Tristan's Senior Session

It’s rare I have the opportunity to photograph senior dudes, so I figured it was time for another blog post to highlight the bravest of my seniors… the dudes who are willing to make their mama’s happy. We all know in high school it’s extremely uncool to smile for photos at your parents request. Trust me, I’ve been there and have younger twin brothers, so I know what I am working with!

Tristan’s was a trooper this weekend and I knew he’d warm up once we did an outfit change into his basketball gear. Upon starting photos, I asked him the question he probably gets asked every day of this life, “So how tall ARE you?” To which he replied “6’8.” (I felt like I could ask this because people always tell me how short I am at 5’0 flat) I think it’s time to invest in a step stool for some of my sessions!

Wishing Tristan best of luck as he graduates and starts college/ basketball at York this Fall!

Baby Liam

Little Liam made his debut right after the new year and I’ve already had so many chances to snuggle him! I am so excited for my besties as they begin 2019 as a family of four!! Their “new normal” may not always be “Instagram” material, but it will be an adventure nonetheless.

Zach and I are incredibly lucky to have this family in our lives and cannot wait for many years of beach trips, camping & laughing at all the hilarious scenarios we find ourselves in.

Baby Liam, you’re so lucky to get to grow up along side a big sister (speaking from experience since I’m a big sister & personally I think my brother’s would be lost without me) to teach you new things & protect you as you get older.

Kimmy's Senior Session

In 5th grade, Kimmy wrote in the class graduation booklet that she wanted to be a Nurse when she grew up. I imagine only about five other people in her class held true to their 5th grade dream. After many years of dedication, studying, night shifts & lookin' cute in her scrubs, this girl going to be a Labor & Delivery Nurse!! 

She's dedicated, knowledgeable & kind. I never once doubted her abilities in fulfilling this dream. My big sister heart has melted into a puddle with how proud she continues to make me. New mama's and their babies will be so lucky to have Kimmy taking wonderful care of them. 

Ashley + Nathan: Springfield Manor Wedding

11-10-2018, the windiest day of 2018. Also known as Ashley and Nathan’s wedding day!! I had so much fun this weekend celebrating these two, along with their family and friends. Their venue, Springfield Manor, was a family farm where Ashley’s grandparents lived for 30 years, which added a special touch to their wedding day!

Some of my favorite moments from their day include:

-Ashley’s dramatic veil that worked flawlessly for their windy wedding day

-The way Nathan looked at Ashley as she walked down the aisle

-Ashely sharing a dance with all three of her brothers that had everyone sobbing

And, pretty much every other moment in between! So thankful to have been a part of their special day!

Casey + Brecht: Washington, DC Wedding

Casey + Brecht got married in DC this weekend and it was nothing short of perfection. Their ceremony was held in College Park at the church they attend weekly and their reception was at Toolbox Pilates Studio in Washington DC.

Once we arrived in DC, we bopped around Dupont Circle while Halloween bar hopping was going on. Needless to say they received several congratulatory remarks from people dressed in costume! I had so much fun capturing Casey' and Brecht’s wedding and cannot wait to see what the future holds for the two of them!

Some of my favorite moments from their wedding day:

• Before the ceremony Brecht gave Casey a cross necklace from the same place her wedding ring came from, and Casey gave Brecht engraved cuff links made from whiskey barrels, his favorite drink choice!

• As they exited the church, their family and friends sent them off to the reception with a bubble send off.

• Walking into the dining area and having my jaw hit the floor over the abundance of string lights and beautiful floral arrangements!

• Casey and Brecht’s reactions to the bear and octopus cake topper. This was a surprise from Casey’s mom based off a drawing Brecht made of “them” while they were dating.

  
  A big thank you to the vendors who made their big day possible!

• Venue: Toolbox Pilates Art Studio

• Make up: Erica Basha Bridal

• Hair: Tress Hair Co

• Florals: York Flowers

Meg + Daniel's Wedding: Newark, Ohio

Friday morning I woke up at 4:30 a.m and drove to Columbus, Ohio to photograph Meg and Daniel’s wedding! I’ve known Meg since high school when we met in Anatomy class, so when we discussed the idea of me coming to Ohio for her big day, it was a no brainer that I’d say yes!

