Joey and Alena
I mean- these two were as fun as they look. I was so honored when Alena reached out to me about being their wedding photographer. I have known these two for some time now and they are a couple who radiate steadfastness. Both compliment each other in every way and they were both so at ease in front of the camera. They both chose a beautiful park in Blacksburg, Virginia complete with walking paths, a pond, ruins, and meadows. I have shot here before, but our lighting was just perfect.
On my way to every session I say a little prayer that God will help me capture the people I am about to photograph. I pray that the beauty of their heart will be represented in their pictures. I had so much fun with these two and I cannot wait to witness and document their wedding day next summer.
The White Wedding
Mr. and Mrs. White are finally up on the blog. I have known this couple for some time now, and they are equal parts unique, fun, and confident in what they want. It was so much fun to see their style incorporated in their big day. Veronica and Spenser chose the theme of “Secret Garden” for the wedding as it was a book the bride loved looking through as a child. From the invitations to the reception decor, the couple spent much time and effort in making that theme shine through. Even the bride’s veil had delicate flowers sewed on the edges.
The day began in the bride’s apartment. The feeling in the air was relaxed and everyone took their time eating breakfast and getting ready. Veronica presented her bridesmaids with monogrammed bracelets and her matron of honor did her hair. Knowing the bride’s cats were important to her I made sure to get a few shots of them throughout the morning. Instead of a first look with her groom or dad- Veronica decided to have a first look with her sister. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed so much emotion, and it was an honor to capture such love between sisters.
The mass was extremely traditional and included music accompaniment from their CCM (Catholic Campus Ministry) friends. The smell of incense filled the church as the couple spoke their vows and received communion. After the ceremony I was able to sneak the bride and groom off behind the church where a small garden and path lay hidden. These are my favorite shots from the whole day. The backdrop exudes secret garden.
The reception had low lighting and candles covering every table. Flowers hung from the ceiling and a photo booth complete with moss and a french country couch was available for guests to take polaroids in. Dancing followed the cake cutting and the groom spent a few minutes outside with his groomsmen to light a celebratory cigar. The couple exited to bubbles and cheers. Congratulations Spenser and Veronica! It was a pleasure to capture your special day.
Bryant Wedding
I first met Darrell and Kelly last April- a few days before I had my third baby. Kelly had attended
Radford University and had dated Darrell since she was a young teenager. Through mutual friends, I was
able to get to know them a bit during their visit back to town and I was even able to take their
engagement pictures at a local park. It was evident during their photo session that this couple had a
peace and an ease around one another, and I was thrilled when I became their official wedding
photographer.
On a cold day in early February, Kelly and Darrell prepared for the sacrament of marriage after
over a decade of being a couple. The dress Kelly chose was one she had seen in a magazine years prior,
and after an extensive search, and hours of driving was able to find for her big day. The dress speaks of
the elegance and detail intertwined throughout the décor and ambience of the day. Both the
groomsmen and bridesmaids got ready for the day at the Reception venue- West Oaks Farm- a beautiful
piece of property overlooking mountains and orchards. After an emotional first look with her dad, Kelly
was whisked away to the ceremony in a long white limousine.
The message that was spoken during Darrell and Kelly’s ceremony is one I am still reminded
of on a daily basis. The priest reminded all of us to look up at the cross- to look past the couple in front
of us and onto the face of Christ. The beauty of marriage, he said, is that it is the beginning of our
journey together towards heaven. Darrell and Kelly were being called to will the good of the other- to
help one another become as holy as they should be. So many beautiful blessings and prayers were
spoken during this ceremony, and the weight of what was happening was not lost on anyone.
In addition to church pictures, we chose to take bridal party portraits outside the venue during
cocktail hour. The day was cold, but everyone powered through, most especially the bride. Kelly’s teeth
would chatter between pictures but we would remind her of the tropical honeymoon awaiting her. The
reception was welcomed in by first dances, toasts, and speeches. A photo booth was set up for guests to
take pictures and add them to the guest book. Children ran in circles around adults and in time the
lighting was turned down for several more hours of breaking it down on the dance floor. Darrell and
Kelly slipped away into their getaway car after most everyone had gone off to bed and sealed the night
with a kiss. It was a true honor and joy to capture this day.
The Collins
I met this family back in the spring and I immediately knew I wanted to photograph them. Patrick and Lauren are two of the most kind and genuine people you’ll ever meet. Everyone they meet instantly becomes a long lost friend. Their daughter Kellen is both adorable and full of spunk- the perfect combination for any good photo shoot.
I took this sweet family back to the spot where we had our own family photos last fall, and the location did not disappoint - An extensive park on the outskirts of Blacksburg complete with abandoned silos, ponds, and biking trails. The leaves were still holding on with their beautiful fall colors and Lauren put her family in gorgeous creams and burgundies.
When I sent Lauren her picture preview I made note of the fact that she has a family that is not difficult to photograph. I still can’t believe I get to go on adventures with the best people and document such sweet seasons in their lives.
The Mallet Family
Alex and Kevin were so much fun to work with! Their sweet daughter Penelope wanted to be held by me most of the session and I was very flattered. We had to get creative on how to make the time fun for her while also getting those timeless shots. Their golden retriever was a fun addition. Our lighting was perfect and without sounding too prideful- the last few shots remind me very much of story book illustrations.
I can’t recommend enough documenting seasons of in between. This family of three is about to become a family of four, and though it would be easy to wait for pictures until the newest little one arrives, I always love taking pictures of family as they wait in anticipation. There’s beauty in the waiting and I hope you see that in the midst of this session.
