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Spring

Chelsea & Ryan

A Sunset College Park Engagement

It always fascinates me with how close we get to meeting our "other half" for the first time, but we don't actually interact with them until a much later because of life and timing. Chelsea and Ryan know this well, since they even shared a backyard, yet didn't formally meet until a mutual friend introduced them. It's pretty interesting to think about how life goes along until the perfect time when paths can cross, and everything can work out perfectly. I had been eager to meet these two since Chelsea and I started emailing last year. Both of them live in Saint Croix, so our meet up had to wait for a little bit until they both returned back to Maryland. I can totally understand it not happening too frequently, since I'm sure their families always want to come to them, haha! Shawn and I are definitely envious of their island life :P. While we were emailing, Chelsea mentioned that since her and Ryan both attended The University of Maryland, College Park, they wanted their engagement photos to have the beautiful campus as their backdrop. I had never gotten the chance to shoot at the university, so I was definitely looking forward to their session. From the moment that Shawn and I pulled up, I could tell that every piece of the school was going to be fabulous. The grounds were well kept, and the colonial architecture of every single building was breath taking. Every second with Chelsea, Ryan...

Megan & Dave

A Stunning Park and City Engagement

I am just about speechless over Megan and Dave's Sunday engagement session. We started the evening at Patapsco Valley State Park, and those of you that follow along know it's my favorite place. There was some comedic mishaps with finding each other in the part of the park without a signal, but when we finally all got together, it was amazing! Megan and Dave are seriously the cutest couple, and they just so happen to be the parents of the most adorable little Frenchie named Izzy. I love when couples involve their furbabies in their sessions, because it brings a whole new personality to the shoot. Izzy definitely brought a lot of extra fun and laughs to the park. By some crazy chance, we had the entire Cascade Falls trail to ourselves, which was shocking considering Sunday was the first sunny day in weeks! After a quick wardrobe change and a short drive, we arrived at Ellicott City (another favorite) where these two took modeling to a different level. Megan and Dave are absolutely stellar. We were shooting well after the sun had already set, since I was pretty obsessed with their adorableness! The best part about these two was their excitement over their photos. They came ready with props, wonderful ideas, and ready for whatever we got into. It was simply fantastic. Ahhh! I adore them! Shawn and I cannot wait to photograph their wedding next April at the Anchor Inn. It is for sure going to be the...

Should You Do a First Look?

Things to Consider

At this point, more than a few of the wedding planning sites you are on may be telling you to do a first look. They give a run-down of what it is and of all of the good that comes from doing one. Some of those sites may even say that your photographer will tell you to do one. Seriously, though, who am I to say "you must have a first look"? I would be a complete hypocrite if I demanded that; Shawn and I didn't do a first look, and even if we had the chance to go back and have one, we wouldn't. One of the things we both wanted from our day was for the first moment we see each other to be when I was walking down the aisle to him. We instead did an alternative to a first look where we held hands and said a prayer while separated by a door frame. I'm so glad that we did it this way because it was a moment I would never take back for anything. It was special and real and -- yes -- there were tears <3. We knew in our case a first look wouldn't work. Shawn and I talked about it, we made our photographer aware of our alternate idea, and we planned our timeline accordingly. I had where we would be during that last hour of light for sunset all mapped out. I think the most important thing, if...

My Favorite Wedding Photos of 2015

Year in Review

Every photo of Shawn and I is important, but the photos that we cherish and love the most are our wedding photos. We look back on our day and see the family that was present along with the memories that were created. Our love for each other and for the day itself shines in every single image. They are a wonderful representation of who we are and why our marriage is special. Those feelings we have for our photos are what motivates us to be our best possible selves for all of our couples. This past year we were able to photograph 17 amazing couples coming together in marriage. Each wedding was unique to the style of the couple, and every single marriage announcement, I teared up. Shawn and I got to do our first out-of-state wedding in Massachusetts, and because that was such a fabulous experience, we now hope to get more out-of-state nuptials! The best part about this year is that from these weddings, we came out with new friends that we are so excited for and are cheering for every single day. Gathering the images for this post was something that I wish I could do all of the time. Seeing these days unfold again was beautiful. Shawn and I are incredibly grateful for every opportunity that we have been given. We have really grown as partners and photographers so much over 2015. It was no surprise to me that I started tearing up at...

Meghan & Morgan, Mayo Beach Park

A Superhero Wedding

Meghan and Morgan's wedding was such a fun event! Just like their engagement session, Meghan and Morgan had a lot of fun superhero references that made an appearance throughout the day. They described their wedding style as a "fun, casual, superhero wedding" and they were not kidding! There was an awesome photobooth type station that had a wide array of superhero masks and props, and their guests would put on any props they wanted and then take a quick snap with the provided Polaroid camera. It was such a great idea! I would totally recommend this to anyone who doesn't want a tradition photobooth and instead just wants a quick snap of friends. Eventually the masks made their way to the dance floor where the groom - I mean Captain America - and Iron Man showed off their dance moves :P. This pair is definitely amazing and I cannot wait to see where life and their love takes them! Meghan and Morgan, thank you so much for allowing Shawn and me to capture your day! If your life together is anything like your wedding day, it will be beautiful, silly, and completely epic!   ______________________________________________________________________________   All of the awesome vendors that made this day amazing!  Ceremony & Reception Venue: Mayo Beach Park Caterer: Absolutely Perfect Catering Florist: Mahers Florist Hair & Makeup: Ashley Comegna at Ambition Salon DJ: Stan Greenleaf Bridal Gown: David's Bridal Groom's Tux: Men's Wearhouse ...

