Category Archives: lifestyle

Francis + Julia | DC/Virginia Wedding Photography

Life is a journey and sometimes it’s not clear where it’s taking you. But then something happens and it all makes sense and things fall into place just as they were meant to be all along. Francis and Julia met online in the fall of 2015. Their life paths had taken them far and wide; 10 years in Italy for Julia and 4 years in Russia for Francis and I’m sure many life lessons along the way. But in  the fall of 2015 they were both ready to open a new chapter. And as Providence would have it, they found each other! In the vein of the classic old black and white movies that Francis loves, they corresponded and got to know each other virtually for months before they finally met in person, late in February of 2016. (February 27, to be exact, according to Francis). Come to find out they actually lived only 2 blocks from each other in DC!

Meeting in person confirmed what they were both thinking and feeling and pretty soon they started talking about getting engaged. That happened in July and then came the whirlwind of wedding planning. They chose one of the last days of 2016 to say their vows and celebrate their new life together. Their Ukranian Catholic ceremony was lovely and elegant, a treat for those not in the Ukranian Catholic tradition. Though it was very brisk outside we had a great time driving around DC for some portraits which included a brief snow flurry,  a very enthusiastic college basketball team and a beautiful sunset. The cozy intimate reception at the Mount Vernon Inn was exquisite…complete with a surprise visit from some carolers dressed in period costume, warm cider, beautiful Christmas decorations and lots of laughter.

Having only met Francis and Julia in person the day of their wedding, I loved hearing what their best man and maid of honor had to share about them. They confirmed that this lovely couple’s life together will be a romantic adventure. Not because they are thrill seekers, but because they live life to the fullest. And what better way to do that than with the love of your life by your side!

Francis and Julia, I am so happy for you both and wish you all the happiness in the world. Thank you for allowing me to capture these moments in your journey. XO

#christmascrowning

Julia’s Dress | J. Crew     Flowers | Wisteria Florals   Reception Venue | Mount Vernon Inn    Carolers | 42nd Street Singers

Brenton + Kimberly | Engaged

I asked Kimberly and Brenton who liked who first and they both pointed at the other. Depends who tells the story I guess! Well, who really knows but it was the winter of their senior year and a little prank pulled by one of Brenton’s younger brothers  (he texted Brenton from Kimberly’s phone while she was babysitting one of his friends…”I’m in love with you!”…or something like that) helped get things going between them. So cute! That was over 4 years ago and they’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since. Now they are planning their July wedding and I am so excited to be a part of it!

The day of their engagement session was incredibly windy but thankfully not too cold so we made the best of it. And by that I mean it was an amazing time! Kimberly had everything all planned out down to an adorable picnic spread (including delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies – I know because I ate two!), some beautiful leaves that her mom had pressed and the sweetest mugs that her sister made for their Save the Date. She also had a trial run with her hair and make up artist which is something I LOVE for my brides to do. The engagement session is the perfect time to try it out. She looked gorgeous!! Brenton was so obliging and happy to participate though I’m sure it was more about spending time with his beautiful fiancé and less about the actual photos. Either way, they were awesome and the wind couldn’t drive away some gorgeous fall light.

It takes 2 seconds to see how smitten they are with each other and how their relationship is built on a great friendship. The best. Brenton and Kimberly are so stinking cute and I am so happy for them! Can’t wait til this summer and their big day!!

Tyson + Haley | Virginia Engagement Photography

She was working as a personal trainer and he was her client. One thing led to another and next thing they knew they were falling in love! Now here they are a few years later with an adorable son, Maddox and a wedding on the horizon. Tyson and Haley are counting down the days until it’s official! I was so glad to finally meet them at a gorgeous property in Virginia. The forecast had been threatening and it was drizzling off and on all day but the rain held off during our shoot and we got some beautiful shots. Of course it wouldn’t have been complete without handsome little Maddox in a few photos! Haley and Tyson make such a beautiful couple and are clearly smitten with each other – kind of adorable actually.

Can’t wait for their wedding next summer (and I don’t even want to think about how grown up baby Maddox will be then!!).

Kyle + Sami | Maryland Engagement Photography

When I met up with Kyle and Sami for their engagement photos, it was not their first time in front of the camera. In fact, they have already had engagement photos done when Sami won a give away at a bridal show. However, we both felt like doing this session together would be a great way for us to get to know each other and for them to see how I work before the wedding day. When I asked them how they were feeling they said, “Well, we’re not really good in pictures. We’re kind of nervous.” Um, hello…these two fell into it like they were pros! Like literally within the first 5 minutes I was telling them that they are naturals – because they are! We had such a great time on a beautiful late summer evening.

For these two high school sweet hearts, their wedding next spring has been a long time coming. What I love about Kyle and Sami  is that you can tell they are best friends. And you can tell that family is very important to them; two things that are so important in a strong marriage. A whirlwind romance is very sweet, but there is something about a relationship that has stood the test of time that is just so special and deep. Kyle and Sami are the kind of people that make the world a better place and together their kindness and compassion will go that much further. That’s what I see in Kyle and Sami’s relationship and I am so excited to be there with them next May to capture their love.

Michael + Elinor | Virginia Wedding Photography

When I think of Michael and Elinor, I think of fairy tales- starry eyes and dreams come true; a beautiful princess and a dashing prince. Hopes for the future and a thirst for adventure. I think if you knew them you would agree.   The kind and gentle way Michael cares for Elinor and then makes her laugh and the sweet way she gazes adoringly up at him…their love is a forever love!

The sun was shining beautifully on the afternoon of their wedding and as the day lengthened it turned to gorgeous golden light.  The ceremony was a celebration of true love and a perfect match. Afterwards Elinor twirled her way through the gardens with her husband at her side and their family and friends watched with smiles as they danced together as husband and wife. The venue, Raspberry Plain was the perfect romantic setting for a perfectly romantic couple. Being there to capture these moments was truly an honor and a joy. Michael and Elinor, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your very special day. I wish you all the happiness in the world! XO

Dress | BHLDN by Anthropolgie     Cake | Sweets by E        Flowers | Herndon Florist      Venue | Raspberry Plain

Photography Assistance | Annette Senio Photography

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