko and Rachel's guests started to pour in - colorful, fashionable, old, young, diverse and talking! 

Janko was escorted by his Serbian born father and beautiful mother.

Rachel entered the wedding from the Hall of Mirrors.
(Location, location, location!)

Ok, so.
At this point I was already freaking out.  So much color, so much lovely light, so much to photograph.

When weddings are straight-up AMAZing I sometimes get a little overwhelmed because I am like "How am I going to be able to make this look as good as it is?!"  I can't bring home smells and sounds and emotions.  I can only bring home pictures.  And sometimes I wish I had more time to make the pictures as amazing as the event.

But, I was very very happily trying.  Rachel was radiant, Janko was endearing.
I was working hard, but loving every second.

And then it was vow-time.Vow-time.
Oh gracious.
I just didn't capture their vows as good as it really was. It was SO GOOD.
Janko started to read "There are many reasons I love you, Rachel." But before he got to "reasons" he was a mess.

And by the time he got to "love" his uncle and officiant was a mess too.  As was I.  And most of the guests.

Rachel took it in stride, kept her elegant, shining demur in tact and was a rock for him while he tried to keep going.  After a few deep breaths, groggy "I'm sorry"'s and tears, Janko joked "I'm mostly concerned about my mascera!" and tried again.

But it was still quite difficult to get anything out other then tears.
Eventually he watered his way through Rachel's passion, Rachel's strength and Rachel unconditional love for him.
Ah-mazing.

Then it was Rachel's turn.

She also tried and tried, but her vows were a sincere, affectionate but teary time as well.
"I never imagined I would be able to find a you."

She cried, I cried, we cried.
Oh how I love pure and geniune emotion!!!

They did it though :D
And are finally, happily and dearly married!

This is completely unposed.  They stopped and just hugged, kissed, arm-rubbed and loved each other.

But I had to break-up the sweet to go take some pictures!

Janko and Rachel were one of my rare who couples whose "biggest" priority wasn't "getting lots of pictures."  They are also a rare in that I was ok with that!

Yes, they absolutely did want photos of themselves together.
They went to remember these tender, passionate times as newlyweds.

Yes, they want to remember the laughter and joy of married bliss.

Yes, they want to remember the butterflies, the interlocked fingers and blushed cheeks.

But they also had a priority of being with their guests.
They wanted to spend cocktail hour and the reception with the people they, as a couple, love the most.

That is just the kind of people they are.
They love life, they love people.
They absolutely adore helping others - they have vision, drive and a "go-get-em" mentally.

Marriage wasn't a way for them to slow down and take it easy, no.
It was a way for them to be twice as strong and twice as valuable to others.
(ps. Seriously, Glen Echo, seriously. You make my heart race.)

So after only seven minutes of shooting, we headed back over to cocktail hour.

Well, maybe we need just ONE more hug ;)
Because they really are madly in love (remember all those tears? Phsshoo...)

What a power couple :DLove it!

This cocktail hour was filled with more joy and more love then I can ever remember at any cocktail hour I've been to.

Literally everyone was talking, smiling, greeting and hugging.

Children were playing peek-a-boo with sweet old men in bow-ties.


The DIY flowers and hand-made table cloths represented so much heart and love that got put into this day.

(Ps.  There are many pictures of children this post.  I'm such a fan of children.)

Not gonna lie, I definitley swiped some of that meat for a tasty little energy treat ;)

See? Love all around.

And food.
That's really my definition of "wonderful time" - love and food haha

The hand-tied packages and the hand-made table cards were perfection.

This was another "over-flow of emotion" moment.
Rachel and Janko's mother's both came up to the new wife.

They just raved about her.  They were so happy for her.
I love their faces :D

Aren't these ring-bearer outfits perfect?!
(And little mister guy was def sneaking some food too ;) We had a bond.)

TOO MUCH CUTE!

More happiness and children...

The guestbook was a simple black album where friends could stick a polaroid of themselves and sign a note.  I totally signed the guestbook ;) I wanted to be a part of the fun!







Before it got too dark, I had to run into the reception pavilion and get all the DIY details.  They did the flowers themselves and borrowed or re-used "vases."



Rachel's mom was in charge of the linens.  And don't the wooden brown chairs look so sharp?! They wittled them by hand.
Just kidding ;)
(By the way, I love the booster seat in this one.  I just love the little reminder that kids were here ;D)

Gloriiiiiious.




Once it officially became night, the party began :D



While the guests ate their amazing meal, these two little girls, without a care in the world, danced and danced on the unused band stage.  I could have watched them for hours.



After much joyous feasting, wise and thrilled toasting, and general splendor...
... there was dancing.

I always start taking first-dance photos with my flash, but after a few solid shots, I have to switch to no flash. 

I love the dark romantic-ness.
I love the soft, easy emotion you can see.


I love the grainy kisses, in-focus hands and "we are the only two people on earth" feel.

Janko and Rachel, you are two wonderful people and are now part of one amazing marriage.
It was an absolute joy to be a part of this day with you!

Congratulations!

ps. Serbians can DANCE.
And so can all of Rachel and Janko's friends.  That place was hopping!!!The.end.:D

Kevin + Leah {Washington DC Wedding}

"All the other girls here are stars,
You are the northern lights.
They try and they try but everything they do
Is a pale imitation of you.
I'll be the one to drive you back home"
josh ritter -kathleen

"Oh!  And there might be crunchy on my face.  Sometimes there are Cheez-it's there," Leah warned her make-up artist.  I laughed behind my camera. hahah Oh Leah.

I've always loved her sense of humor.   From her quite... mature?... movie choices, to her very first inquiry e-mail where she sent a whole document (including pictures) of her proposal story.

In her own words she explains how she had NO clue KJ was about to propose:
“Hey don’t look in my carry on I have a little surprise for you”.
Leah, “Yup, ok.”
Leah= Doof.Pretty bluntly he’s like, “Hey Le, just stay over there everything’s cool”.
Leah,“Yup, ok”.
Leah = Doof.




[They flew to Huntington Beach together and Kevin had planned to propose after their early dinner on the beach, during sunset.  But Leah wasn't hungry (and had no clue a proposal was going down) so begged to eat later.  Which Kevin allowed.  But they missed the sunset. Back to Leah]:

He’s trying to rack his brain for somewhere that could maybe have some light so I can see the ring. 
We start walking down this one area and KJ is thinking to himself "Oh maybe this is a good spot!"
And just as he thinks that, cue Leah “Is it me or does this area smell like broccoli?”
Ok…well never mind there.

[Happily, KJ found a deserted fire pit with a warm fire still flaming]:
KJ on one knee:
“Leah, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
I want you to be my wife.
Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” 
I am crying,
I think I said yes?
I am hugging him,
I am just freaking out.

And I got all that in her very first e-mail.  Could there be a better match for me?! I knew I wanted to shoot their wedding instantly.  Another example of why I love her?
After her hair and make-up was done she went to check herself out in the mirror.
"Oh heeeey. Hey there. Yeah, hi. Mmm, yeah. Heeeey."
I think she was cat-calling herself? I don't know, but it cracked me up. And she looked amazing.

Leah is more then just hysterical (I kept writing down quotes from her all day - I was SO amused), she is also very grounded.  You can tell she takes things seriously.  It's hard to balance "taking things seriously" with a "not too serious" personality.  But Leah nails it.