Meg and Daniel met at Otterbein University and have been inseparable since. Over the years, they’ve been through a lot. They’ve welcomed two babies, Jack and Max into this world in the midst of working hard academically and in their professions. I admire the heck out of their abilities as parents and as a couple. I am so proud to know these two!

Some of my favorite moments from their wedding:

-Their sweet vow exchange that almost everyone in the room emotional

-Watching Jack eat french fries while his parents got married (Was only slightly jealous)

-Witnessing Meg do the most risky thing I’ve ever seen a bride do on her wedding day… cut her own bangs 5 minutes before walking down the aisle. (insert my panicked face here)

- Meg’s showing off her One Direction Converse Sneakers

-Seeing their love and affection for their kids, family and friends throughout the entire night

Congratulations, Meg + Daniel!

Trey & Julia's Wedding: #LovetotheMAXwell

I met Julia & Trey through Julia's bridesmaid, Rae, who also happens to be one of my phenomenal second shooters on wedding days! When I met up with Julia & Trey during their engagement session (rolling up in our matching Ford Focuses), I knew we'd have a ton of fun on their big day!

Yesterday's weather was less than ideal with intense rain and winds from the hurricane making its way up the coast, but that didn't matter because Julia and Trey were surrounded by all of their family and friends who had traveled far and wide for this day! (Italy, North Carolina, and so many other places!)  

Some of my favorite moments from yesterday include:

• Trey's groomsmen fake tossing him into the bay
• Julia's first look with her dad
• Julia and Trey's willingness to go outside for photos even though it was veryyyy windy
• All the dance battles throughout the night!

Thank you, Julia and Trey for having me capture your happy day!

A great big thank you to all the vendors who made their day so magical! 

Second Shooter: Angelina Stice

Florals: Little House of Flowers

Dresses: Bridals by Elena

DJ: C&J Entertainment

Cake: Sweet Hearts Patisserie

Wedding Officiant: Ruthanne Mallory Lilli

Hair: Haley Damico Mayhew

Makeup: Jordan Werre

Conor & Bethany's Wedding: #SlainteToTheSullivans

Conor & Bethany are MARRIED! Their big day was held at a church downtown, with a reception held at the Overhills Mansion in Catonsville. In between the ceremony and reception, the bridal party and family swung into the Baltimore pub, Magerk's for a pint. It only made sense because after all, it's where Conor and Bethany met! 

Conor and Bethany's wedding day had an unmatchable outpouring of love and support from family, friends and their bridal party. From the start of the day Saturday, until the very end, their bridal party was singing with excitement. (They legitimately chanted "Going to the Chapel Of Love" all day long!) 

Some of my favorite moments from this weekend include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Bethany taking pictures with her pup, Sully before the wedding
• The bridal party having drinks at Magerk’s in Baltimore before heading to the Mansion because that’s where Conor & Bethany met!
• How much fun their bridal party & guests were. Seriously danced more than any other wedding I’ve been to to date! 
• Conor & his mom's dance was to "You'll be in my Heart" from the Tarzan Movie. (I almost started bawling) 

I hope you two enjoy your Honeymoon in Costa Rica!!

A big thank you to all the vendors who made their day possible!

Venue: Overhills Mansion

Caterers: Whitehouse Caterers

Florals: MD Bay Blossoms

Dessert: Kupcakes & Co

Little Bit of Magic Maternity Session

I'm loving this new season where dear friends are having little babes. Incredibly thankful that I am lucky enough to capture the beginning of their lives as they enter the world of parenthood. This past weekend I met up with Maggie + Nick to photograph Maggie's adorable baby bump. I'd seen on social media that their baby's room theme was going to be Harry Potter! (Ah-mazing). What's even better is that Nick painted the Hogwarts castle silhouette amongst other wizarding world sights on the nursery walls. Talk about talent! 

Maggie + Nick chose this location because this is where they took wedding photos a few years ago. They brought some Harry Potter themed items for their sesh and needless to say, it was magical. Looking forward to all the muggle snuggles with baby Goodwin this Fall! 