Heather & Tommy

A Fantastic Wedding at the Anchor Inn

Heather and Tommy's wedding day was absolutely perfect! I had been anticipating their wedding ever since their engagement session last Fall. These two are so sweet together, and when they are wrapped in each other's arms it's as if the rest of the world just fades away. During their ceremony there was a moment when Heather started to tear up and Tommy ever so gently reached over to her and just grabbed her hand. It's in those small actions that you see real genuine love and caring. It was really a beautiful and special moment. I am ecstatic to share Heather and Tommy's photos. Everything was just so wonderfully placed and the reception venue: wow! The Anchor Inn in Pasadena was completely breathtaking; the inside was so light and airy and Heather and Tommy's beach inspired decorations fit amazingly with the space! The decor was also fitting considering Tommy proposed to Heather in Ocean City while walking down the beach (AH! So adorable!). I'm so happy that I was able to be apart of this gorgeous day and I'm really looking forward to showing these two all of their beautiful images! :D Heather and Tommy, thank you so much allowing Shawn and me to capture this very special day! We know your life together will be just as amazing! :)   ______________________________________________________________________________ Even though everyone knows already, thank you Shawn for being my photo sidekick (even though you're THE superhero in my eyes) All of the awesome vendors...

Jennifer & Brock

A Beautiful DIY Wedding at Overhills Mansion

"I knew on our first date. Well, I guess it would be more accurate to say that I suspected, and that with time my suspicions were confirmed. Right when I met him I just got this overwhelming feeling of being totally at ease with him. He was warm and funny and smart and handsome and something just clicked. On my drive home after our first date, I called two of my best friends to tell them I had just met The One!" ____________ I had to start off with that quote from Jen about when she knew Brock was her person. It is a wonderful story of the beginnings of love, and it's made me think about the feelings that come with finding THE one. There isn't anything special that has to happen that let's you know someone is your forever. No angels, or doves, or magic carpet rides; it's just two people being together and being at ease. It's like inhaling fresh air after being cooped up inside all day. There's a sudden relief and everything seems to just fit. Love is a beautiful thing :). I don't think I could have asked for a better way to help kick off this wedding season than to photograph Jennifer and Brock's wedding! This wedding can be summed up as elegant, fun, and DIY. Jen is a DIY queen. Everything from the invitations to the "Brock <3 Jen" cookie favors were created/baked by Jen! All of...

Lisa & Michael

A Breathtaking Wedding at London Town & Gardens

I cannot say enough amazing things about Lisa and Michael. When I met with them last year, I could immediately tell they were something special; when I shot their engagement session this past January, I just knew they were the perfect pair. I had been counting down the days until their wedding. When it arrived, I had so much energy and excitement, I had to dance in the car before getting to them (otherwise I probably would have seemed super strange)! The weather on their day started off a little cloudy and a touch rainy, but by the time the ceremony rolled around, the clouds in the sky were highlighted by the sun behind them and gave the perfect backdrop for their vows. Of course, with their wedding at London Town, it was pretty much guaranteed that the ceremony would be breathtaking, but the added bit of sky just made it that much better. Lisa and Michael have a love like no other. During their bride and groom portrait session Michael was constantly keeping Lisa laughing and Lisa was constantly giving Michael sweet little kisses. They are filled with so much love for one another, watching them together and seeing how they look at each other makes my heart incredibly happy. I loved hearing how they both knew the other was the one, and Michael's take on it really drove home how great they are together: "I believe it takes a tremendous number of moments to add up...

Emily & Cal

An Engagement Overlooking Maryland

A beautiful couple with beautiful doggies in a beautiful location; could there be anything better? Rocks State Park is such a great location on its own, but whenever I get to shoot in a place that is special to a couple, that location becomes even more amazing! We started off this wonderful engagement session with a visit to this really cool waterfall. Since it was such a great day out, there were loads of swimmers all around the waterfall, but Cal and Emily did not let that affect their model posing. I could almost forget the people around us, except for all the splashing, haha! As Shawn stayed back to hang on to the pups by the waterfall, Emily, Cal, and I traveled up the river and really explored more of the area. I just cannot say enough about this location. It was so green and bright - the perfect indication that Spring is here to stay! Our next stop was to the King and Queen Chairs where the dogs were let loose to have fun! This area was gorgeous, and had a spectacular view of the park below us. As long as no one thought of how far up we were, or looked over the edge of the rock cliff, we were totally fine! The three dogs - Sarge, Harvey, and Pickles - acted as my assistants in getting Emily and Cal to burst with laughter. At one point, Emily and Cal were off being cute and as I...

Adventures in South Carolina!