Ward Wedding
I have known Kendra for many years and her joy and childlike fun has stayed consistent throughout the time I have known her. After meeting Alex back in October, I could tell right away she had met someone of equal quality. Their laid back nature and ability to make any situation fun is really a dream for a photographer.
Alex and Kendra chose Diamond V Farms as their venue. Located in the hills of Southwest Virginia- this destination is truly breathtaking. The wedding day took place on a hot Sunday in June. Kendra chose blush and navy as her colors, accented by lace, rustic wood, and touches of green. Her dress included a lace and jeweled overlay with a simple train and white barrette in place of a veil.
The ceremony took place outside, overlooking the blue sky and mountains. Cocktail hour followed outside of the reception barn complete with finger food and drinks. The barn was spectacular and had been decorated in twinkle lights, chandeliers, and vintage mirrors. The tables were strewn with lanterns, framed photographs, and white table cloths.
From the beginning of this day to the very end everyone had FUN. There was so much emotion and family involvement from the makeup and hair to the mother son dance. Alex and Kendra made it a priority to keep the music going and connect with each of their guests. Ending in a sparkler exit and a drive off into the sunset- The Ward wedding is one not many will forget.
Darrell and Kelly
An engagement session in the park with the most laid back couple. They’ve been sweethearts since high school and plan to make that title permanent in February.
The sun held back for us during this afternoon shoot, giving us overcast skies and lots of soft light. I was so excited to find a spot near the water at the very end of our shoot. It’s always worth it to keep exploring and find that perfect background. Very excited to see where God takes this couple.
The Ratcliffe Family
This session is a perfect example of last minute beauty. The Ratcliffe’s have so much going on at the moment. Between three kids school schedules, moving, and getting ready for the holiday’s - it didn’t seem that family pictures was going to make the cut for 2021. Thankfully our schedules lined up and we were able to capture such an important season in their lives. The season of busy. I am so honored that when things slow down and all the kids don’t need help with their homework anymore — Lindsay and Cooney can stop and look at these moments, and hopefully joyfully remember when life was a little bit faster paced.
The Ratcliffe’s session was located in Southwest Virginia on a property with a beautiful old barn. As soon as I saw it and their red plaid I knew we had stumbled upon a perfect combination. We had a fifteen minute window of perfect lighting, and I was reminded yet again how fleeting everything is — even the sunlight. I had so much fun spending time with this sweet family.
Alex and Kendra
This engagement session was particularly special to me for a few reasons. Kendra grew up down the mountain from my husband- they attended the same church and in many ways grew up together. The spot Kendra and Alex chose for their pictures was the farm my husband and his siblings grew up on. This farm was a backdrop for Kendra’s little years as well, and she wanted Alex to be a part of it.
These two were so much fun to photograph- with years of knowing and loving each other under their belt, it was hard to keep them from laughing. Alex and Kendra kept apologizing for “messing” up their pictures by being too silly— I had to laugh— the reality of capturing a couple well and everything they share is that you can never be too silly or too yourselves. I am so excited to witness these two tie the knot in June. I imagine they will bring a little West Virginia county to their wedding in South West Virginia.
Sarah and Rosie
Before meeting either of these beautiful ladies, Sarah informed me that four year old Rosie was very much full of energy. She loved moving, dancing, jumping, and of course dressing up in tutus. She wanted this photo shoot to capture Rosie’s personality. Sarah chose a spot her and her daughter frequented often, a beautiful path through the woods complete with bridges and creeks.
As soon as I met this mother daughter duo I just knew I was going to get fantastic pictures. The genuine love and playfulness between these two was so easy to capture and so easy to admire. One of my favorite things about taking pictures of kids, is how over time they get more and more comfortable with you being there, invading their otherwise private moments. It’s always the last 15 minutes where I get the best shots because everyone forgets I’m there and the raw emotions, embraces, and expressions come out in all their glory.
It was a privilege to walk alongside these two, getting to know them and see a little slice of their day to day. It didn’t hurt that the fall colors were in full swing and that we had the whole wood to ourselves.
The Moon Family
John and Becca got married in January of 2020- so if you’re doing your math correctly- you’ve calculated that these two threw one of the last parties before the world shut down. They were married at Mountain Lake, though infamous for it’s backdrop in the movie “Dirty Dancing”, it is special to Becca for different reasons. Growing up Becca spent her summer vacations swimming in the lake and exploring the woods surrounding this resort. The stone arches in some of these pictures are the same ones Becca took childhood family photos under many years ago.
John and Becca decided to bring their five month old son back to this special spot, and I’m so glad they did. I had so much fun capturing this season of life for this sweet family- and I especially loved getting to spend time around the exremely cute and inquisitive baby James.
Grace and Rob
Anniversary Shoot
When Grace and Rob first approached me at a wedding to see if I would be willing to take anniversary pictures for them, I was thrilled- and I’ll tell you why. Documenting marriage a year in, has an endurance and beauty to it that a wedding never will. Now don’t get me wrong, weddings will always be my favorite— but the love between a husband and wife 365 days after all the flowers, cake, and gifts — it’s deeper.
Grace and Rob were long distance for most of their relationship, and they reminisced during our photo shoot how hard it was. They would get together every few weeks and find fun spots to hike, explore, and eat. The spot they chose for their anniversary session is an old covered bridge that Grace always admired growing up. It is also a spot these two picked for one of their meet ups while dating.
In the year they’ve been married, this couple has gone through job changes, pandemic fluctuations, and an unplanned move— but you wouldn’t know it looking at them. Happy Anniversary Grace and Rob! May God bless the many more years to come.
