I've been friends with the Ruths since before they were even married and have done many shoots with them. It has been wonderful seeing and documenting their journey together. Here are my favorites from their family session debuting their new family addition!
Brian and Joanna's amazing wedding day was full of color and music. We started out in the parlor at the Old Silk Mill in Fredericksburg where I greeted the guys who were adding their finishing touches before they went to the copper shop to hang out before the ceremony. The girls were close behind, opening their gifts and sliding on their lace gloves. Each bridesmaid also carried a parasol which added to the colorful Victorian theme. During the ceremony, Joanna and her dad entered through the barn door as the light streamed in. It was easy to see just how much they were adored by looking at the faces of their friends and family. After the "I Dos" were spoken we walked around the 'burg taking some dreamy couple shots and then headed back to the party. The live music sparked a contagious energy among the guests. The bride and groom even jumped on stage to join their band, the Kingbolts, for a fun set before winding down for the night. This wedding was one of a kind to match the unique and undeniable love Brian and Joanna share for each other. Thanks for sharing your special day with me!
One of the beautiful experiences that I am lucky enough to have, is the experience of being with a couple from the beginning of the wedding process all the way through to the finale. Danielle and Trevor are already a dear and special couple to me. It started with an engagement shoot by the river, trying to capture the special bond they share, and will end down the road with a spectacular wedding. Most people are naturally shy in front of a camera. Danielle and Trevor thought they would be, but they both have an authenticity that cannot be denied. With the photos from their engagement shoot turning out so genuine, I can't wait to see what the wedding will be like.
Welcome to the 'burg. I love returning to Fredericksburg and being reunited with my once temporary home that I lived in while attending UMW. The river, cute buildings, and unique nooks are a familiar site that I could walk around in for hours, but I somehow always come across another small business or piece of natural beauty that I haven't seen before. Thanks to the crazy, cool Abby for an impromptu street style session. It was a fun time filled with pretty light, honeysuckles, fireflies, and adventuring.
I love photographing nature and animals so I was stoked when my friend, Clare asked if I could do a shoot of her riding at her barn. It was fun to see how she starts most of her morning at this peaceful farm inhabited by such majestic creatures. Here are some of my favorites from the day.
The day began with a gentle rain, a calming yoga session, and friends and family who had camped out and were slowly awaking to help and get ready for Ryan and Niki's big day. It was to be held on their farm that they recently moved to with their dog, cat, and chickens. From the carefully picked out place settings to the handmade dream catchers, ceremony site, and cake figurines the details of the day were a labor of love and included help from many wonderful people. Their cake was handmade by Niki's mom and their friend who is a caterer made the best vegan Jamaican food. It was a joy to shoot from start to finish and an amazing, unique wedding day spent in the sunshine state. I was so thankful to be able to witness the love and friendship that Niki and Ryan have for each other and show their friends and family.
Every once in a while you meet people who are so down to earth and refreshing that it puts you at ease immediately. Joanna and Brian are some of those people. Their engagement shoot was full of smiles and joking and it was easy to see just how in love they are. I love that my job allows me to meet awesome couples that are planning to embark on such a unique journey together. Thanks for the awesome shoot! Your wedding will be full of music and good friends and I can't wait!
The wedding of Allen and Marie was a day filled with happiness, laughter, and some tears. Surrounded by loving family and friends the day was special from beginning to end. The Memorial Chapel was a beautiful spot for such an amazing ceremony. The Chapel's builders described it as a "transparent chapel in the woods" and was designed to allow guests to connect with the beautiful scenery surrounding them. This made for a stunning wedding filled with natural light. After the wedding the reception was filled with heartfelt toasts from true friends and even an incredible choreographed dance that stole my heart. It was a true pleasure to work with Allan and Marie. They are a couple filled with kindness and joy and it made my day a truly fantastic one.
There are certain days that you know, while they are happening, that you will never forget; this was one of those magical days. The first session we planned was unfortunately rained out; but soon after, we got together and spent an afternoon making friends and memories. During the latter half or our session we made a quick Starbucks stop, neither of us could resist a caffeinated pick-me-up and getting hot drinks together was an activity Claire and Tasha loved. The pair of them looked flawless and you could feel their bond as they held hands down the sidewalk; wrapped up in the warmth and energy of that perfect, milky grey autumn afternoon. Despite the clouds, the memories we captured that day truly show Claire and Tasha's inner sunshine.
The only thing more beautiful than the light streaming through the late autumn trees was the lovely Oliver Family. From the quiet strength of their father, Ramsey to the joyous and simple kindness of their daughter Micaela the day was a joy to be a part of from start to finish. It is on days like this that I feel so fortunate to do this work. I wanted to capture the essence of each member of this unique family from the loving and easy going sensibility of Melissa to the authentic playfulness of Copeland and I think I was successful in bringing out their genuine selves. There was a magical quality to the entire day and I hope in addition to capturing the happiness of this wonderful family, we also created memories that would last forever.