She is also so grateful.
I know she stopped to look me in the eyes and communicate her excitement for me being there, as well as to thank me, at least three times.  That was so sweet of her.  Of all times to not have to "think about other people" it would be your wedding day.

But for Leah that was the time she most wanted to think of other people.


It's such a peaceful, satisfying feeling when you watch a bride with her best friends and they treat each so well.  I love when they laugh, tease, tear-up and mostly laugh.  It's beautiful how each of them played a role in getting this girl to this day.

I love it.
Especially when they are all hotties.

This walk was one of the most entertaining of my life. 
Oh Leah, I heart you and your friends and the teenage girl on her phone crossing the road.  I heart it all.

But before we get to the ceremony, I must introduce Kevin. Or KJ. Or Kyle?  I kept calling him that by mistake.  I guess it felt like a choose-your-own-adventure name? "Call him this, and seeee what happens!" haha Sorry about that, KEVIN.

Kevin is the perfect guy for Leah.
His heart, his focus, his dry humor, his tenderness.
They reaaaaally should get married.


Oh wait.
They did.
And it was beautiful.

I had never been to Immaculate Conception Church in DC before, but *pffffffft* was it magnificent.
What an ideal place to wed.





I would post more from the ceremony... except that I have so much to get to as far as KJ+Leah shots go, so I'm being good.  But I couldn't pass up this golden happiness  of a moment :D

Oh.  And I also have to brag about this family formal shot.  Probably one of the biggest I've ever done.  I like it, I like it a lot :D

Alright, so, after ze whole wedding part of the day, we got to go around the DC Convention Center to take pictures.
VERY.
MUCH.
FUN.



Really, it was brilliant.

And all these huge, empty staircases?  They wailed to be used in pictures.  And NO one can resist wailing carpet.

"Put'chyour HANDS up, playin' my song...noddin my head like YAH."
Someone needed to bring that song some love in 2010.  Why not me?

Now for some more couple specifics.
KJ and Leah.
I hope you got to soak this day in.

It was incredible.
I love getting to see how detailed you are with each other.

Kevin, the little things Leah loves about you:How you proposed a day before her birthday so she could be engaged before she was 30,
how you sent her this video before she went on a 3-week-trip,
how you stood straighter and prouder as we walked the halls of the convention center with her next to you,how you play with her fingers,
how you didn't want to let her know about the cake so she wouldn't be stressed.

Absolutely adorable.
All of it.


And Leah, what you do to him:
you make light-up and laugh at things only you two know,
you are a little hurricane of heart, joy and personality,
you take the time to write hand-written notes, to affirm him, to enjoy his company.
He's really very special with you - it's so obvious that you are his treasure.



It was just a highlight of my day getting to walk around with you both and see how you interact.

So many shots aren't poses at all, but just you loving each other.

I can picture you both wrinkly + grey, but even more affectionate and happy together.
(ps.  Can anyone spy the monument? Woop! Woop!)

You are an incredible team with so much support surrounding you.



You are so full of life, whimsy and laughter.
I'm not trying to over-do this for the sake of a sweet blog post, but you two REALLY make me laugh!

And then you give me little butterflies, like the ones I get when I finish watching a YouTube montage about Noah + Allie from The Notebook or something. 

But your love and passion is real, not scripted.  And you really are in love - so sweetly, deeply, wholly in love.

I love how you interlock fingers when you hold hands.
You honestly do get as close to each other as you possibly can. 



Keep telling your secrets and funny stories and witty comments to each other.
Keep being each other's bestest friend.

It was an honor to document your love!


I wish you both the happiest of lives as you adventure together.

Congratulations!

Danny + Annie {StoryCorps}

"I could write on and on about her.
She lights up my life at night when she says,

'Wouldn't you like a little ice-cream?'

or

'Would you please drink more water?'

I mean, those aren't very romantic things,
but they stir my heart."

 

"In my mind, and my heart,
there has never been,
there is not now,
and never will be another Annie."

Michael + Beth {Shade Tree and Evergreen Wedding}

"The moon and the stars can follow the car 
and then when we get to the ocean 
We gonna take a boat to the end of the world 
All the way to the end of the world. 

You and me together, we could do anything, Baby"

you + me dave matthews band

The boys ran around outside trying to hang the paper lanterns while Beth and her girls RUSHed to get ready.   Things were just a tad behind schedule, but after all those years of waiting, Beth wasn't flustered.In the little wooden room yellow fabric flashed about while the bridesmaids sprayed perfume, deodorant - oops! that wasn't deodorant! Has anyone seen the little pink bag with deodorant?! - hairspray.  They affixed pins, attached a veil, clipped clasps around ankles, fluffed hair and rosied cheeks.  In the the crazy, Beth laughed.I soon learned about Beth's story in relationship to Michael.  The story of their relationship, one could say :DThey were "friends" in highschool, but you know how highschoolers are ;)  Sparks didn't fly, but Beth always had a secret thing for this incredibly nice, ambitious Michael Lyons.A bit later they reconnected and, as they say, the rest is history.But falling in love proved to be a sacrifice - as all meaningful love includes.They had both come to a point in life where they wanted to head a certain direction.  Michael hoped to be a lawyer in the Army JAG Corps, while Beth wanted to attend grad school.They decided to both go for it, and see whose "situation" worked out first, and whichever it was, they would do.  Now, let me pause.  After almost 8 years of "being together" I love that they are both so supportive of the other's dreams.  Very precious.Resume.As it turns out, they both got accepted to their dream "situations" at the same time.  Now they just had to pick one.  With the woman he loves by his side, they, together (cue Dave Matthews Band "you and me, together, we can do aaAanything, BAbyyy...") decided to pursue Michael's JAG world.Michael, by the way, is TOO nice.  Usually when I hang out with the groomsmen they all joke, tease and act, well, like guys.  And Michael's groomsmen were no exception.  And neither was Michael.  But it almost felt wrong when Michael teased because it just SO wasn't "like" him!  Out-going, friendly, sincere, humble... He is a quality guy.  No wonder Beth could be so excited to join him on this ride.
So, on a peaceful Monday in the heart of October, they gathered with family and friends to officially become husband and wife.So they can be together forever AND so they can leave for Japan together now.  Craziness!
I love Shade Tree and Evergreens and have shot there MANY times before.  One of the best parts is how different it can look with slightly different decor.  And slightly different but still cute pint-sized guests :D

A teary entrance:
A magical land:
Heart-racing faces:Committed contentment:
Basically, it was a wonderful wedding.  But now we need some pictures of the couple.  Sweet.  Let's go.I love groomsman's face on the right. hahah So middle school ;)
This picture, ladies and gentleman, was completely dangerous.  And once I had them all out there I was like "UM. What am I doing?!"  But they were so cooperative and no one fell in, even though the dock was...sinking?... and the water was inches from everyone hahaMmmm.  Delicious.

I love these so much.  This is when they first started telling me "their story" and their body-language while telling it was just so smitten, so supportive.(Me note:  I love the colors they chose!  Light yellow and grey?  Oh gracious.  Perfection.)I don't think I've ever shot in rows of Christmas trees before.  I might need to do that more often.

Sooo romantic :D :D

These are such "communicating" pictures to me.I'm with you.I love you.This is it, here we go.Together.I'll protect you.I'm so glad you are mine.I love you.
I could have shot until my camera broke, but they did have some friends and family to celebrate with...

