It's officially that time when the holidays start gearing up, and we take a break from being behind the camera. It's the end of the 2016 wedding season and we feel great. Our level of enthusiasm isn't because we get our weekends back, but from a place of thanks. This year, 15 couples let us in to their lives to capture the start of their forever. I never in a million years thought we would be at this place, photographing wonderful people on their gorgeous day. My heart is unbelievably full today, which is why I need to say thank you. I'm starting to tear up a little bit just thinking of every smile, laugh, and (obviously) tear that occurred over this season and all the ones prior. Over five years ago, I shot my first wedding. It was for a good friend, and I had no idea what I was doing. I called upon all my schooling when it came to posing and lighting, and I practiced so much. However, nothing could prepare me for that day. The weather was rainy, I couldn't figure out my flash, and I didn't know how to assert myself. I felt like a complete failure, and as I packed up, I told myself I would never do another wedding. But then my friend came up to me and wrapped me up in the biggest hug in the world. It was in that hug and through her excitement having me as her photographer...

Goodness gracious, today's blog is absolutely fabulous! On Sunday, Shawn and I traveled out to Dulany's Overlook in Frederick for Chelsey and Taylor's rustically fall wedding. Pulling up with the scenery left my jaw on the ground. As you drive up the long driveway, the estate appears like something out of a Disney movie, and I fell in love immediately. Inside the house, every room is so immaculate, it's like they were taken straight out of a magazine. There is so much charm at Dulany's Overlook, I couldn't pick my favorite section if I had to. It was one of the most gorgeous fall days. The sun warmed the air and kept everything bright and cheery for their ceremony in the trees. Surrounded by orange and crimson leaves, these two could not have planned for better weather to celebrate their union. There is something incredibly special about Chelsey and Taylor. When they are together, it's awe inspiring. I can say without a doubt that the only nerves from the day were because they were so ready to be husband and wife. Both Chelsey and Taylor were calm during the walk down the aisle. I know the second they met at the end of the aisle I had tears rolling down my cheeks. After the ceremony, there were plenty of people were outside and enjoying the cocktail hour before dinner. The reception space took place in a beautiful barn with enough space for lawn games out back. My favorite part...

Our locally grown styled shoot is one that I have been waiting to share since September! Not only is it low-key and intimately sweet, but it is also jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Much like the previous styled shoot Marlayna and I did, the vendors that we worked with completely knocked it out of the park. From the table florals to our bride's make-up, it is all stunning. Everyone worked so hard to make this shoot feel like a beautiful dream. It has totally paid off with our Baltimore Bride feature. Check out our Locally Grown feature on Baltimore Bride! My favorite part about this shoot has to be that the vendors we used are all from the Baltimore area. La Cuchara, our spectacular setting, is a charming, Basque inspired restaurant located in Clipper Mill. They source all of their ingredients from Maryland farms and markets, giving wonderful business to locals. It was a pleasure working with Candace Cage Design who took elements from the restaurants lattice design plates and incorporated them into the invitation suite. Marlayna and I are still in awe of those invites. Local Color Flowers brought so many vibrant florals to the tabletops and ceremony space. It's absolutely amazing to see a florist work, because they have such wonderful vision and it's almost magic to see them piece it together. We also got to include two perfectly crafted floral pressed guestbooks from UpDown Press and Bindery, which added a great pop to our reception scene. The loveliest part of...

When Shawn and I met Sara and Charlie a year ago, we knew instantly that they were special. From the way they look at each other, to the way they speak to one another. They are sweet, loving, and, above all else, perfect for one another. Getting to know their personalities at their engagement session filled us with so much anticipation for their wedding day. Shawn and I had no doubt their wedding at Flora Corner Farm was going to be fantastic. What I did not know was  how many wonderful emotions would be present in their day. Arriving at their gorgeous venue, excitement was pulsing in the air. The only time that Sara's smile faded from her face was when she read the beautiful note that Charlie had written for her. I'm pretty sure that Sara didn't even get through the first line before tears began to fall. The most adorable part of this story is that, across the venue, Charlie was reading the note that Sara had written for him. He also only got a few words in before needing to pause to compose himself. Shawn and I were well aware that we were not leaving this wedding without shedding a few tears ourselves. Everything for this day was magnificent. From the bouquet to the music, Sara and Charlie were enveloped in so much life and love. The chic romantic ambiance that Flora Corner Farm has is unbelievable. The gorgeous ceremony site is framed with vintage chandeliers...

Whenever the question of a first look comes up, we are almost always met with an excited bride and confused groom. It's no fault of the groom that he doesn't know what this wedding trend is. We generally give the bride the chance to explain it, if she is familiar. But it's still kind of difficult to find the right words to describe it. When we explain it, we want to be informative and still give all the sweetness that is involved. The benefits and trade offs are not always immediately obvious. It takes both people to decide if a first look is right for them. Having to find the right words to make a confident choice is a challenge. We want to give you the resources that allow you both to be at peace with your options. So we are excited to give you the information about a first look, and the tools to know if it should be a part of your wedding day. What is a first look? The easiest way to explain a first look is that it's a chance for the couple to be with each other before all of the craziness starts. It's an intimate moment that you two get the chance to share on a day that is all about your love. A first look is never rushed or forced. It's honestly the most exciting time during the wedding, besides the declaration of marriage. The process of this romantic event starts...