Virginia Boudoir Session | Sneak Peek

This Over the past couple of weeks,  I've had the opportunity to try my hand at many different kinds of photography: couples, portraits, newborn, family, etc. 

past weekend was another first for me -- I got the chance to do my first boudoir shoot with an absolutely stunning client. The session was completely relaxed and fun at the same time. I love trying out new sessions and boudoir photography has shot straight to the top of my favorites!

Here is a sneak peek into our session full of insanely gorgeous light. I wish I could show you all more, but these photos are a wedding gift for one very lucky guy! Ladies, if you're interested in your own tasteful boudoir photos, please shoot me an e-mail!

Gainesville Couples Photographer | Mary & Kyle

I

am incredibly fortunate to have not one, but two, absolutely gorgeous sister-in-laws who are always kind enough to humor me when the time is right for a photo session. So when I found out that Mary was going to come up to visit us for Easter this past weekend with her boyfriend Kyle, which incidentally  marked their one year anniversary, I thought it would be a fun little gift to give them some new pictures. 

Mary and Kyle met at Longwood University in college and had been friends for several years before dating. Initially they started hanging out as strictly study buddies; however, the friendship evolved and they each felt a different type of closeness growing. On a trip to Kyle's hometown of Reedsville, he admitted to Mary that he had deeper feelings and she reciprocated. I'm a sucker for a romances that start out as friends -- what better way to build a foundation than with someone you genuinely like as well as love.

Kyle warned me that he already had some practice in the posing arena, but I didn't believe him until he got behind the lens -- once you see the pictures, I think you'll agree that they are both naturals! Check out my favorites of this sweet couple!

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Easter | Personal

Before buying our first house last year, Rob and I lived in a teeny tiny one bedroom apartment that was barely big enough to fit us and our dog! Needless to say, we didn't have our families up too often as there just wasn't the space for everyone. 

Since we moved into our new house, however, I've been looking forward to playing hostess for quite some time and Easter seemed like just the right opportunity -- It's not as big as Thanksgiving or Christmas in case of a kitchen failure! Both of our parents pitched in and I think everything turned out fantastic! I'm definitely looking forward hosting more events in the future.

Most of you know, I absolutely love to cook (and bake)! So I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my recipes I used on Sunday as well as pictures of how they turned out... Please share links to some of your favorite dishes for us to try out!


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Arlington Newborn Session | Jackson

Sweet baby Jackson was born just over a week ago today and was absolutely

adorable as can be! 

There is something so precious and serene about seeing a newborn baby sleep. It's as if all the light is just bottled up inside of their tiny little fingers and toes. 

Although this poor little guy was not having any diaper-less shots even though we got the house all warm and cozy for him, I think it worked out for the best -- instead we played with a bunch of fun jumpers and props. We were even lucky enough to get the family dog in some shots (and if you know me at all, I am in love with all dogs!). 

Here are some of my favorites from my session with this little guy, future star of the New England Patriots!

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New Orleans | Personal

New Orleans has been on my travel "bucket list" for quite some time. My husband, Rob, and I are avid travelers and try to live by the philosophy to visit *at least* one new place per year (until we are ready to have kids anyway!). 

When people think of New Orleans, their first thought typically goes straight to Mardi Gras -- pictures of beads, beer, and drunks littering the streets. While that's definitely one part of the city, there is so much more to it than that; it is quite unique in it's ability to be two complete opposites at once... new and old; elegant and tawdry; welcoming and intimidating.  New Orleans is a beautiful southern city filled with 200 foot oak trees that canopy the sidewalks with their branches, roads full of old time street cars, and architecture with a heavy french influence. Their food is almost beyond words -- the freshest seafood you can imagine in every variety possible. And, of course, the kindest southern charm from the locals.

Take a look through some of my favorite pictures from the trip and feel free to comment with any places we should add to our travel list!


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Cherry Blossom Portrait Session | Samira

I had been dying to do a session at the Cherry Blossoms in DC; I can't think

of a more ideal location this time of year with all the trees producing those iconic white and pink flowers. 

My beautiful friend from work, Samira, agreed in a heartbeat because that's just the type of person she is -- she is someone who will get up at 6:00am to meet you for sunrise at the tidal basin even though she isn't a "morning person"! I can honestly say I have never met such a kind, giving individual. Samira and I started off as co-workers and cube-mates almost five years ago now, but I am blessed to call her a friend. 

Samira was incredibly patient with me as I took her from spot to spot to find the perfect lighting and avoid all the crowds (trust me -- there were quite a few to say the least!). After seeing these pictures, I think it was completely worth it! 

Enjoy some of my favorites from our session and let me know what you think!

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New Beginnings | Personal

I

purchased my first DSLR in 2010 and fell in love with it immediately. I've been working ever since to "perfect" my skills before launching my business. Four years later, the truth is, I'm no where closer to perfect today as I was in 2010. Have I improved? Yes, significantly... but I'm not perfect. I finally came to the realization that I was holding myself back on purpose in hopes of never having to come face to face with failure. 

Is this blog or website I created a perfect representation of what I want my brand to look like? Absolutely not. I hope as I continue to grow over the coming months and years that I am able to refine and develop it further, but for the time being I felt it was most important to get started.

By nature, I am typically a pretty private person. I was scared to put myself out there with so many questions running through my head. What if people make fun of my work? What if people judge me?  But I came to realize who cares!? If I make even one client happy, it was worth it. This isn't about me, it's about you, my future client(s). I'm here to capture your fleeting moments, I'm the channel you are working through to get your love story told. 

I am beyond excited to start this journey; I cannot wait to see where it takes me and who I get to meet. I cannot wait to build relationships that turn into friendships.  So thank you for all your support, I appreciate it more than you know. In the end, I might end up meeting my biggest fear: failure. But you never know if you don't try ;)