Tyler + Kelly: Montagu Meadows Wedding

Tyler and Kelly's Montagu Meadows wedding was so incredibly magical. Thunderstorms were expected the entire day and not a single drop fell until the torrential down pour at 10:00 p.m. the minute the reception ended. Talk about having guardian angels & the power of prayer!

Surrounded by their family and friends everyone celebrated their love with tons of dancing, corn hole, a vintage truck with ice cream and a few tears of joy. Thank you, Kelly & Tyler for choosing me to capture your day. It truly was a celebration like no other! 

Thank you to the incredible vendors who works so hard to make their day special!

Planning & Styling: Katie Price Events

Florals: Studio in Bloom

Hair: Elements of Style Salon & Spa

Tent: Elite Tents & Events

Videography: Clay Estes Productions

DJ: DJ Delights

Sabrina + Joey

I met Sabrina and Joey at Brunswick Family Campground this past weekend for their engagement session! For a while, we thought this session might not happen here due to extreme flooding of the campground. Luckily, everything cleared up just in time! They both love kayaking, the outdoors and camping, so their favorite campground was the perfect choice!

As I drove through Brunswick, the GPS told me I had arrived and would need to walk the rest of the way to the campground. I knew this couldn't be right. But, my GPS gave me no other options, so poor Sabrina and Joey had to come literally scoop me up by the side of the road. On their way to find me, they got a flat tire! So, after having to turn back for their second car and pick up my locationally-challenged self, we finally were able to begin photos! 

These two were so sweet with one another and Joey was such a good sport about all the photos I made him take. (Sorry, Joey!!) I cannot wait to photograph their Fall wedding! 

James Madison University: Drew's Senior Sesh

Cue the purple and gold confetti because my baby bro has graduated from James Madison University!! 

I remember driving down in August of 2014 to move Drew (and Kimmy, who will be graduating in the Fall) into their Freshman dorms. Like any true Freshman, Drew was eager for his family to hurry up and leave because ya know, we embarrass him or something. He was also nervous, which I knew because he turned down food at Panera that morning, which is unlike him. Fast forward four years, and he's graduating with a degree in Geographic Science!

There are a million things I could say in this post on how much I adore who he's grown to be, but I might not know where to end. When I dropped him off 4 years ago, I prayed he would fall in love with the campus, make new friends, and find happiness in whatever he did. It's safe to say he's found all of those things at JMU. And let's not forget, JMU is where Drew met his love, Heather, three years ago!  

Drew, I wish you the best of luck as you take on the real world. And remember, I am always down for Chipotle dates with extra chips. I love you, even though you rarely will say it back!

Sean + Emily

I've been lucky enough to grow up along side Sean since elementary school. He's the most genuine, kind person I've ever met. In high school he literally won a scholarship for being the "Nicest Kid at Liberty High School", which speaks volumes about his character. We've been in each others lives through all of life's big milestones, and also some of life's hardest moments. 

I remember meeting Emily for the first time during a summer bon fire at Sean's house. She was a firecracker, spitting out jokes left, right and center. A perfect fit to our group of friends. I remember telling Zach that I couldn't think of anyone better for Sean. 

Sean and Emily met during their time at York College in Pennsylvania, so it only seemed appropriate to photograph their rainy day engagement session on campus. The two of them incorporated so much of what makes them "them" into this session, making it unique. With Emily being a nurse, they tied in her stethoscope, heartbeat ring, and Sean's blue shirt (see below). Since Sean is a life long ice-cream enthusiast, the two of them have found themselves frequenting Dairy Queen over the years for date night. So, this weekend we also hit up Dairy Queen for some ice cream love. And oh my gosh, it was the best! 

When Sean proposed to Emily, on the island, Kauai (my personal favorite place on earth), I think I screamed so loud they could hear me 5,000 miles away. Needless to say, I am so excited for them to be tying the knot this Fall. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and ample ice cream dates.