So we celebrated :D



Gotta love a good solid toast written on Wal-Mart receipts :DBut more then that, you gotta love husbands and wives, kissing, with their favorite people all around beside them.  Congratulations Mr. + Mrs. Lyons!  Enjoy your adventure, together!

Brittany + Justin {I'm Kristen Engagement}

close your brown eyesand lay down next to meclose your eyesthere goes your fear again - doves"Ok, this is the not romantic part.  Don't blog this.  We met online. AND DON'T JUDGE ME! I know what you are thinking.  I thought it to.  Of myself.  But, I'm getting married. So. And I love him."Brittany is... well... a firecracker. A talkative, energetic, loud, spicy, emotional, hysterical little fiesta of a girl.  She loves to bake (and has a wonderfully entertaining blog you should check out), she loves to eat, she loves to chill, she loves to write, and she loves to be in love with Justin.Eeeeeven though they met online.

When I first met Brittany + her mom, I got to hear Brittany tell me about her relationship.Her Mr. Stud Police Officer fiance' "is her rock" Brittany's mom explained.  "He calms her down.  But doesn't make her dull."  I heard about their first date, their proposal and their plans for the future - all through Brittany's laughs, shrieks, hand motions, tangents, sighs and smiles.After meetings like that, it's hard to wait for engagement sessions where I can see them both together.But it was worth the wait. These two are just what every couple should be.
I LOVE when couples are clearly "into" each other (duh.) but also not sooOOoo mushy-gushy that you feel like it's just infatuation.  I don't know if that makes sense, but it does in my head.



I just love when couples are very affectionate, but also very comfortable and normal.I loved how they were clearly best friends.  Easy friends.  But completely in love friends.(By the way, cute moment.  I asked "So, tell me about your first kiss." Brittany announced "Oh, it was hot."  Justin smiled at her and then nodded at me in approval.  I heart them!)

Justin definitely is that calming, manly, strong presence Brittany and her mom told me about, and he definitely does not dull her.  He refines her.  And they just have the most and best kinds of fun together :DOh, hey now.  Hold on. Don't be TOO attractive, alright? Easy now.


Somewhere around this time they started using their "voices."  I love couples "voices."Some movie character, some made-up character, some person they came across... The voices come from all around, but any quite cute couple has voices.
BOOM. 
I love their first date story.  It was ten hours long, and Justin thought it just went WONDERfully.  He was thrilled.Brittany thought he was too nice.  "Alright, you can cut it out now.  Stop being so nice."Justin wasn't really sure what to say.
As we walked through the town, and Brittany held her diamond-crowned hand in his and told me "Kristen, he's really that nice.  I can't believe it."  God gave this girl the most solid, dependable, sweet man to be her husband.  It's just the dearest thing ever.
You both made my day, and I'm in love with you as a couple.  I canNOT wait for your wedding.  I'm glad online dating sites exist.  Because I'm glad you two get to be together forever. 
And thank you for lunch. And the banana-bread.And the hyster.ic.al. stories.
I love you guys!

Custom Plaid Canvas {Recommended}

"When I am an old man, I will wear plaid trousers,
Let my shirt tail hang out on one side on Tuesdays,
I think I'll have more fun
Saying what I think, being who I am,
When I am an old man, wearing plaid"robert mcwilliamThis fall/winter I have a goal to partner with other artists/vendors to do personal/fun shoots for me, but that can advertise/recommend their work to you/blog-readers! Slash/Slanted-line.
:D
Today I'm so honored to show-off some pieces from Seth Remsnyder.I LOVE this art.  LOVE.CAPITAL LETTERS.
Seth's work is brilliant - colorful, thoughtful and very, very practical for many houses, bedrooms, offices, studios and the like.  I love how so many different kinds of "style" could work with Seth's pieces.
Gotta admit, a custom plaid would be SUCH a fun idea for bridesmaids gifts!  Maybe a 6x6 in your wedding colors?  Or maybe you could have one made in your brand colors for a studio?  Or maybe you could have one made for your man with the colors of his favorite sports team?  Everyone, the options are endless.  But, without further ado: ze peectures.I wanted to try to create a personal shoot for each piece.  They each "feel" so different to me, so I wanted to take the time to make the shoot be me, but also represent Seth's work.These first two make me feel like summer.  Maybe it's because I'm already nostalgic and missing it, or maybe it's the bright, smiling colors that are always the shades of summer sky and summer grass and summer strawberries.These plaids remind me of my last summer as a teenager.  Young, but on the brink of something big.Still SO a care-free child, but about to enter a complex world of responsibility.But who said responsibility is bad?  Growing-up is hard, but it's also fun.  It's pleasant, lovely and new.  And that is exactly where my mind goes when I look at these particular pieces.  But maybe it tells you a different story? :D Oh, art art. It's just too fun.These next two are custom squares Seth made for me!  I hate them.Not.I LOVE THEM.
They remind me of when I went to New York for PhotoPlus when I was 18.I had finished school, I had interned in Chicago, I was starting my business, and PhotoPlus was my first photography-event.  That week in New York was a cloudy, fall week.  I felt in over my head, but also loved every moment.  I felt so young, but I felt so excited to be "big," to be there!The grey reminds me of the tall buildings in the dreary skyline.The teal reminds me of Tiffany's - all things glamourous + grown-up (especially in New York City!)The pink reminds me of bubble-gum.  And my favorite Barbie princess dress.The perfect cross of being little and being an adult.In New York, Lydia Jane, Sarah Barlow, Natalie + I dressed up, met "big names," did photoshoots, ate, shopped, talked photo-jargon and had a ball.  
These plaids flood my mind with those memories.  (ps. Um, can we all give a round of applause to my lovely model.  Rachel, who has never modeled before, pretty much is gorgeous.  I wanted to shoot her for two more hours. Twice.)The next plaid is another favorite.It's, to me, the beach plaid.
Gorgeous blue, stunning boldness, a hint of yellow sand.  It makes me think of a hot sunny day, with rows of hotels and nasty little shops lined up along the shoreline.
It reminds me of waking up with sunburn, salty wavy hair and a day full of possibilities.  And swirly lollipops.
It's booking a room at a discount hotel with all your friends, and splitting it five-ways and saying "Next time let's try to stay and so-and-so's parents house for cheaper."  It's laughing, it's sand in the bathroom (and the car. and your belly-button.)
It's the long highway drive, it's beach towels, it's losing your sunglasses.  It's the beach!

Aaaand now we head back outside for my favorite one.(ps. again.  Rachel.  Next time you come, can you try to look decent? Jeez,  Look what you give me to work with.  JOKE!  You are SO BEAUTIFUL!)
Theeeees one is my absolute favorite.  Seth + his wife call it Big Bird.  I call it Wonderful Bird.

I don't know exactly what story it tells me, but it just makes me happy to look at it.

Light and gentle, subtle and happy, clear and fresh.Those words come to mind.
That plaid just has an ease about it that I can't get over.  I adore it.

And let's end with a little goofin' around, yeah?Yeah, I thought so.

