Packaging | New Flash Drives!

Dec

Posted in: Business

Hi friends! So this is the time of year where things are slowing down and I can actually take the time to blog about some behind the scenes stuff! I know the title says NEW flash drives but I’ve actually been sending out these puppies since the end of the summer! I ordered these custom flash drives from Flashbay and I LOVE them! I decided I needed to update some of my packaging and I knew that I wanted to offer flash drives to my wedding clients for several reasons. First, one flash drive is better than several discs. It takes up less space and limits the amount of things you need to keep track of. Second, they are starting to make computers without disc drives! Crazy right? I still deliver CDs to my portrait clients but in the future I will most likely get some smaller flash drives for them as well! Lastly, there are now many photographers who have decided to only deliver images via online galleries. That’s totally fine if that works for them, but I personally feel like it is still so important to deliver a finished product to the client and I think a flash drive is such an easy way to do that!

It took me awhile to really piece my packaging together. I struggled with pairing functionality with what I wanted for my brand! I had to ask myself what I wanted my client to open and how I wanted it to make them feel. I wanted it to be personal and exciting for them. At the same time I wanted it to be beautiful and simple.

I started with a custom rubber stamp. Jeanne from Twin Soul Art rocked out an amazing stamp for me! She did an amazing job! I love it because it’s so versatile. I can stamp just about anything with this!

These adorable little muslin bags are from Besotted Brand. My flash drives fit perfectly in them!

One of my favorite touches on my new packaging are these custom tags from Tiny Farm Studio. I looked all over for tags. Most of the ones I found said things like “Thank You” and “Yay!” which are all nice, but I wanted something that described what was actually in the package. I had them made with the phrase “Your Story” on them because I felt like that’s what I was delivering. The STORY of my client’s wedding day! I’m not just delivering some wedding photos. I’m delivering their day start to finish. Every tear, every emotion, every detail they worked so hard on!

I hope you love my new packaging as much as I do!

December Features!

Dec

Posted in: Featured

To say I have been blessed this year would be an understatement! I was SO excited when three of my weddings were featured this week on some of my favorite wedding blogs! And you heard right… three features all in one week!

First up… Liz and Clarke’s Wedding was featured on Heart Love Weddings!

Then Olivia and James’ Wedding was featured on Capitol Romance!

And Casey and William’s Wedding was featured on Marry & Bright!

Julie + David | Engaged

Dec

Posted in: Engagement

I am so in love with this couple and this session! Julie was actually a bridesmaid in a wedding I shot this summer and I was thrilled when she contacted me just months later telling me she was now engaged!!! Julie LOVES Christmas so we decided to start their session at a Christmas tree farm! I met up with Julie and David at Francisco Farms in Staunton. It was windy and a little chilly but this couple made their session so cozy! After the farm, we headed to downtown Staunton to finish things up. I totally fell in love with these guys… and Julie’s laughter is the best! I am so very excited for their wedding next year!

I love how beautiful the buildings are in downtown Staunton! Also… these guys are like models!

Liz + Hugh | Inn at Mount Vernon Farm Wedding

Dec

Posted in: Wedding

Liz and Hugh’s wedding day was just magical. Liz looked so beautiful and elegant! It was definitely chilly , but the Inn at Mount Vernon Farm made for a gorgeous setting! I love the sweet vintage and rustic details put together by Liz and I think it’s safe to say that peach and mint might be one of my new favorite color combos!

Congratulations Liz and Hugh! Thank you to Karen for having me along again as her second shooter!

Love this picture. That’s one proud Papa!

The view at the inn was just breathtaking!

The inside of the barn was so incredible! I loved all the little vintage details at their reception!

We had some time for a few more portraits. I loved this farm… so many pretty places!

Congratulations Liz and Hugh!!!

Eunnie + Tim | Richmond Wedding

Nov

Posted in: Wedding

The day was overcast, damp, and rainy, but the happiness and joy that surrounded Eunnie and Tim made their wedding day shine bright! Their family and friends gathered at the Poe Museum to watch them say their vows and even though it started to rain the minute the ceremony was to begin, nothing stopped this couple from saying “I do”. Their day was filled with laughter and love and I was so thankful to be a part of it! I love shooting at new venues and really fell in love with the Poe Museum and the Railroad Museum where they had their reception. A huge thank you to Karen for having me along as her second shooter!

Married!!! After Eunnie changed into her reception dress, we did a few portraits with the trains at the Railroad Museum!

Congratulations Eunnie and Tim!!!

Grace + Dan | Engaged

Nov

Posted in: Engagement

Grace and Dan are such an amazing couple! They started dating while they were in high school… then they went to separate colleges, but that didn’t stop them! They survived a four year long distance relationship. You can really tell by being around them how strong their love is! Dan proposed to Grace on a cross-country road trip last year while they were hiking in Yellowstone National Park. I am SO EXCITED to witness them become husband and wife in April!

We had to reschedule their engagement session once due to rainy weather and I have to say… I’m so glad we did! The color of the leaves the day of their session made me want to jump up and down. The trees were gorgeous!!!

Christina + Kevin | Harrisonburg Wedding

Nov

Posted in: Wedding

As I drove to Christina’s parent’s house last weekend I couldn’t believe how gorgeous it was outside! It was truly a fall day. It was chilly… but periodic bursts of sunlight warmed things up. The trees were on fire with fall colors and the slightest breeze caused their leaves to take flight. When I arrived, Christina was glowing with excitement as her mother and sister helped her get ready for her big day!

The ceremony took place at Camp Horizons which made for an absolutely gorgeous setting! Christina and Kevin said their vows in an intimate ceremony under a willow tree by the water. After the ceremony we were able to walk around the grounds and found so many amazing places for portraits!

Christina and Kevin are just the sweetest couple and I am so happy for them! Congratulations guys and thank you so much for having me be a part of your special day!

Married!!!!

Reception Time!

Vendors:

Venue: Camp Horizons

Bride’s Dress: Essence of Australia from Bridal Impressions

Flowers: Blakemore’s Flowers

Cake: Pastry Love

Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Jenny + Will | Richmond Wedding

Nov

Posted in: Wedding

Jenny and Will are the kind of couple where you can feel how strong their love is for one another just by looking at them! Their wedding day in Richmond was elegant and beautiful and I was so honored to be a part of it. A huge thank you to Karen for having me along as her second shooter!

Jenny and Will had their reception at the Science Museum of Virginia. It was an incredible venue!

Congratulations Jenny and Will!

The Skaflen Family

Nov

Posted in: Family

I met up with the Skaflen family last week on the JMU campus for their family session and fell in love! They had me laughing the whole time! These kids are amazing. They are bright, loving, and full of personality. I loved all of the silly moments and laughter from their session!

Brielle | One Year

Oct

Posted in: Babies, Children

I can’t believe I’m writing this post already! Brielle is one! I have had the pleasure of capturing this gorgeous sweetheart since she was in her mommy’s belly and she has officially been here for a whole year! I love Brielle’s personality. She is bright, spunky, funny, and totally sweet! She always has me laughing during our sessions!