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!!! 

Why you should do a First Look | Bridal Advice

First Looks are something that have become more popular over the last couple of years. I always felt on the fence for my own wedding (in 2 months!) about doing one. I'm getting married in a big church and the walk down the aisle is going to be so magical. I love the idea of walking down and Bryce seeing me for the first time. But I eventually decided on doing a First Look. 

Why? 

Your wedding day is as much about all your family and friends as its about you. For 99% of the day, you are surrounded by all these people who are so excited for you, to talk with you and give lots of hugs! Oddly, you get very little time with your new spouse.  A First Look gives you the opportunity to have 20-30min of time together, just the two of you, to take in the moment. I can guarantee, that emotion comes through the photos more than you think it will. It's incredibly touching. I cry at most First Looks. Just a little tear. I love it. 

There are other kinds of First Looks also. Recently I did a First Look with the bride's parents (individually), the bridesmaids and finally her groom. It was so fun to do this big reveal to all these important people. I know I'm doing one with my dad for our wedding. 

First Looks can take as little time or as much time as you would like. We can turn it into your portrait session, so I don't have to grab you later, or just a way to increase your bridal photos. 

Here are some recent "First Looks". Consider adding a first look to your wedding day timeline! 

Z+B | A Wedding in St. Michaels

Allow me to set the stage for this stunning wedding on the water. Zach and Becca chose to get married in St. Michaels, at the Miles River Yacht Club. Their color palate couldn't have been more dreamy, as it completely matched the water at sunset. Becca's maids wore navy dresses, and the boys a light blue shirt with navy bow ties. The flowers were a mix of pinks and oranges. See guys, sunset on the water, I told you. I'm so thankful that Brittany, of Brittany Thomas Photography brought me along for this beautiful wedding!

The guys looked so sharp! If Zach was nervous about seeing Becca for the first time on their wedding day, he definitely didn't show it!

Don't you love Becca's bouquet?! And her necklace! It was a special gift from her grandmother.

Don't you just LOVE how Zach looks at her during their First Look?! It's pure love. And my favorite shot is when he looked right into my camera, almost to say, "Do you see how lucky I am? Are you capturing this?" Such a sweet moment. I'm really a believer in First Looks. It helps to get rid of the jitters and gives you some time before all the craziness begins. So much of your wedding day is spent with a ton of people (which is great because everyone is celebrating you!) but a First Look is a great time to have a few private moments just the two of you. Additionally, who doesn't want more portraits? 

I love the moment when the flower girl is looking up at all the bridesmaids. It's so sweet! She's taking it all in with big eyes and bright smiles! Such a dapper group of guys as well! You would never know it took a half hour to get the bowties just right!

And they are MARRIED! Time to party! 

Gosh I love the golden hour, and lens flares, and couples madly in love. You just can't go wrong with that combination. Congratulations Zach and Becca!