Thank you Seth for your custom plaid art and for letting me use your peices!You do amazing work!  Everyone, check it out and get in touch with Seth!
Rachel, thank you for being wonderful + lovely. Ashley, thanks for being the accidental assistant. 
"Speeech! Spppeeech! SPEECH!"
I'm done.  I hope you enjoyed yourself.

f/stop Breast Cancer {Personal}

One a foggy fall morning in 2003, my parents gathered all of their children in the family room and told us they had something to tell us.  

Mom had breast cancer.   

That conversation started an unforgettable and life-changing year for me.  That night I practically bled tears as I laid in bed, trying to sleep and eventually I snuck into my mom's room and slept next to her bed on the floor.  I was scared.  But there is nothing like being loved by your church, neighborhood and even complete strangers.  By the help of literally hundreds, my dad, my six younger siblings and I were fed, carpooled, hosted, given clean clothes, had Christmas gifts wrapped, and adventures had while my mother battled cancer.   What a fighter.  Watching her faith gave me faith.  She was peaceful, hopeful and strong.  She made us laugh when she lost her hair (hardest moment of my life when I came home from school and saw her bald, sleeping head) by buying and wearing a colorful clown wig.  She never let us worry.  She lived out her marvelous hope in God.

But I think the hardest part for her wasn't the chemo, or the surgeries, or the recovery, or the steroids… it was missing our lives.  At the time she had a one-year-old, two-year-old and four-year-old who she couldn't snuggle with at night.  That killed her.  Her babies were growing up and they had to spend most their time with someone else.  And that's when I first got serious about photography.  I took pictures of those kids so she could remember them during that year.  Rolls and rolls and rolls of film simply telling of the story of little Michael, Shannon and Lauren.   All of the wonderful women who came to help us always let me show them my "favorite" pictures and they were oh-so encouraging and supportive.  And one dear girl offered to let me shoot at her wedding that upcoming summer.  And that's how it allllll began.   

My photography business is so closely tied to my mom's breast cancer.  She thankfully is in remission and is as healthy as a peach :D  Praise God!  But I wanted to be a part of this fundraiser for any daughter who ever has or ever will watch their mom experience cancer.  As hard as it is, there is so much hope.  And God can do unimaginably wonderful things through such trying times.   

So, I am COMPLETELY honored to be a part of Lydia Shannon's "f/stop Breast Cancer" photography auction.  She has 50 photographers (including Jose Villa, The Image is Found, Becker, Mark Brooke, Justin&Mary, Susan Stripling and so many others) who are offering mentor-sessions for this auction.  

Check out the site here!

The auction will be from October 14- October 19th and all proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer.  I'd love your bid!  I'd love to be able to use my business - that so started because of breast cancer - to help! 

So, spread the word, mark your calendars and let's raise some money, friends!

Mom, this is for you!  I love you.

Apartment Life {Personal}

"oh lizzy,it's such a pleasure to run my own home."charlotte - pride and prejudiceI'm not the biggest fan of living alone, but I absolutely love having my own place.  Most of you have probably seen on here or on my facebook/twitter that I've been in my first apartment for the last month!  People have been asking for pictures, so I'm gonna give a little sneak-peak.  I'm waiting for a few more furniture pieces to arrive before I "reveal" the whole thing ;)It's fun pulling all different things together to decorate.  The walls are white and I have black curtains, so color in the place comes from other little items (like my mom's childhood building blocks, a "new" pink birdcage, my re-painted yardsale dresser and old film pictures of my mom + grandma at Disney in the 50's!)
I also have this large "inspiration frame" up where I stick anything that... well, you aren't dumb... inspires me!  Magazine pages, pictures I come across, old journal entries, little "tac-able" items - if I can fit it, it goes in the frame :D
These white frames are a project in progress... stay tuned to see the finished decor in later weeks ;)But my FAVORITE part of my apartment right now is the art :DFor my birthday my lovely best friend, Lydia Jane, drew me a big picture of my favorite place - the fair.  I have the best friend eeeever!We both are our happiest when riding on the swings at night, so of course she drew the them ;)  And I'm also a sucker for ferris wheels and roller-coasters.  My favorite part of the picture is the little fellow on the swings right above the loop in the coaster - he has his little arm up in the air! So cute :)
Lydia's mom also is a super talented artist and painted me a watercolor for my kitchen.  I also LOVE it!

THEN, my dear friends, the Remmies, collaborated to give me this for my birthday as well!  Janet had the idea, and her husband, Seth, drew it.  I really, really love everytime I see it.
It's a drawing of my "theme" verse (Luke 2:19) and is absolutely beautiful.

And just like Mary, I treasure up all these things :D

ps. If any other artists, photogs, crafts-folk and the like want to contribute to the walls and decor of my little white land, go for it ;) hahahpps.  If any artist, photog, crafts-folk, blog-follower or any other friend would like to come by, let me know! I'd love to have you and I seriously don't like being alone ;)  Come come!  I'll feed you!

Scott + Kristen {Peerce's Landing Wedding}

yeah, i live for

little moments

like that

brad paisley - moments

There is a reason I shoot primarily shoot weddings, not models in studios.  There is a reason I work with real, actual couples.  Scott and Kristen's wedding was a heart-warming reminder of why."She was my boss - HA! - she still IS!" Scott told me, as he slapped the table and laughed, glancing over at his fiancee, hoping to have amused her, too.Kristen was indeed amused and showed it by giggling.  "Yes, I was his boss.  We met at a greenhouse and he was an employee under me."Kristen is about five feet tall and can't possibly weigh more then a bag onions.  Her petite little frame hosts her enormous heart.  Kristen is so sweet.  She was made to smile.This picture here is her talking on the phone with the florist (who had forgotten four boutonnieres and everyone realized it about 20 minutes before the ceremony.)  She smiled, she took it in stride, she reassured the florist.  "Well, girls!  Let's figure something out!"She's the type of girl that has the power to change your life.  She's the friend that you could never replace.  You will never come across another "Kristen."  Once you meet her, you're done for.  At least that is the tale Scott can tell.  His life has never been the same since she waltzed her way in.While the girls were all getting ready, they filled me in on Scott's behavior the last few days."Oh my gosh, Kristen Leigh, he is SO excited. He's been bouncin' off the walls. Right girls?"The girls confirmed that sentence."He's been nuts!  He wakes up in the middle of the night with a countdown clock!  He can't stop moovin' - he's just so excited!  I've never seen him like this," the bride's country twang told.Alright, if you are going to get me all excited about an adorably excited groom, it better be true.  I had to see for myself.Scott and his boys literally danced out of the limo at Peerce's Landing, and Scott greeted me with a HUGE smile, hello and hug.  "Isn't it beautiful today! Oh, ok, where should we go? What am I supposed to do? Ohhh my gooodness!" He rambled, he ranted, he paced, he smiled.  Ladies and gentleman, forget "a brides glow" - we have some serious "groom glow" happening today.Scott has been through a lot, and looks it.  His eyes have history and his face tells a story.  It's very striking when you meet him.  He looks brave, capable and tough.But remember, he met Kristen.And this man was thoroughly changed.  He couldn't help it.  She does that to people.While we waited for the ceremony to begin, he repeated to me exactly what the girls inside has said."I've been so excited.  I am so excited.  Driving over here my stomach was uuuuup here! and then dooooown here!" He'd shake off the jitters like a dog coming out of a summer lake, doing a little kick/hop/bounce the whole time.  "I tell you what, I go to bed smiling, I wake up smiling.  I'm so excited.  I'm so excited."Imagine how he felt when it really happened.His Kristen was in a gown, on a gorgeous evening, serenaded by the traditional Bridal March, swaying trees and little woodland creatures.  And she was walking to him.  Her Scott.  It was SO excited.Scott just couldn't contain himself.As I watched him I really felt like I was seeing a four year old boy, trying to be cool, also so unashamedly happy it just makes you happy to watch him.  If he had a tail, it would have been wagging.  If he had a light, it would have been blinking.  If he had an alarm, it would have been sounding. And little Miss Kristen was as stunning and happy as ever.  She looked magnificent and also magnificently happy.
Bless his heart.

