Welp, 2017 is drawing to a close, and it's that time again. Time to look back on the year and talk about the good, the great, and the surprises! In previous years I've made multiple posts for weddings and engagements, but I wanted to switch it up a bit and have them all together. A few of our wedding couples this year also had their engagement photos done in 2017, so I figured it would be adorable to do little side by side comparisons for those! Kind of like a before and after, only both times it's pretty and sweet, haha! But before I get to sharing, I have to gush a little bit first.   Weddings This year's weddings have been phenomenal. We've learned a lot, met a ton of great people, and have experienced some truly amazing events. Every time I think a wedding can't reinvent itself, it does! I'm honestly shocked at the amount of heart, love, and the occasional tears that go into every single wedding to make it unique and one of a kind. This year, we photographed 19 weddings. N-I-N-E-T-E-E-N. That's the most we've ever had and we can be more grateful for everyone that we got to capture. I'm tearing up a little bit, because I want to be honest and say that next year isn't shaping up to be the same. It's a little bittersweet to reflect on this time now, because I don't think next year will be even remotely as...

Anybody who has been following my blog, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook should know that I love animals. Shawn and I absolutely cherish our little dog, Pony. We also love the special pets that we have the pleasure of photographing for our wedding couples. Normally, we only get to see these bundles of joy for engagement sessions, prancing around Susquehanna State Park or relaxing in the shade at Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (or even just a kitty relaxing at home while everyone is busily getting ready). Every so often, a couple wants to include their furry friend in the wedding, much to the delight of everyone. Unfortunately, this option is often overlooked for even the biggest pet enthusiasts. The logistics of handling, accessorizing, and chauffeuring the furry loved ones can be big hassle. Luckily, Furever & Fur Always is here to fill that gap and ease your concerns! About Furever & Fur Always Tiffany and Tehya (or, T-n-T as they affectionately refer to themselves) work all around the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area as a Wedding Day Dog Care service. This duo solves absolutely everything with your adorable pet on your big day. They safely escort your puppy to and from the venue, manage accessories, and chaperone. They coordinate just about anything you need! These two don't even just stick to weddings, also handling overnight stays, engagement sessions, and more. This concept is so lovable, I reached out to ask if I could find out more about their service...

Fall has been having a difficult time deciding if it wants to be around or not. There's been a slow change to the trees, but still 70 degree weather! I'm not mad about it, though. Especially when it makes the view from Amanda and Jim's wedding absolutely breathtaking. I'm convinced that Mountain Branch Golf Club was created for the Fall. The overlook, the trees, the red and stone building - it's total perfection! It all works so well with the orange and yellow of the season.  Amanda and Jim couldn't have asked for a greater day to exchange vows. Dare I say that it was almost too warm on November 3rd? Nahhh, I won't! Everything worked so well in their favor, considering the rest of the weekend was gloomy skies. Besides their expert date picking, I need to talk about the decor they had. These two put a lot of hours into picking and creating their chic decorations. Jim created their centerpieces by hollowing out wooden stumps, then sealing and testing to make sure his craftmanship was on point. Their vision came together incredibly well, and it's because they worked together to create a dream like reception space. Okay, the time has come where I dedicate an entire passage to the epicness that was the reception. First of all, Amanda and her friends can dance. Every time Shawn and I thought they were taking a break, an N'SYNC song would come on and they'd all be back out there...

I'm blown away by the celestial greatness that is Brittany and Dan's wedding. Seriously, they had the most unique vision for their day, and they rocked it. This was our first time at the Historic Savage Mill Manor, and it could not have been a better introduction. Everything about this venue is perfect. There's a handsome groom suite, a gorgeous ceremony backdrop, and classic great room for the reception. It offers everything a couple needs all within the walls of the manor.  Now, I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous leading up to Britt and Dan's day. Their ceremony was going to be at night, and that was a first for us! We've done portraits at night, but never a whole ceremony. It was hard for me to visualize how it'd all work, and I must have practiced different light setups 100 times. Walking into the Manor, though, the most incredible feeling came over me. I was ready to push myself creatively and embrace the uniqueness. Oh, and Shawn was cool as a cucumber, per usual :P. This wedding worked so friggin' well. Their entire evening was incredibly celestial, from the ceremony under the stars to the constellation seating chart. Brittany even gifted her bridesmaids with necklaces that represented their zodiac symbols. Everything just clicked for this wedding. Brittany and Dan's didn't overwhelm with their details, and they didn't underwhelm them either. It was truly an (inter)stellar night! By far, my favorite part of the evening was the ceremony...