Amanda | Senior Session

"Don't be delicate. Be vast and brilliant." 

My littlest sister is graduating undergrad in one, very short month! When we decided to do her photos, she mentioned to me that she wanted to include the family dog, Luke. Amanda has a special (albeit, allergic) relationship with animals. They just flock to her. I don't get it. Anyways, when she said she wanted to include Lukie, I was not surprised. 
I have photographed a 6month old, golden retriever puppy, who was FAR more obedient than our elderly Luke. Nonetheless, we had quite a giggle trying to get our teeth-missing, spazzy, twitchy, loveably Lukie to sit for photos. 
Amanda, Manda-Panda, I'm so proud of you! You've worked incredibly hard over these last 4 years to achieve your goals, all while balancing work, intramural sports, CHAARG, your relationship with Mike, and of course your family & friends. Writing it all down makes me feel exhausted just looking at it and I didn't do anything!  We have had many conversations about not feeling ready for the things to come, well let me tell you sissy, you ARE. And you will handle it with as much grace, enthusiasm and fantastic humor as you always have.  

And never forget your good pal, Dumbledore. 
"It is our choices that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

C+C | Engagement

Christina is the most patient bride ever! We were emailing right around my wedding, trying to plan their engagement session. I must admit my mind was in somewhat of a blur. We ultimately decided to do it the weekend after we got back from our Honeymoon and I'm so glad we did! I shoot so much at the conservancy because I truly love it. I love the sprawling grounds, the fields, the tall grasses. Everything. 
We had the best time getting back into our groove, after a 2 week break and this was our first shoot as a husband and wife team! 
We can't wait to photograph Christina and Cody's wedding next summer at Linganore Winery, I know its going to be stunning! 

K+K | Engagement

"Distance is not for the fearful, it is for the bold. It's for those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love. It's for those knowing a good thing when they see it, even if they don't see it nearly enough..."

Katie+ Kyle (and Hank!) had their engagement session at the Howard County Conservancy last week. This session was planned with very specific timing. They just moved back to Maryland, and had lots going on in the short time frame before Kyle deployed overseas. We originally planned their session for Saturday morning before their engagement party, but rain was looking possible. We decided to bump it back a few days, and oh my lord the light! We could not have asked for a more perfect evening. 

Their adorable golden retriever puppy, Hank, joined us for the session and provided us all with entertainment! 

I so enjoyed this session. It was one where I just got lost behind my camera and just kept shooting. Some photographers shoot a very specific number of images, and stick to that. I have a minimum that I always hit, but I don't like be rigid with how many photos I'm taking. Some of my most favorite pictures come from transitions, when it's easy to put the camera down. Like I said, I got lost behind my camera, and just kept shooting. The light, the people, the love. It was in perfect harmony. 

Katie + Kyle I wish you guys the best and Kyle, thank you for your service to our country. 

K+C | Engagement

Do you ever feel like you've known someone for a long time, upon just meeting them? Only me? Well. I felt that way when I met Chris and Kelley for the first time over coffee. I had SO much fun then, just sitting in the coffee shop, that I knew we would have a blast at their engagement session. 
Their session was this past weekend. Following the week of non-stop rain. Kelley and I went back and forth looking at the weather. We eventually postponed to Sunday, and low and behold, no rain! 
They have a St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain mix, named Ted who was 100 lbs of cooped up energy. Oh my lord, Ted, you are naughty! He just made me giggle. (Look closely for a few photos where Ted is being a goofy pup!) 
We really had the best time at the Howard County Conservancy. I laughed. I laughed A LOT. Which was hard sometimes to snap the photo because I was shaking. 
Kelley and Chris are so sweet and relaxed, and I can't wait to shoot their wedding next year!