After everyone caught their breath from the splendid aisle-walk and hand-off, the ceremony of "little moments" began.These faces are why I don't shoot models in studios.Look at her!She's holding his hand, listening to him, watching him, happy with him, marrying HIM.You can't make up emotion like that, or re-do moments like this.All ceremony long they glanced and squirmed and smiled, perfectly happy.  And filled with joy.(look.at.his.faaaaaace! soCUTE!)And like *that* they were married :D And it was still quite exciting.Now we begin a whole set of "little moments."

Throughout the rest of the day I almost starting writing things down because they were SO adorable.  Usually wedding's have a few little stories that capture my eye and make my heart race, but tonight I had the King of Wedding Stories.  I'll try to remember them all accurately, so you too can having a racing heart :D
First, we have Scott and the bouquet.  He was really impressed with the bouquet.(I guess when you meet in a greenhouse, certain things become more special ;) haha)He looked at that thing from top to bottom, pointed out all the details of it, told and re-told Kristen how lovely it was.  It was sweet how he took such an interest in it.The sun was absolutely perfect, but fading fast, so we hustled over to the neighboring field to take some pictures.

As we walked, Scott LEAPed over to his bride, and walked on "the car side" of the road.  Nothing was going to happen to his baby.
And while I shot these he couldn't stop talking."You see her?" he asked the Honda Accord zooming past, "she's MY wife!"Kristen giggled."Psh, yeah.  That's my wife. You're my WIFE! Oh my... wow, we're married!"

We went through the muck and the mire to grab some beautiful field light, but Kristen's shoes kept getting caught on her dress.
"Want me to carry you?  I'll carry you.  I'll carry my wife."
All the while, Kristen just entirely thrilled, stands by his side and smiles the way she was made to.It was almost daunting to try to photograph them as cute as they are in person!

Their pure delight didn't stop.I send them off to set up for a shot, and before I even was "ready" they were laughing and laughing, and really just being happy together.  

I could shoot in this light for years, by the way.  K.  Thanks.




Ready for more moments?In taking this exact shot, Scott accidentally pulled Kristen's veil.  She said a tiny "oh!" and tried to keep smiling for the picture.Once Scott realized, he took veil-duty VERY seriously.  He gently slid the comb back in, and then he arranged the trim "just so" on her shoulders.Kristen couldn't help but wrinkle her nose and quiet-giggle as if to say  "He's just so cute. He's so sweet."To avoid any more veil mishaps, I had them sit next to each other.  I asked Scott to give her a quick kiss on her forehead. His reply?"Oh yes, I'd love to."He kissed her forehead."That's my favorite place to kiss her - you - " he paused and look right at her, and she smiled and locked eyes with him. "You know why? Because I'm taller then her and her forehead is the first place I can get. I love it."
Kristen and Scott, you two are marvelous.  You really are.  In the smitten-with-each-other meter, you two are among the elite that I've ever seen.  I am seriously so happy that you both are so happy :DOooooh Scott.  He may be smitten, but he hasn't lost his humor.  He definitely specifically asked for this ;)After the wonderful whirlwind of moments during their formals, we headed inside for a wonderful whirlwind of reception moments.Starting with the toasts!Scott grinned from ear-to-ear... and Kristen held his arm, watching everyone else enjoying themselves.  It was terrific.
Then we moved to Kristen's dance with her father.  Earlier in the day she had told me how nervous he was about it.  "He's a construction guy, ya know?  Dancing isn't his thing.  But he's gone along and taken lessons.  He, his blue jeans and his two-step were ready.  And Kristen was thrilled :DAs sweet as Kristen and her dad were, it was equally sweet to watch Scott watch them.  I'm telling you, the man didn't stop smiling allllllll day.Every time she fell I caught her.That's my daughter
I lost every time I fought her.
Yea, I lost every time.
Every time she blinks
she strikes somebody blind.
Everything she thinks
blows her tiny mind.
That's my daughter 
I thought I couldn't handle any more.
But then dinner happened.And all the boys mysteriously ran off!I followed, mostly out of curiosity.  I found them all getting changed into "dance outfits" with matching patent-leather chucks.  All Scott's idea to surprise his guests and wife.  And he was, of course, SO excited.Kristen had no idea where they had gone, but happily entertained friends as she waited.Finally Scott ran back, unashamedly smiling."Do you see my new outfit?! Do you like it?! We all have it! And look!""SHOES!"He was so excited.  I've said it once and I just have to say it again.Kristen was charmed with the boys little idea, and giggled to let Scott know.When Scott took her hand, he noticed the rings.  Together. Symbolizing their "together-ness" before God and this world.  And it made them both very happen to see.  They just love being together :D

Alright, I have to wrap this up at some point.  So the cake-cutting is as good a place as any.  Here we have Boss Kristen instructing Scott to "NOT SMASH THE CAKE."It tickled his funny bone.  And she giggled.Like, it really made them laugh! hahah It was so cute!But after a clean and smash-free cake-feeding, they kissed.  A happy kiss, prefaced with laughing, and followed by laughing.  I can't thing of a sweeter way to end the night :DCongratulations you excited, happy little lovebirds!  Don't have too much fun on your honeymoon!

Alex + Jessica {Baltimore Engagement Shoot}

Can you feel all the love,
Like it was made for you?
one republic

They waited for me in Subway, and I saw them silhouetted in the window, side by side and as cuddly as two can be in a sandwich shop.

As soon as I came in, they straightened up and got their "we're about to interview a photographer" faces on.  Jessica smiled and greeted me in her cotton purple dress, dark bangs and fun, bright lipstick.  Alex sweetly said hello like all men who were raised in Wilmington, North Carolina were taught to.

We got our "meeting" started, and they told me how they met.  Ready for this?

At the gym.

I promise you, I will never meet my husband at the gym.  Unless there is a man on the treadmill blind-folded.

Then again, if a guy is working out blind-folded he is probably really weird and I wouldn't want to talk to him.

Anywho, I'm a gross little mess at the gym and avoid eye-contact with everyone.

 

But, apparently, this beauty named Jessica (who is also a make-up artist and wonderful nurse in DC!) looks hot at the gym.  Because she instantly caught Alex's eye.  And while he worked out his arms, he also worked up the courage to ask Lovely Gym Girl out.

"Ok, so, did you like her right away?" I asked.

Alex kind of rolled his eyes, cocked his head, looked at his fiancee' and stuck out his neck as he said "Ummm, YEAH!"  It was kind of a "Psh, look at her! Of course I did!" moment.

Over the next years, Alex fell harder and harder for his beautiful girlfriend - as she wasn't only physically attractive, but also a woman with an attractive heart.  Jess, as you can probably see, is SO smiley it's contagious.  And her heart is twice the size of her smile.