How Self Doubt & Great Friends Brought Me Back To Weddings

-Jenna Kutcher 

Self doubt can play such a huge roll on our successes, both big and small. I had stopped photographing weddings because I doubted my ability to work a 9-5, host portrait sessions AND take on weddings. Something had to give, so I removed the biggest part of my self doubt, weddings. We are our own worst critics. I told myself "There are so many others who do the same line of work. Why would someone choose me over them?" Another excuse to run away from something that challenged me. It turns out giving up weddings also gave up a portion of my creativity, excitement and overall love for photography. 

This Fall I received an email from a dear friend titled "GIRL". I legitimately had no idea what the content would include, but I wasn't expecting this when I opened it.

"I have thought about this all weekend and I really think that you should keep doing weddings if it's what you want to do. I know you think that you need to be devoted to it, but you are just really good, and you've had so much growth in your photos since we met until now, and I think you are only going to get better and better and people love what you do."

(Insert tears here). A friend went out of their way on a random work day morning to send me this message because they felt I needed to hear it. Sometimes the answers we've known all along just need to be driven out of us through the encouragement of others, and a little less self doubt. I've learned so much during this season of life about myself and my business. Always encourage others to live their best life, you never know when they just need a small push in the right direction. 

I will continue with wedding photography for 2018 within reason of what works for my life, as well as my clients lives. I have friends who believe in me and I don't have the heart to let them down. Ya'll are the best.

 Holly

Nicole + Dave

Last month, Nicole and Dave celebrated their wedding day surrounded by friends and family. But, two major aspect of their lives were missing...their two pups! Unfortunately their wedding venue had a "no pets" rule, eliminating the idea of Cora and Mack being a part of their big day.

Anyone who owns an animal understands that they are more than just a "pet," they are family. So, this past weekend, the five of us met up to re-create some wedding photos! Cora and Mack were cooperative and all smiles! Like most kiddos, they were easily bribed by treats. Plus, Cora worse a ridiculously perfect floral wreath around her neck!

I've known Nicole since high school where we both frequently skipped track practice in exchange for Wendy's frostys and fries. (Oooops) It seems like just yesterday, so it's crazy that we are now both married with fur babies! I've only met Dave a handful of times, but he's incredibly kind and has a fun, goofy side! Also, have you seen his epic beard? 

Thanks for letting me capture your re-created wedding day with your perfect pups! And thank you, Nicole for braving the cold weather in your beautiful gown! Looking forward to seeing your wedding photos from the wedding day itself!

Nolan's Senior Sesh

 It's been a while since I've done a senior session, and even longer since I've worked with guys, so it was refreshingly new. It was fun to be back where I spent four years of my life, a seeming life time ago. If you had told me in high school that I would be a photographer, I would have laughed and said "Yeah, right, I wish!". 

Nolan and I spent our time walking around various parts of the field and school grounds while I picked his brain about his senior year so far, including the recent homecoming, football, lacrosse and his plans for after high school. I was impressed to learn that he's doing an internship for accounting. Impressive because I find math incredibly challenging, and because he's getting a head start dive into his dream career. Awesome, right?

Towards the end of the session, Nolan's mom and dad popped in for a few snaps. Their love for him and watching him play football over all these years was obvious. It was a reminder of how much my mom has done for my siblings and I over years of swim team, soccer, track, and more.

So, to the sports parents who've dedicated their week days and week nights to hustling around  kids to their practices and games... thank you. To the parents who've ever hosted pasta parties, or brought the "team snack"... thank you. To the parents who've muddied their freshly vacuumed cars for the sake of our muddy cleats.. thank you. And most of all, thank you for being our number one fans, braving weather hot and cold just to see us play.

                                          (I think I am done being nostalgic now) 

In November you'll be seeing more of Nolan and his 10 football buddies as they storm the field for a group senior sesh! Looking forward to bossing around 10 high school dudes while they willingly (yeah right) pose for pictures. 

The St. Leger Family

You've probably seen these two on my Instagram and blog posts multiple times over the years. They were my first models as I began photography and they are still willing to stand in front of my camera years later.

