Newborn | Welcome Baby Katy

Nov

On October 20th, my dearest friend and her husband welcomed their new baby girl into the world! For a long time, they were worried that Miss Kathryn Bell would make her entrance before it was time. There was a lot of time spent at the hospital, many hours of bed rest and taking it easy. Then, when they were actually ready for Katy to come, she needed some convincing. Induction was needed. After many hours of trying to persuade Katy that she was ready for the world, she finally arrived. From the beginning, Katy’s destiny was unknown. There was some concerning news on and off that kept her parents on their toes, and I know that her safe arrival was nothing less than glorious to them. There were many prayers said for them, especially from my house.

I’m so happy that Katy is finally here and she is amazingly healthy! The youngest of five, I know that there will be hectic times, but she will always be loved. To my friend, you are an incredible mother, and I wish you all the best! (*tear)

Gear Review | Kelly Moore B-Hobo Bag

Oct

Posted in: Gear, Personal

This post is all about my birthday present this year! My husband came to me and said that he had planned on getting me a new camera bag for my birthday, but he wanted me to pick it out because he was getting conflicting opinions from me on which bag I actually wanted. It was a VERY hard decision. I probably would have been better off just letting him pick for me! After much research, I decided on the Kelly Moore B-Hobo Bag. My biggest problem with the camera bag that I was originally using was that it was so big and bulky that the thought of taking my camera most places with me was exhausting. The B-Hobo bag is amazing. It is small and lightweight, yet still holds my camera body as well as 2-4 lenses and other accessories. It has two front pockets, and one large back pocket for additional storage. There are two small side pockets, which unfortunately do not fit my iPhone with a case on it, but I’m fine putting it in one of the front pockets. It has a long pocket on the inside which is meant for something the size of an iPad I believe, but with a little less gear, I can actually fit my 13″ MacBook in it! The top flips open for easy lens changes, which is perfect for portrait sessions or weddings. The leather is so soft, and the color is to die for! I’m so happy with my new bag!

Fall Mini Sessions Are Here!

Oct

Posted in: Mini Sessions, Portraits

This special is from 2011. To see current mini session special for 2012 click here!

Venn Workshops | The Southern Experience

Sep

Posted in: Wedding, Workshop

I shared with you before that a couple of weeks ago I got to be a part of the amazingness that was Venn Workshop, hosted by Kellan Studios and Jodi Miller Photography. I had such a good time, and am now ready to unveil the images from the workshop. Kelly, Ryan, Jodi, and Kurt made an awesome team, and it helped that the location was insanely gorgeous! It was held at Pharsalia Plantation. This place is a wedding photographer’s dream! The property is stunning and the staff made the workshop so easy for us to enjoy by providing good ol’ southern hospitality (the snacks and constant supply of lemonade helped too).

The workshop covered all the areas of question and uncertainty that trying to run a photography business may bring. They covered vision, equipment, customer service, branding, and shooting, and more! It was such a helpful, valuable day for me as a photographer and I highly recommend it to any professional photographer, old or new. And if you happen to be able to take it from these amazing photographers, do so!

At the end of the day, the team set up two mock sessions for us to shoot. The first was a Bride and Groom session featuring Kristyn and John. They were amazing. Kristyn is stunning and John knows how to work a good smoulder! Then, we moved on to an Engagement session featuring Sara and Todd. They have so much fun together and they are quite the gorgeous couple. The final pictures are of our dinner and reception area. All of the food and details were put together by the Pharsalia staff and Lynn from Sunshowers and Rainshine who also styled the details for the entire day. Amazing work by everyone involved! Enjoy!

Weren’t they gorgeous? Now for the garden engagement shoot…

Our wonderful, amazing, delicious dinner… and all the details…

Vendors:

Venue and Food: Pharsalia Plantation

Styling and Details: Sunshowers and Rainshine

Bouquets and Florals: Petal Flower Company

Hair Accessories: One Little Dove

Cupcakes: Taste Selects

Hair Styling: Fusion

Makeup: Body Works

Flowers and Faith

Aug

Posted in: Personal

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity of attending Venn Workshops – The Southern Experience. It was hosted by two of my absolute favorite husband and wife photography teams, Kellan Studios, and Jodi Miller Photography. It was an eye-opening experience that really taught me of the areas of my business I need to work on. I had the pleasure of meeting lots of new photographer friends. I feel like we all walked away from the workshop as better, more informed, well-rounded photographers. As many of you already know, I haven’t felt the best lately, and it was up in the air if I could attend the workshop pretty much until the minute I left for it. That, and learning about my business, and realizing how much I have on my plate really made me turn to God this week. I’m so thankful for all I have and the things I was able to experience through this workshop. My heart is very full.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

