Sneak Peek: Paul & Kimberly Pt. I | Northern VA Wedding Photographer

Everything about Paul and Kimberly's wedding day was p-e-r-f-e-c-t. From the weather to the toasts, I think it is safe to say that everything went better than expected. The day was absolutely beautiful. These two are SO in love. They have the most joyful and supportive families. The wedding toasts were full of tears and pride for friends. The dance floor was packed all-night-long, from the first dance to the last dance. It was beautiful. I have some fun blog posts planned for these two, but I wanted to kick off the sneak peek with just a few of my absolute favorites of the day. First off - Kimberly getting ready surrounded by her FIVE sisters, two brothers, and loving parents (all of whom are not in this photograph :)):

Kimberly and Paul had their reception at the beautiful Fauquier Springs Country Club. The amazing event coordinator there hooked us up with some golf carts to ride around in for some portraits of just the two of them. Here are my top two favs from our time together:

And this photo right here about sums up the activity on the dance floor all. night. long. I literally was leaping for joy as I hopped around the floor snapping pictures of this dance happy crowd! LOVED it!

More to come!

April 12, 2008

Just wanted to take a brief moment and say Happy Anniversary to my beloved Husband. This was one of the the happiest days of my life and I am so grateful for you and our marriage. I love you (and miss you) very much. xoxo

Angie & Chad | Fredericksburg Wedding Photographer

While taking a short rest during their reception, I overheard a wedding guest say "He really is a great guy. He totally deserves someone like Angie." Ya'll, that statement right there completely sums up this couple. Good Great people. Totally, completely, utterly in love. Angie was glowing from head to toe all day and Chad couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Yet, somehow, they managed to make their day about their family and friends. They spent their reception celebrating, loving, and thanking all of the people who have watched them grow up and grow together. It was joyful.

My sister and I, along with the lovely Rachel Clarke, all had an absolutely wonderful time at this wedding. It was beautiful and truly full of joy. I am so excited for Angie and Chad and am actually a little bit sad that it's all over. But hopefully I will see them again in the future for some fun family sessions. :)

Here's a sneak peek of their most lovely day:

I love this one that Rachel captured:

Another great one by Rachel:

Gratituesday: A hodge-podge

So it has been one of those weeks that brings me to another hodge-podge Gratituesday post. You know, the one where I'm writing at the last minute (of course) and when I stop to think "What am I grateful for?" I'm stuck answering myself in stutters like "um............. uh........... hmmm......... let me think......... hmmm....." Yeah. Funny how skewed our minds can be when the word "overwhelmed" becomes a part of our daily vocabulary. It's just been crazy the past few weeks. But honestly, I think it's during those times of discouragement when I really need to stop and recall the wonderful blessings in my life. It's refreshing. It's necessary.

So this week? I'm making a list. Because it's just been one of those weeks. A list is powerful and I need powerful right now. :)

1. I am grateful for the beautiful weather. I have been able to open all my doors and windows and air out my winterized home. And let's not forget the power that fresh air has over my attitude. I think we can safely call it a "miracle worker." :)
2. I am grateful for good company. Being around people gives me energy and when I'm stuck home alone for days I slowly fall into a deeper and deeper rut. My friend Efe is visiting me all week and her presence alone has helped me get off my bottom and be productive around the house. Company is a good thing. (Plus she's a fab cook and we're eating totally healthy this week! yay!)
3. I am grateful for father-in-laws who help with taxes. Enough said.
4. I am grateful for the Pandora 80's Dance Party Mix station.
5. I am grateful to have a husband who cares about my well-being while he is halfway across the country and responsible for the well-being of a handful of soldiers. Somehow he manages to make time in his day (and mind) to worry about how I am doing AND check in on me. Now that's love. :)
6. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to shoot outside every day last week.
7. I am grateful for a packed calendar.
8. I am grateful for doors opening to new opportunities.
9. I am grateful for good friends, good food, and great conversation.
10. I am grateful for family and the continually evolving relationships that accompany a good family. :)

And... here's a sneak peek from last weekend's BEAUTIFUL wedding! I can't wait to share more photos - I am having the hardest time narrowing down my favorites!!

keeping up with the workload | Virginia Portrait Photographer

With all of these giveaways going on lately, I am sure some of you may be wondering where all of the pictures are?! I've been saving most of my recent work to be published on the new website so I've been holding it hostage, per se. But I thought I'd drop in today to give a little peek into where I have been spending most of my time these past few weeks:

on a working vacation to florida to visit my favorite cousins:

playing in the snow with a beautiful expecting mama and her husband,

cuddling up to brand new, healthy baby boy, with the most loving parents in the world,

capturing memories for another family whose dad is headed off to war,

celebrating the nuptials of another beautifully in-love couple,

and snapping the shutter at a photo booth during a father/daughter dance.