[intro]

and I think that’s because JMU’s Quad is just gorgeous! (But not as gorgeous as CNU’s!!! I have to say that, I’m biased:)  We met up in front of Wilson and made a loop around the Quad, finding little nook and crannies with great light and a ton of potential! Jason and Julie acted like pros… really. I’m not just saying that. My couples all seem to get their “modeling” faces on within 15 minutes of their session and my job is a breeze!

We walked and talked about them, their wedding, Julie’s amazing cooking skills and how they met. After some time on the Quad we headed downtown for some more urban locations! The weather was perfect and the dark clouds that were rolling in seemed to pass by us just at the right time. We ended the shoot and I announced “Guys! I think this was a success!”…. and it was. They have some gorgeous images and I loved getting to know them.. I only wish I didn’t have to wait a YEAR for their wedding!! So Jason and Julie, thanks for making the drive down and for being awesome!! I can’t wait to show you some of my favorites!!

GAHHH! Julie just stop it!!! Ok, let me explain, I was switching lenses, took a test shot and this was it! I looked at it on the back of my camera and was like “Whoa! Guys!!! That was awesome!!!!” Jason nice model face! I’m impressed! Julie you’re gorgeous! so cute! Love these!!!  Julie you’re so cute!! Oh hey giant chalkboard! We’ll use you! 

a lot of things that run through a bride’s mind on her wedding day. Is everyone where they need to be? Is the cake going to show up? Is my hair ok? Are we on schedule?! Did I forget something?! It’s a lot of stress. The LAST thing she needs to be worrying about is “WHERE ARE WE GOING TO TAKE PICTURES?!!”. So this post helps give a little insight about what the role of a photographer should be when prepping for portraits on the wedding day.  If you’re a bride, take a deep breath because your job just got a lot easier!!  If you’re a photographer, this is just a reminder of how we can and SHOULD serve our clients on their wedding day!

[intro]

Here are some things to remember when watching this video:

- I talk too fast… and words sometimes get blurred together. Basically I create my own little “mumbling” language!

- Just because I say brides don’t need to worry about locations doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t plan at ALL.  I have some brides that have chosen venues JUST for the sake of portraits and that’s AWESOME!!! But when it comes to individual locations to use the day of, leave that to the photographer! They’ll take care of you!

- Photographers I have a post coming about pre-visualization and planning wedding day portraits! I’m hoping it will be super helpful!

- My hair is a MESS!

[intro]

business management, lighting, LIFE and so much more. It’s amazing how fast 4 hours can fly by!! After the coaching portion of the day, we grab lunch and head out to get some head shots done! Because really, who doesn’t need new head shots? So here’s a little peak of my time with Arli and Annamarie! I’m excited for the next session in JUNE and I’m thankful that I have a chance to really sit down and get to know these amazing women!! Now if we can only figure out a way to keep Bokeh from licking, sniffing and barking during these coaching sessions, that would be amazing!:) He needs to go to puppy school!!!! **ps. The next set of coaching dates will be announced in August, the summer sessions are booked**

Arli you’re beautiful!! Loved this one! stunning:) oh girl!! This is a favorite for me!! wowsers! And it started pouring! haha Hide the cameras!!

it was just last month that we were shooting Jill’s Bridal session at the Farm.  It’s crazy how fast a YEAR can fly by! Now it’s Mandy’s turn and I’m SO glad we made this little shoot happen before their big day! It gave me a little taste of what Mandy and Josh’s Wedding was going to be like and I couldn’t WAIT! Mandy’s details were insane! She worked SO hard on her wedding in the midst of Student teaching and graduating and to be honest, I’m not sure how she did it!  Mandy ACTUALLY told Jill and I that she hadn’t really done much for the wedding, just made a few things here and there.

[intro]

WHAT?! I showed up to their reception site to help set up and just laughed! The room was FILLED with birdhouses, vintage glassware, strips of bunting and tons of flowers! Mandy did an incredible job and I’m so SO honored that I could document her hard work. He bridal portraits were amazing and I would photograph her every week if I could! She’s just beautiful. She has one of those “model faces” that is so intense and yet so “soft” at the same time! Does that make sense?? You look at these portraits and let me know what you think!!! Mandy, I just love you! You make the most beautiful bride!! Jill thanks for letting us use the farm and for being our fabulous stylist! xoxo

this day all too well.  My house of roommates were all emotional. As we approached graduation, our hugs lasted a few seconds longer,  our time at our house became more precious and our “I love you’s” more frequent. We knew the end was coming. The days of sharing clothes, staying up to 3am and cooking “family” dinners were almost over.  My years living with my best friends at CNU were incredible and I’m SO thankful that when my sister went to Virginia Tech, she had the same experience.  Emy found some amazing girlfriends that  changed her life when she came to VT!

[intro]

They have lived together in “The Kitchen” for a couple of years have literally become a little family. So today is graduation. Today they will be “officially” done and ready to move on to their new phase of life!!  It’s a crazy transition and I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say it’s going to be easy.  It’s not. Leaving your best friends who have also become your FAMILY is a hard task! …. But they’re ready for it:)  Despite the tears and fears and disappointment that this amazing life phase is coming to an end, they’re ready to go out into the world and do MAGNIFICENT things for the Lord. Whether that’s through a ministry or an office job, it’s going to be awesome and I’m so SO excited for them!!!!! So I’m at VT for a few days to celebrate with my family and Emy, but a few weeks ago I visited and was able to shoot ONE LAST set of Family portriats! Enjoy and Have a fabulous weekend!!!!!!!