She loves her man and she loves him hard.  I really, really love how she doesn't talk poorly about it.  In all our interactions and e-mails and her facebook status's, she doesn't ever mock or jokingly put Alex down.  I really respect that.

She stands by her man.
And she dearly loves him.



Ps.  Jess was very excited about their outfits.  She texted me and said "Just wait till you see our cute little matchy-match formal outfit :) :)"  I love getting texts like those - it shows me my couples are so excited do these shoots!

It's hard to properly photograph how SMILEY they were!  Seriously people, be happy like them.  Seriously, me, smile more.  Ok, done.

And, psh, what's an engagement shoot without an outfit change? 

Or some sunset cuddles?



Ooooo this was def a favorite of mine.  Stop being so gorgeous!  You are making the world jealous!



Siiiiiigh.  I love you guys.  I'm so happy you are getting married.  And I'm so happy I get to be a part of it. 

Congratulations!

Always a Bridesmaid {Personal}

I've been talking about doing this post for years... and I think the time has finally come.  Yahyah!

So, any chance you all remember Kelley?  I've shot her before.  A lot before, actually.  But last year I did a shoot with her and her husband. She got back into her wedding dress and we had some fun (ps. I LOVE those kinds of shoots. The end.)
Kelley and I go way back.  She was my highschool Literature teacher, so for four years I spent every Friday with her.  During those four years she started dating Josh, got engaged to Josh, married Josh, got pregnant with her first kid and had her first kid.  It was kind of insane.Also during those years, I started photography.  The first wedding I ever "booked myself" was for Casey.  And Kelley was in Casey's wedding in April 2007.Following that spring, in September 2008, I shot Kate's wedding with Lydia Jane.  That winter I second shot for Ally's wedding.  I don't have any group shots from that day, but Kelley was a bridesmaid in green, once again.  (She was rocking the Snow White look that day - ow ow!)May 2009 was when the darling Elise got married, and Kelley was happily by her side.  (You also may be able to spot Casey, from my first "by myself wedding" - Elise was a bridesmaid in that one too.)Just a few weeks back Courtney, Kelley's baby sister, became a wife.  The fabulous trio, Kelley, Casey and Elise, wore chucks and black accessories to be a part of Court's day.And then a few days later, Kelley stood by her sister-in-law, Lauren (making her second appearance in black).
And in three of these weddings she was pregnant. And she was in a wedding that I didn't shoot at all... making her bridesmaid total come to: 7. Kelley, well done ;)
You need to go into some kind of hall-of-fame.  Anyone able to beat that?

21st Birthday News {Personal}

Sooooo, if you follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook you might have seen that I have some "big girl news" to announce.  If not, you maybe didn't see that.

So, I have some big girl news to announce :D

Today is my 21st birthday, and the day started with homemade cinnamon rolls, mimosa's and a darling, visionary friend named Sylvie.

It also included new shoes, pasta+wine with Janet, cuddles with Baby Audrey...

... and a little seat-dance about rice cakes (Janet's daughter LOVES rice cakes.  Like, LOVES them.)

And it also included signing the lease for my new apartment.

SAY WHAAAAT?!?!Yes, I have the key.  I have a truck.  I move in tomorrow. 
(Ps. Pretend I don't look like Mr. Incredible in that pic? Sweet. Thanks

There's a baby checking out my new space! Ow ow!

But seriously, this is one of the most scary, exciting and surprising things I've ever done in my whole life.  I knew this year was going to look different since my whole family moved away to Florida, but I really had no idea at what speeds things would "change."
Short story of how it came together:
My whole family has lived in a lovely and large country home for the last 6 years.  My studio is above the garage and I have my own entrance, bedroom and bathroom (essentially an apartment) separate from the rest of the house.  Our plan was to find a family who could rent "the house" and let me keep "my apartment."

My parents needed to be in Florida by August 1, and as of this Monday (August 16) we had no renters.  Since my family had to pack up and leave so quickly (thank you Business Executives in Big Business Man chairs for that) my parents really didn't have a chance to make the house "rent-able."  We have stuff in our basement, lots of little house projects and some serious house projects to work on.  I figured it would take at least until September for someone to even consider coming to the place.
Slowly my brother and I worked on getting stuff done, but I really haven't done much.  (It turns out that taking care of a house is a LOT OF WORK.  Who knew?)  Well, on Monday two families came to see the place.  The second family said within 10 minutes that they wanted to move in. To the whole space - including "my studio." The following Thursday. What did they have to do to move forward?   The next 48 hours were a whirlwind of leases, checks, house-hunting for me, applying for apartments, packing, painting, cleaning, regular photographer working and leading my first "ladies meeting" for church.  (On a side-note, I know I have some very patient people who have hired me... Thank you for being oh-so-patient.  I hate excuses, but I'm not gonna lie... I've felt a little in over my head the last few weeks.  The speed of the change caught me off-guard, but I'm learning! haha I'm getting it together! You all rock.)
But it's settling down.  I move tomorrow, and wow, I feel so old.  I was planning on staying in that house for a while, but God "knows the way I take."  And I'm so excited because it's pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I really think I'm going to have so much fun. 
So please come over and say hi!  Or stop in for dinner!  Or lunch!  And I'll show you my new cute white little home :D

"God has been faithful, He will be again."

Moises and Heather {Maryland Wedding Photography}

So give me your forever Please? Your forever?
ben harper - forever

The heat on Heather + Moises's wedding day was outrageous.
Absolutely outrageous.
I'm not one to complain about sunshine and heat - I adore it!  But man, highs of 106, rampant humidity and stale air, well, it was just a'blazin, ya'll.  (Hi cowgirl Kristen? Welcome?)

Everyone did their best to stay cool, and Heather went above and beyond to make sure people were not uncomfortable.  Electric fans, paper fans, bottles of water, ice... she had it all ready.

And that's the cool thing about Heather, she focuses on other people.  She cares about them.  All day long she was checking in on me, her family, her son... and was happy as tortoise.  (Cause those are happy little critters, right?! haha)

She wasn't at all "diva bride" who needed the princess treatment.  She loved everyone so well.  I super respect that.  And everyone, in turn, just beamed for her.  Oh, how excited they all were!!!

When she had her moments of "me-time" she happily told me her love story.
She re-counted the childish days of old where they "hated" each other.  And when the became friends, and when the went to movies together.

She told me about his sense of humor (their "guest book" were Mad Libs personalized for them ;) Very cute and very them) and how much fun they have together.

She explained how wonderful a friend he was.  How wonderful all her friends were.  She couldn't stop telling me about them.

She told me about their incredible, romantic, perfect proposal in a carriage.  Moises had The Wedding March play and he told her how he wanted to see her coming down an aisle, moments away from marrying him, and hear that song. 

He told her he loved her.  He told he he wanted to be with her forever.  And though only 19, Heather knew this was the man she wanted to be with for her whole life.

Heather also told me how plans were changed when she found out she was having a baby.  Their son, beautiful little Rowan, was a surprise but oh, how they love him.

With all that in my mind, I stood next to Moises and listened to The Wedding March play.  I watched Heather and her father enter the doorway, and begin walking down the aisle.  After years and years of friendship, devotion and patience, this was the moment.

And the moment couldn't have been more beautiful.

