Category Archives: lifestyle

David & Beth | West Virginia Wedding Photography

I have had the privilege to photograph the weddings of a few of my friends’ kids and there’s nothing quite like it. The emotions take on a whole new level! (I cry at most weddings I photograph but these ones are pretty much a guarantee!)

Beth’s mom, Annette, is my good friend and she also works with me as my second shooter on a lot of the weddings I shoot. So while I didn’t really know Beth until last year, I’ve known of her through her mom. I was so excited for Annette when she told me her daughter was getting married to her long time boyfriend David. Then I was so HONORED when I met with Beth and Annette to talk about wedding photography and Beth hired me. I had a blast with David and Beth when we shot their engagement photos at North Beach this past spring. They are so young and cute and in love! I couldn’t wait for their wedding in August.

Well August 25, 2018 turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous day. We have had so much rain this summer but God gave us lovely temperatures and stunning light. Boydville in Martinsburg, West Virginia was a wonderful backdrop for David and Beth’s intimate wedding and reception. Megan was so accommodating and I know Annette and Beth really enjoyed working with them to plan the perfect event.

I loved spending time with the bridesmaids (including 2 of Beth’s sisters) before the wedding and David and the guys were super chill and easy to work with. Beth looked stunning in her gown from TLC Bridal; just like a princess! When David saw her during their First Look, his whole face lit up. It was so special. Together they make a gorgeous couple! Beth’s flowers from Wildflower Weddings were to die for and the adorable flower girls in their gauzy white dresses just made the whole bridal party look like a fairy tale.  The ceremony was short and sweet and after photos everyone enjoyed a delicious BFD (breakfast for dinner) catered by Keystone Family Restaurant. The evening ended with dancing under the romantic lights on the back patio and a sparkler send off. Perfect ending to a perfect day.

David and Beth you were a dream to work with and I am so happy for you and your families! Thanking you for the honor of being part of your day and capturing this part of your story. XO

Bridal Gown |TLC Bridal Boutique    Bridesmaid Dresses | French Novelty       Tuxes | The Black Tux

Videographer | The Ruby Company     Florals | Wildflower Weddings      Make Up | Make Up By Tasia

Catering | Keystone Family Restaurant       DJ | Bialek’s Music      Venue | Boydville

Nate + Jess | Frederick Wedding Photography

I have been sitting here trying to figure out the best way to write about Nate and Jess’ wedding but it’s difficult because there are so many things I could say and angles I could take. Whether it’s the fact that I have watched Jess grow up since she was a little girl  or that her parents are dear friends of ours or that Nate and Jess are high school sweethearts or how Jess’ mom and aunt put together all of the amazing flowers or how Jess planned surprises for both her parents during her wedding day or how Nate was so emotional when he saw Jess walking down the aisle or how Jess’ little brother (little) Nate told her she looked beautiful or how gorgeous the venue was or how it almost stormed but it didn’t….I could go on and on! This wedding had all the feels.

Jess planned her wedding while completing her nursing degree which is no small feat and it all came together so wonderfully. ThorpeWood was the perfect setting for the day with it’s charming lodge, pristine grounds and the peaceful and majestic outdoor chapel in the forest. Jess looked absolutely stunning as did all of her bridesmaids in their lovely wine colored dresses. Nate and the guys held their own with their floral ties and suspenders. As previously mentioned, the gorgeous flowers, centerpieces and signs were put together by Jess’ talented mom, aunt and other family members.  They fit the natural aesthetic of the venue perfectly. Following the beautiful and emotional ceremony officiated by Jess’ uncle, Julie from ThorpWood drove us around on a golf cart for photos and we were able to take advantage of the stunning grounds including some photos with an adorable little Icelandic horse! After a delicious dinner, the evening continued with some crazy fun dancing until Nate and Jess drove off into the night in Nate’s huge truck to the sound of cheers and well wishes from their closest friends and family. Guests took home Krispy Kreme donuts as a favor.

It was truly an honor to be part of this wedding. I couldn’t be happier for Nate, Jess and their families. Of course knowing them all personally made it extra special and it was so neat to witness it all through the lens (there may have been a tear or two shed behind the camera).  Nate and Jess, thank you for trusting me with the privilege of capturing your beautiful day! I loved every minute and wish you both all the happiness in the world as you continue on your journey together as husband and wife. XO

Bride’s Dress | BHLDN     Bridesmaid Dresses | Lulu’s    Hair | Chelsea Russell

Make Up | Make Up by Kevan    Venue | ThorpeWood       DJ | Karaoke Allstars

Cake | Aloha Cakery       Caterer | Renaissance Chef

Matt + Lauren | Westminster Engagement Photography

 Freshman year, eight years ago, McDaniel College, same dorm…..That’s how Matt and Lauren met. A classic college romance that has stood the test of time and now these two will be getting married this September. I love it! I met up with Matt and Lauren back on campus for their engagement photos. They hadn’t been there for a few years (I mean who really wants to go back once you’ve graduated and paid your dues, right?). But I think it turned out to be a fun walk down memory lane plus it was a beautiful campus on a gorgeous evening. And they were pretty much adorable the whole time. Lauren has such a great laugh and they both were very comfortable just being themselves.  I enjoyed getting to know them better as we explored. Lauren is a high school English teacher and I’m pretty sure she rocks at her job and Matt has just transitioned to a new job because…why not? We had a great time and I love how their photos turned out. Can’t wait for the wedding this September!

Matt + Brittany | Great Falls Engagement Photography

Matt and Brittany met in high school. Brittany was getting into rock climbing and introduced Matt to it also. They started to partner up on climbs and hang out more. Soon climbing partners turned friends….turned more than friends. Now Brittany works with a veterinarian and Matt is an engineer, but they still make plenty of room for climbing in their lives. And they’ve also decided to spend the rest of their lives together which is pretty awesome.

Brittany asked if we could do their engagement session at Great Falls, VA because they wanted to incorporate some rock climbing into their photos. I thought that was a  great idea so we met up early on a Saturday morning in May along with their dog, Pie. It was fascinating learning a few things about climbing as we hiked to the rocks.  So far their favorite place to climb is Yosemite, and they are planning to spend their honeymoon in Spain….rock climbing of course. They may have a new favorite location. So amazing!  I enjoyed getting to know Matt and Brittany while spending the morning with them. Brittany had some crazy stories from working at the vet office (an operation on a fish’s eye and wallabies!?!).  I’m looking forward to their simple wedding early this fall at the Kentlands Mansion. I’m sure these two will fit in some great climbing before then.

Charles + Diana | Virginia Engagement Photography

I had the distinct honor of photographing Charles’ proposal to Diana last September so you can imagine how thrilled I was when they asked me to be the photographer for their wedding this coming August. I was so looking forward to meeting up with them in Old Town Alexandria at the end of April for their Engagement Session because it felt like I was seeing old friends. The place was hopping thanks to a 90 degree day but we had a wonderful time walking around taking advantage of that Old Town charm. While we walked I got to know them even more and we covered everything from homeschooling to dance to law school to future careers to family and sports cars. So fun!

I love it when couples bring two outfits for their engagement sessions and Charles and Diana looked amazing in both their more casual and dressier outfits – perfect for the iconic Alexandria setting. I think anyone would agree that Diana is going to make a stunning bride! Can’t wait for their wedding in August at Fort Meyer.

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