Two weekends ago my best friend, Christy, got married to the love of her life, Nate. I was in the bridal party of this beautiful wedding, and what a change it is from photographing weddings to participating! I actually got to dance! Every wedding I photograph I'm always silently singing along to the music, or tapping my foot, or even doing a light variation of the Night at the Roxbury head bob. I always keep it 100% professional, though :P. But at my best friend's wedding, Shawn and I completely put our dance training to good use and it was a blast! When the weekend was over I was sad about leaving, and even now I'm tearing up a little reliving all of the great moments I had with Christy, Nate, and their family. They now all live in North Carolina and I just need for teleportation to be a thing. Enough sappy stuff. Shawn and I ended up staying an extra day in the South and I just cannot believe how breathtaking it was. We strolled around the wedding site, which was at this great spot called Oldfield River Club and really enjoyed the change of scenery. I now want more than ever to photograph a wedding down in South Carolina or Georgia because those trees are on a totally different level. We went over to the Hilton Head area and determined that it will be our next vacation spot :P. Ate lunch next to the water, played some...

Mary & Justin

A Beautiful Wedding at Saint Jane Francis

Maryland is where it is at for Mary and Justin, who you might recognize from their engagement session in the fall. I had been looking forward to their wedding because of Mary's description of the MD theme. Everything from their cake colors to the design on Mary's nails reflected their love for Maryland. I loved seeing the tiny details and big picture come together for their wedding day. I never realized how much of a designer's dream the Maryland flag is - it can be transformed into so many different things that no one would ever think of! When I first arrived at Mary's house, I was surprised to see how calm she was! Nothing stressed her out, and even their cake topper disappearing only made Mary shrug and go "Oh well." I think her very zen-like appearance was due to her knowing she was marrying the man of her dreams and that a missing cake topper wasn't going to change that. In fifty years she isn't even going to remember the things that were missing, so she felt no need to stress. I was definitely envious of her calm nature! Another thing I was envious of? Mary and Justin's reception: it was totally awesome! After a beautiful ceremony and some hilarious portraits of the bridal party, it was off to a reception that is now on my "Top Five Favorite Receptions" list. Mary and Justin made their grand entrance by breaking through a banner with their...

Leah & Glenn

A Rustic Wedding at the Howard County Conservancy

On May 11, I had the pleasure of photographing Leah and Glenn's wedding. You may remember when I posted their engagement session. It was the most amazing, intimate, and cute wedding that I've been to and I am going to proclaim is as one of my favorite weddings! It took place at the Howard County Conservancy in Woodstock, Maryland. The surrounding area is picture perfect suburbia, then the area opens up to this gorgeous field to reveal the Conservancy. When my second shooter and I arrived, the weather was great - lots of sun, clouds, and a comfortable warm.  Then, the weather shifted and it started to downpour, which worried me how it would impact the ceremony (it was taking place in the barn at the conservancy). But it seemed like the heavens knew just when to start and stop raining. It stopped soon after Leah announced she was all ready to go to the barn, started once she was safely inside, and stopped a little after the ceremony was done. The storm didn't diminish any of the happiness, though, and Leah was all smiles as she walked down the aisle to Glenn. I love the way Leah and Glenn look at each other. it's amazing when you see two people's eyes light up just at the sight of one another. They are such a wonderful pair, and I'm so glad that I was able to capture all the love between them, their family, and their friends. Not to...

Glenn and Leah

Perfectly Rustic Barn Engagement

Since Glenn and Leah are getting married this Saturday (AHHH :D) I figured it was FINALLY time to buckle down and post their engagement session. They already had the location picked out, a gorgeous farm where they actually keep their horse, Doc. It was such a beautiful place and obviously the perfect location since they are getting married in a barn soon :P! I had so much fun with their session, they are pretty much the funniest couple ever, and they go together so well. I'm so glad that they allowed me into their world and that I get to photograph their wedding in a matter of days. Ahhhhh! Excitement!       The way Glenn looks at Leah is pretty much the cutest thing ever!   Looking at their pictures makes me SOOOO much more excited for the wedding. I was already excited, but now I'm on a whole new level :P ...

Adventures in Camping

It Rained All Weekend

Two weekends ago, Shawn and I decided that it would be really fun to go camping. He had received A LOT of camping gear from his parents, my parents, and me this past Christmas, so we had to start using it at some point! We travelled out to Elk Neck State Park up in North East, Maryland (this isn't the general area of the park, it's the name of the town where the park was located, this made my parents really confused for some reason :P.) When we finally were finished shopping at the local Walmart for food, extra sweat pants, and blankets (it was freezing) we finally made it to our campsite. It was around 10:30 pm and pitch black out, we didn't know where the other campsites were located and we thought we heard water nearby, but we couldn't be sure. Shawn, being the expert wilderness man he is, quickly set up the tent and I sorta helped move all our stuff in - I don't think I was very helpful because I was busy taking night pictures, which I will show but not until the end of this post since they are my favorite! We fell asleep pretty quickly and the next day it rained the entire morning and was forecasted to rain most of the day. When we caught a break in the downpour Shawn and I were starving so we got the stove, the sausage, and the pancake mix ready and made the fastest...