A Winter Wedding in Virginia. Tracy & Ed.

This was an incredibly emotional day for these two.  They have been courting for quite a while and when Ed kissed Tracy at the end of the ceremony it was literally the first time they had ever kissed.  Isn't that amazing?  So, throughout the day you kept hearing them say "wow, this is so weird" followed by lots of smootches.  Very sweet. 

Tracy has a smile that stretches for miles.  She lights up a room and Ed, well, he is very handsome.  And the two of them together is something wonderful to witness.

Congratulations Tracy & Ed! 

And a special thank you to Bill Gray, my second set of eyes for the day.

The realization that it's all really happening.

Well, I guess he's happy.

This was the sweetest "reveal" I've ever witnessed.  Just look at those faces!

Tracy is the only bride I know that had time to take her shoes off and really relax before the ceremony.

A prayer before the ceremomy.

Last minute items to gather.

Seeing Ed at the end of the aisle.

The minister asked the audience if anyone didn't think these two should be married and then blurted "if so, then it's too late....."  LOL.

Looks like love to me.

Love this image by Bill Gray!

The final blessing.  Just before this the couples asked if anyone in audiance wanted to renew their vows and two couples came up to the alter.  It was so great!

A very excited couple.

The official signing of the certificate.

Getting announced to a room full of happy people.

We spent time following the reception to photograph the two of them.  It was a gorgeous day and we had a blast.

Yay!

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Bria. High School Senior and Singer Extraordinaire

make a statement.

You know when you have that feeling of uncertaintity about what to expect.  Lots of unknown variables looming.  Bria and I communicated via texting, so I never really met her in person.  We had lengthy texts about what was going on in her life currently and how she wanted to be photographed.  This is what I like to do for these Senior Sessions.  It's all about what is going on in their life and the statement they want to make about who they are. She said she liked to sing R & B.  Okay.  Ideas start buzzing in my head.  I finally decided on the historic Senator movie theatre.  An old stomping ground of mine that has recently closed to moviegoers, but is used for other means...like live music.  Perfect. 

The funny thing is you really never know who sings or doesn't unless 1. you know them really well or 2. you see them in a concert setting.  Neither of these variables were working in my favor.  After we decided on Bria's outfit, off we went into the main theatre area and up on stage she went.  I told her to sing a song that moves her soul.  Not knowing what to expect, she absolutely blew me away.  Her mom was with us and I turned to her with my eyes tearing and said a silent "wow".  She just smiled in agreement.  I didn't shoot at first. I just listened.  That's all I could do. 

Bria is, indeed, a singer.

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Julia & Steve. Long Distance Love in DC.

Julia & Steve live almost 7000 miles apart. She in DC and he in Japan while he serves in Navy. You know there is a very strong bond between these two. This past week Steve was in town for a whirlwind tour of what will be his wedding day, as well as, an engagement session with yours truly (even with crazy jet lag). It was cold outside, so we stepped into the National Portrait Gallery for a peak at beautiful pieces of art and then popped into the stunning Hotel Monaco.

I'm so excited for for their wedding in April !  It's going to be stunning and a ton of fun, especially with Sara Muchnick of Engaging Affairs at the helm.

See you in April!

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Photojournalism + Family Life = Art.

I'm so in love with Tiffany & Brad Sanders.  Why?  Because they are magnificant parents who love family just as it is in all it's raw realness.  And that is exactly how they want their family documented, too.  They don't "prepare" for me, they just go on with their life when I show up.  Of course, I interupt it a bit by my very presence.  But, that is par for the course. 

They recently moved back into their home with three kids now (I've been documenting them since their oldest, Elizabeth, was a baby) and I'll be documenting their life throughout the year as their youngest, Autumn, grows and discovers.  This was the first of six "Life Stages" sessions.

I'm obsessed with feet.

Elizabeth plays "mommy" and absolutely loves Autumn.

Happy baby.

Daily, beautiful chaos.

Bradley has the best smile.

Autumn loves having her picture taken. She is so aware!

Elizabeth playing pirate with the camera.

Yummy fingers.

Sweet caress.

The family!

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Life on Your Walls

Your Life Makes Beautiful Artwork

I had an amazing photo shoot with the Vannoy family recently and the ordering session went just as well.  Today we received the finished product.  Before I put everything in the box for shipment I wanted to take a picture of how it will look on their walls.  What an amazing design element to brighten up any room.

I'm so excited for them!  It will look fab-u-lous!

your life is art.

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Four Little Munchkins and One Calm Mom.

Angela was the winner of a drawing at Greenberries (a fabulous children's consignment store in Columbia, MD) during the grand-opening festivities held this summer. She has four beautiful children of various ages & sizes.  All of them are absolutely adorable and so sweet.  I was floored by their demeanor, charm and personalities.  Let me introduce them to you.

This is Calvin.  He's the oldest and the protector.

This is Christina.  She is 7 years old, with a quiet demeanor and loves her older brother.

This is Tyler.  He is 4 years old and the class clown.  Loves to stick out his tongue...alot.

This is Clara. Just under 5 months, cute as a button.  Loves to smile and be doted upon by other siblings.

Here's a few more from the session.

your life is art.

Your memories are what fuels your emotions. Why not display them in your space as part of your life?

Do you have a wall in your home that you can't figure out how to fill?  This is what I envioned as a wall display after working on these sweet little munchkins.  So many options!

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Smiling is Not a Necessity. Photography Tips for Parents.

Look for moments that make you smile.

I was recently approached by Washington Family magazine to offer a few quick tips for parents who want to photograph their kids and I was glad to give my two cents.

Quick Tip #1

"My photo philosophy for taking great portraits is to be discreet and most importantly, patient!  Engage the child in an activity that will bring out their little personalities (reading a favorite book, coloring/painting, singing songs, sitting up, belly time, dancing, tickling, furniture surfing, taking a bath, picking flowers, etc..). Look for the moments that make you smile. These are amazing times of growth and change in your child's life.  It's so fun as a parent to witness the moments happen, it's even more precious to capture the moments for a lifetime." --Mary Gardella of Love Life Images

For more quick tips you can visit Washington Family Magazine.

Stay tuned for more tips soon.

Have fun!

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