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! 

N+J | Engagement

You likely will recognize the faces of the two sweethearts in today's post, they are dear friends of mine and I photographed their proposal a few months ago! Let me tell you, I LOVE SHOOTING PROPOSALS. If you're planning to propose, let's talk! 
Anyways, I digress, like usual. Sunday morning we went to University of Maryland, College Park to shoot their engagement session. J went to school there, and since being together, N has been converted into a Maryland fan! So it was very fitting to have their session at the campus. 
It was a seriously PERFECT fall day. It was cool, the leaves were starting to turn, and of course it was completely quiet, because a college campus on at 7:45am on a Sunday morning is more remote than the desert. 
(Warning-digression ahead.) 
I'm a BIG St. Elmo's Fire fan. Love everything about the movie. It takes place in fall, with a big gaggle of friends who come from all walks of life, and can't quite get the hang of growing up just yet. FEELS LIKE MY LIFE. Anyways, parts of it were actually shot on Maryland's campus, but in the movie they say it's Georgetown (I know this not because I have vast Maryland knowledge, but rather I love the movie that much.) So I had fun feeling like I was on the set of St. Elmo's Fire during our shoot. Well sort of. But it made me want to go watch that movie. So there's that. 
Okay back on target! 
It has been such a pleasure to photograph these friends since the very beginning of their relationship. I was truly touched they asked me, and am so excited to stand with them when they say "I do" next year!!! 

Rachelle + Jaryd | Engagement Shoot

This is a session I've been waiting along time for! When Rachelle reached out to me about engagement photos she said they really wanted to have them while it was snowing! How fun! Of course as much as I wish I could, I can't control the weather. We have been watching the weather closely for 2 months now, and finally it snowed on the weekend during the day when we were all free! It was perfect! These images will make you want to snuggle up with your significant other (or cat) and have a cup of hot chocolate. I wore three layers of pants and 2 pairs of socks plus my yellow duck boots. To say I was ready for this shoot would be an understatement!