Such a happy family :D

And the happy husband and wife :D

While we photographed the very important people, guests had a delightful cocktail hour.  I was super enjoying it :D




The whole wedding party was so gracious and kind as we shot in the sun. I know it was hard and hot, but they were so happy and truly a blessing to Heather.  Good work, friends :D



And now we come to these two.  Oh boy.

"If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee."
Or, if ever two were radiantly happy, then these?



They were so happy.  I wish I could have bottled up the happy and sent out little packages of it to friends on sad days.  Or managed to steal the noise - the laughing, the dress swoosh-ing, the lip puckering, the "quoting a movie so making this voice" accents, the crunch of the hard summer grass - and mix it into a paint that could splash onto walls with the color of evening.  Their happiness made me want to create singing paint.  Yeah, it was REALLY happy.

I love your beautiful friendship.
Sometimes, I think, people forget to be best friends.
Thank you for being best friends.

After our fun shoot, the party was just begging to get started. 
I adored the milk glass vases, the bright pops of red and the elegenat Tiffany blue against the summer-y white chairs.  It was a dreamy reception :D

CUTE CAKE!

How wouldn't want to get married here?!

As the sun set, Moises and Heather danced.  Together.  This is just the start of so many dances are a married couple

Thank you for having me at the beginning of your story.
I loved being a part of it, and I am so excited for your future :D

Enjoy the slideshow!

Noah + Courtney {Shade Tree & Evergreen Wedding}

"To be married,
will be an awfully
big adventure."
peter pan

Everyone says it, but I have to be honest and say, few really do it.
"We want to make our wedding personal. We want it to be different. 'Us.'"
Noah and Courtney did it.  Their wedding was almost more "them" then they are.
Let's start with Courtney's bridal shoes (complete with metal skull tied to the laces.)

Courtney is so fun-loving, so adventurous, so thrilled about life.
She's never been a girly-girl who loves tutu's and ponies.
Oh no, she is all about exploring, playing and being outside as much as possible.

I love that God has made her that way, I love that she sees life different.  It's so refreshing!
It reminds me of Ecclesiastes 5:
"Everyone to whom God has given wealth and possessions
and power to enjoy them... rejoice!"

Courtney has power to enjoy.  She is so blessed, and God has given her such a wonderful life, and instead of being "stuck-up-y" about it, she enjoys it.  She wants to discover more.  She wants to explore. She enjoys the intrigue of life!

She also loves people.  Her bridal party included her mom, her sisters, her friends, her new sister-in-laws and kids she baby-sat.  It's so provoking to see how many lives she has loved on.

And they were all so happy for her :D

And this is most definitley COURTNEY'S wedding.  From the tie-up-lace-sleeve to the black nail polish.

And the running through fields with children?  Sure, why not.  It's your wedding!

In this bridal party, Courtney is the third of my brides :D  Still super happy for you Casey + Elise!

Everyone else had their own personal chucks.  It was pretty cute.

So, who exactly marries a fun-loving, crazy girl?
Well.  Noah.
Who is quite a fun-loving, crazy guy.

Who also has many friends of many ages.

And very distinct taste :D







But who also loves God, loves life... and, well, loves his Courtney.  He's a "all-in" kind of guy - he jokes hard, adventures hard and love God's truth hard.  And he has just fallen quite in love with Courtney :D

We finished pictures just time for the beautiful ceremony to begin.  Isn't this location just PERfect for these two?

They love Lord of the Rings, Peter Pan, Shakespeare... and those things were incorpated into the decor.  I love the quotes they used on the programs:
"I do love nothing in the world as well as you."
"To be married will be an awfully big adventure."
"The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad."

The ceremony was, of course, perfected for Noah and Courtney.
The bridal entered to music from Peter Pan movies, and Courtney walked down the aisle to an instrumental piece Noah wrote (and let's just say there weren't a whole lot of airy violin or delicate piano parts...) and it was VERY special.

Also, as each person walked down the aisle, all the guests cheered and clapped and whistled.
It was so loud and celebratory! 

And then super romantic :D  Noah couldn't take his eyes off her, or his teeth of his lip.
(notice the pastor in chucks too...)

Hey! Guess what?


I think they are quite in love :D

Worship was just beautiful as voices raised outside, surrounded by trees, kissed by sun, with so many family and friends.



And like *that* they are married!! Of course they sprinted/skipped out...

... and made a mad dash to the end ;)
They are cute.  I like them.

We started what became one of the easiest shoots of my life.
I pretty much didn't have to tell these guys to do anything.
They were just beaming and goofing around - just being themselves, which was perfect.




Oooo, ooo... look at her pulling her fierce! Nice!

At one point I was trying to pose them for a shot.
Then Courtney found one of those long grasses that has a bud at the end.
So they started a grass-shooting-war.
Duh!



And I was like "Yeaaaah, I'm gonna shut up and let them play, because this is too fun."

Noah decided to lose his jacket (for more agility, probably) so they gave the litte Tree Man a coat.

But there was a casualty.  One of Noah's cufflinks went missing, so they crew looked (I don't think they ever found it :-/)

But the little loveheads and I continued on with pictures.

They just got cuter and cuter (and more "them") as the night went on.

Once we finished, the reception began!  And probably my favorite first dance EVER took place.

Sweet, happy, lovely little first dance...

... that turned into disaster.  Noah spun Courtney and her shoe got caught on the cake tablecloth and the whole cake fell!!!!

The guests gasped in shock!

Only to find out that it was a planned-prank ;)

Not too bad for taking such a big fall, huh?!

But I loved seeing how happy they were when everyone laughed.
They had these joyous "yes!!! we got them!!!" faces and it was so fun.  I love that they pranked their guests. 

I must say, they are going to have such a fun, happy life together. 
And I am SO happy for you two :DGod knew what He was doing when He made you for each other, and I loved getting to photograph your big, adventurous day!

10 days {Personal}

Today, in 1989, I was supposed to be born.

Ten days from today in 1991, I turned 2 (and was stiiiinking cute)

Today in this year,
I was born ten days late, but probably worth every extra pain, sleepless night and additional pound, right mom? ;)
It was just a sign of things to come.  My parents' definitley-not-what-they-had-planned pregnancy turned into a summer baby who didn't show up on time.  I've pretty much been a not-so-into-planning, sunshine-lovin, late/behind, adding-pounds-thing ever since. 

But I'm ok with that.  And excited to turn 21. In ten days.
:D


ps. Mom, I miss you and love you.  pps.  In case you missed it, my fam moved to Florida so they won't be with me on my birthday.  And, I MISS THEM. Zee eende.

Alex and Lauren {Herrington on the Bay Wedding}

"I wanna stand out in a crowd for you
A man among men
I wanna make your world better than it's ever been"
keith urban - memories of us

Once upon a day, there was a wedding at a bay. Yay!
We started at Lauren's home.  I always loved when brides get ready at their house.  It's almost like this surreal ghost-town feel.  Like everything in the house just stops.  Bills are on the counter, tennis shoes are by the door, dishes are in the dishwasher - but it's all frozen in time while a bride prepares for her wedding day.

Lauren, all her sisters and her mom helped her get dressed in their room.  How many times have they all (or different arrangements and portions of "they all") come in here and vented about a boy, or dreamed about a wedding, or laughed until they cried?  And this day they prepared for Lauren's wedding.  I just think it's so special!