I will have pictures of the workshop to post later. Until then, here are a few of some flowers I bought myself last week. I wrapped the vase with wicker wire that I had left over from my wedding. It gave it a very rustic feel. I thought it might be a cute idea for a wedding centerpiece too.

Nida + Jawad | Second Chance Shoot | Harrisonburg, VA

Jul

Posted in: Anniversary, Couples, Wedding

I am so very excited to share this shoot with you! Nida and I have known each other for a long time and I hadn’t seen her since High School, so I was so pleased to be able to do a shoot with her and her fairly new husband Jawad last weekend. When Nida contacted me, she informed me that the main reason for wanting these pictures was because her and her husband have had a rough time with their wedding photographer from over a year ago. I won’t get into the details, but let’s just say they have yet to receive their photos! When I heard this, my main goal was simply to take some beautiful pictures of this wonderful couple, and to get the pictures to them as soon as possible!

Nida and Jawad are just plain adorable! We had a blast last weekend, and they had me laughing the entire time. We started out at the JMU Arboretum. Nida wore two of the three traditional gowns from her wedding which were just beyond stunning, and then changed into some casual clothes for our shoot in downtown Harrisonburg. Another special reason for this shoot is that Nida and Jawad are getting ready to spend some time apart as Nida is going back to school and Jawad is getting ready to open up a business in a different location. I wish nothing but the best for this amazing couple! Enjoy!

Nida + Jawad | Sneak Peek!

Jul

Posted in: Anniversary, Portraits

Summer Vacation | Kiawah Island, SC

Jul

Posted in: Personal

Last week, my family and I were fortunate enough to go on a vacation to Kiawah Island, South Carolina. I’ve been going there since I was a very small child, and now my daughters get to go with me! My husband and I certainly enjoyed our time away from work, as well as watching our children enjoy the beach and ocean. It was gorgeous there, as always, and we were lucky to have nice weather despite a couple of thunderstorms. We had a great time and we are already looking forward to next year!

On one of our evening beach walks, we were surprised to find a Loggerhead Sea Turtle laying her eggs near the dunes. Taylor was so excited to see her. It was amazing!

Grasshopper Cupcakes | The Cupcake Company

Jun

Posted in: Personal, Vendors

I’ve had a new obsession with cupcakes in the past year. I’m not sure what has triggered it… maybe all of the cooking shows, or the recent trend for brides to serve cupcakes at their weddings instead of the traditional three-tier wedding cake. I’m intrigued by the different varieties and flavors that can be packed inside these personal sized treats, and the boundaries that people are crossing with them.

A few months ago, there was some buzz about this small cupcake place, and I was more than surprised to learn that it was located less than a mile from my house in the small town of McGaheysville, Virginia. It’s called The Cupcake Company. Tonight, my husband brought home a box of six of the Grasshopper cupcakes from this shop, and they were delicious! Not only do they taste good, but they are stunningly gorgeous, and come in adorable packaging. One look at them, and I knew I had to take some pictures! We can’t wait to try some other flavors!

If you are interested in checking out these cupcakes for yourself, here is The Cupcakes Company’s website! For all the brides out there, they do weddings!

Taylor + Ava | Spring Portraits

May

Posted in: Children, Personal, Portraits

Back in March we were having some oddly warm weather. That, paired with the brightly colored buds that were peeking out from the dead leaves and old mulch made for some nice early spring playtime outside, and a definite opportunity for me to capture pictures of my two favorite people… my daughters. Taylor, ten years old, is bright and funny and always has a smile on her face. She is a wonderful big sister. Ava, now almost 16 months old, is becoming quite independent. She was definitely uninterested in sitting still to have her picture taken. She is, however, very easy going and sweet. We have all been overjoyed by her presence in our family. They both keep me very busy. I hope you enjoy!

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