But, this time is different. Now, there is the teeniest, tiniest little babe stealing everyone's hearts. I still can't believe this little human is theirs and I get the opportunity to watch her grow before my very eye. She doesn't know how lucky she is (yet). My friend Amy, who I met while in Hawaii reached out saying she saw the picture and described her as "totally divine."  I don't think there's a better word to describe her!

From the start, Kaitlin and Dylan have been crushing it. Sleep deprived? Or course. But with the fuel of Rita's Mango Italian Ice, a little (or lot) of coffee, and Kailee's sweet little coos, anything is possible for them.

Before we began this sesh, I walked in and saw Kaitlin and Dylan wearing their "Mama Bear" and "Papa Bear" shirts that they wore for their birth announcement sesh. At that session, I gave them a baby bear swaddler because I was just so stinkin' excited for them. I squealed when I saw Kailee wrapped in it! WE'VE COME FULL CIRCLE PEOPLE.

Kailee, you're in the best hands. A household that will be filled with traditions old and new. Baked brown bread on Sunday mornings and long Saturday morning hikes. You're so loved.

Thank you to my besties for allowing me the opportunity to photograph their growing family. (Insert happy tears here).

Bryan + Jenn's Overhills Mansion Wedding

Full disclosure, Bryan and Jenn's wedding has been on my mind since I booked it with them well over a year ago. So much in fact that a few weeks ago while second shooting for a friend, I showed up to Overhills Mansion, and not the one I was suppose to be at. I subconsciously went to Bryan and Jenn's venue! (No worries, I was still on time to the other wedding) Needless to say, I've been excited for their big day for quite some time!

Bryan and Jenn met during their time at Stevenson College and since then have been through so much together already. Encountering hard losses, going to school, working, and being parents to their sweet baby girl, Annabelle. (They are doing an award-worthy job raising her) I am proud to know these two and can't wait to watch their love continue to grow as HUSBAND AND WIFE. 

Their wedding fell on the first day of Fall, so this was a doubly happy day for me because Fall is my all time favorite!

Some favorite & fun moments from this day:

• Jenn sending her Maid of Honor to "Ice" Bryan and his Groomsmen
• Their reactions to the love letters written by one another.
• Jenn & Bryan walking back down the aisle to "I'm the One". All while her garter fell down her leg and I had to take it off!
• The awesome cupcake tier (because cupcakes rule)
• How sweetly they looked at one another all night

Thank you, Jenn & Bryan for allowing me to capture your big day! 

Superhero 1st Birthday Cake Smash

You may remember this little guy from my wedding blog post back in May when he was the "Ring Security" in Katie & Travis's wedding. When his mama reached out to me for a 1st birthday cake smash session, I was thrilled! I had never done a cake smash session, but it's secretly been on my photographer bucket list for a while now. And oh my goodness, the results did NOT disappoint.

The sesh was held at Jerusalem Mill Park, where Lauren and Bobby did their maternity pictures. And now, a quick year later, they returned to celebrate Trent's first birthday! 

Trent is one of the happiest little babes I've seen with the prettiest baby blues. He was all about the bubbles, balloons, giggles & most importantly, the cake (a boy after my own heart).  

Happy first birthday, Trent! (Yay for August birthdays)

Lindsey's Downtown Sykesville Senior Sesh

When I was graduating high-school, having senior portraits aside from the school's in-studio ones were just becoming a thing and I totally missed the boat. If I could go back and do a session outside of the classic drape photos, I would!

While I don't blog about every senior session I do (because there would be millions), I thought I would share Lindsey's since it was located in my cute little hometown, Sykesville!

Downtown Sykesville's brightly painted buildings, small town feels & locally owned shops may easily make it one of my favorite places to be. And, it's home to so many great places, including Norwood Ice Cream,  French Twist Cafe , Market Tavern ,  Gypsy Systers , Unwinded Candles , E.W. Becks & so many more!

Without fail, every time I photograph couples or seniors downtown, someone will drive or walk by and shout my name if they see me, and that shows a lot about the fab vibes of my small town. 

Between Lindsey's wardrobe that I want to steal, the black-eyed susan backdrop & her contagious smile, I don't think these photos could be filled with anymore sunshine! Wishing you the best of luck as you enter your final year of high-school!