Quickly, we scooted over to the ceremony + reception site, Herrington on the Bay, for pictures.

Uuuuum.  Yeah.The day was particulary fair and dry for a summer day in Maryland, but also quite mysteriously cloudy.  It was so magical!

We started with the girls buuuut I am going to start with the boys.  So hang tight.

This is Alex.
And if you remember from their engagement session, Alex is a patient man.
He and his heart have been waiting 9 years for this day.

As wonderful and joyous as all weddings I shoot are, and all the stories that lead to those weddings, I must say, there is something particularly sweet when the wait has been long. So much anticipation!
ps.  If you follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, you might have seen me post "Today I shot one of my fave groomsmen shots EVER."  This is it.  I was feeling inspired by Inception I think?

Ooooo, dapper. 
    
Ok, back to ze looooovely ladies.  It was really fun to shoot these girls because they are all Lauren's family - mom, sisters, sister-in-law and aunt :D  And, let me tell you, they are a RIOT!  They were crakcing me uuuuup!

I loved watching Lauren as we took these pictures.  She was so peacefully happy.  She loved her veil and spent most of the picture taking barefoot.  Easy-going, natural and beautiful.
It just seemed to fit since today was the day she was going to marry her long-time good friend.

Best friends marrying each other is also so natural.  And so beautiful.(ps. Heeeeey gorgeous!)

I love shooting on beaches, just for the record.

The girls were complete warriors as we all headed - barefooted - to the field.  Beach grass and beach rocks in grass or "uh-uh" not friendly.  But they went for me :D  I love girls like that!

Lauren's family is a cheer-kind of a family.  Lots of cheers, hoots-and-hollers and clapping haha It was fun.

"Her capa was de-tated from her head!" (Office reference...anyone? haha)

After pictures, the family joined together for a quick but very meaningful moment of prayer.

Aaaand Lauren and her mom started to lose it.

Then I noticed dad in the background starting to lose it.

It was a very sweet moment as everyone wiped tears and looked into each other's eyes and communicated how so VERY happy they were for Lauren.

And with that, it was time to get married!  I love this one of Lauren leaning on her dad's shoulder for the last time carrying his last name.

Finally, after all these years, Alex was at the end of the aisle and Lauren was walking to him. To be his forever. 

Again, emotions were running high and it was ridiculosly wonderful!

And the sun peaked out!!!

But only for a few seconds ;) haha

After the vows were said, and rings were placed, the pastor invited both their dads to come up to pray for them.  I loved that idea!  What a great way to start a marriage.

Theeeen, the kiss.
Their first kiss.Not as "husband and wife," but their first kiss ever. 
Isn't it cute how excited Lauren is?!  I feel like Alex was like "Alright, yup, get over here."
I totally respect them though - especially Alex.  NINE yearsssss and he finally got to kiss Lauren, his wife.

Their friends were all quite thrilled with the whole thing ;)

Yah yah!
Rah rah!
They did it!

Clouds loomed, but we made our way down to the beach (and Lauren was of course barefoot ;) Girl after my own heart!)

And there were more KISSES!!! :D haha

But also lots of sweet hugs, tender glances and little girly giggles from the bride.

As we were walking to the picture locations, I asked Lauren if she was enjoying herself.
"Very much! It's going so fast though."
I told her that everyone says that, but she has to make sure she stops at different moments to take it all in.
She said "Yeah!  That's what everyone told me!"
So right then they stopped.
She looked up and gasped at the view, she looked over at the tent where her guests mingled and music sang, she sunk into the arms of her husband.  She paused to just take in the moment. 
It was perfect.

And then the sun came back to play for about 55 seconds!  But, hey, we'll take what we can get!
I have to say, Lauren's long veil just really made these.  I HEART LONG VEILS!


We decided to hustle over to the dock with all the boats, but since Lauren had long-forgotten her shoes, Alex scooped her up and carried her all the way to the boats.  On a broken foot.  Mmmyeah.  Man points!

On the docks they danced and laughed...

... and dipped and spun.  They were like little children just goofing around.
I love when couples reach that point in the "shoot" - it's like all the world disappears and they just play together!

Or be rock-star models together.  Either way.

Our final photo-stop was the little pier behind the tent.



At this location they became adorably tender.  It was quiet, water rippled, birds soared above them.
And they sweetly chatted, and delicately enjoyed the moment.

With a touch of making-out ;)

No words. 

After pictures, I raced to grab some reception shots.  With the wedding colors being blue + black, and then the stormy, moody clouds, I was in heaven!  It looks SO sharp!

Oh so lovely.



I have much more I could say, but I must end somewhere.  So we'll close on the first dance.





Lauren and Alex danced to "Making Memories of Us" by Keith Urban, which was a song that played on the radio during their first date.  As I watched them, then looked out on all the happy friends and family, I noticed a whole lot of eye-dabbing.  Tears were abundant and it was SO moving.

Even Miss - er, Mrs ;) - Lauren had some tears to wipe haha

Alex and Lauren - Congratulations!!!
It was a pleasure to be a part of your day - look what God has done! :D

Casey + Diana {Savage Mill Manor Wedding}

there's a silent celebration for

every breath you breathe

dave barnes - until you

I'm beginning my whirlwind wedding blogging with the ever-so-charming Casey and Diana.

Their day started in Diana's neighborhood.  Her friends and family ate, talked and ooooh-ed+awwww-ed in a lovely home.  I thought that was so appropriate for their relationship - loving families coming together to celebrate.

Diana is a little fire-cracker.  After being inspired by Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde (no joke) she decided she wanted to go to law school.  Diana bounced her cute, curly self into an education that was NOT for her.

No one told her that life isn't always like the movies!  Sheesh, Reese.  Give a girl a heads up!Or maybe Diana owes you one...After realizing she did not want to be a lawyer, Diana discovered teaching.  It's perfect for her.I had so much fun watching this beautiful, smart, giggly woman who "wanted to look like Barbie" on her wedding day.  She would be my DREAM elementary school teacher.   And I'm so glad that it took the wrong career to get you to the right one, because I know so many children will be effected by your personality and hard-work in their lives.
And beeeeesides the reward of investing in the next generation, Diana had a lovely surprise waiting for her at elementary school.  A hot, single male elementary school teacher.  Nice ;)
When I first met with Diana to talk about her wedding, I was hooked.  I left and was like "oh my gosh, she is adorable.  I want to shoot her wedding." I guess after Casey saw the darling teacher, he felt the same way.  Except he wanted to be in her wedding.  Marrying her.So Casey swept this sweetheart off her feet, they fell madly in love and he proposed.  

And their wedding was magnificent. My favorite part of their ceremony is that this exact church and altar is where Diana's parents got married many years ago.  How special is that?!And how cute are the newest married teachers?! Ow ow!!


I feel like I say this often, but isn't it the best when couples just "work"?  So effortlessly, so smile-ly, so beautifully these two just love being together.
And that is how it should be.  I'm so happy for you both.  You have so much to look forward to together!

Oh hey hotties!  Good evenin' to ya :D
The reception was at the lovely Savage Mill Manor - this place is loaded with history and elegance. And the evening was filled with sweet stories, warm joy and all around good times. Oh.  And dancing.  Two little lovebirds dancing and smiling together.  It couldn't have been more wonderful :D

Congratulations Casey and Diana!