The Wedding of Beth and Paul

Beth and Paul's wedding was memorable for so many things. Some of which they will be laughing about in years to come... like how the rain was running through their reception tent and had no electricity and how they were calling to find a new reception site, right before Beth was to walk down the aisle. Or like how the new reception building, on the same grounds as the tent, did not comfortably fit all their guests. So literally, cheek to cheek and elbow to elbow, we moved and danced around each other. But what was also memorable was the love and joy that no rain,sleet and snow event could dampen. What will be memorable to me was how everyone shared their space and their love blending families and memories in one amazingly tender and happy night.
Congratulations Beth and Paul!

The Wedding of Nancy and Steve

Nancy and Steve's wedding was on a brisk but beautifully sunny day at Ceresville Mansion. I was unsure how guests and couple alike were going to fare when my breath turned into puffs of steam as I photographed the early morning details of the day. But all the guests were prepared with coats and gloves and Nancy was a trooper by not shivering in her strapless gown.
This wedding was a luxury for me in that they decided to do all their portraits and group photos before the ceremony. I really appreciated the extra time and Nancy and Steve enjoyed the entirety of their cocktail hour.
This was also the first time I had photographed at Ceresville during the morning and the light was beautiful! We had just enough foliage that the colors with the light spilling through the leaves made an appealing backdrop for the group photos.
I always have fun at the receptions, listening to the music and tapping my feet, and this reception was no exception. The music had an international flair and ranged from bee-bop to latin tunes to elegant waltz music as well as pop. And boy, can Steve dance! and he loves doing it.
A lovely couple and a lovely day. Thank you for the priviledge of capturing your wedding memories!

The Wedding of Shannon and Matt

This wedding was special to me because I felt like I really got to know Shannon and Matt. They had booked with me the earliest of all my 2009 couples. We took their engagement photos in the freezing cold in DC. with Harley their dog, in tow, and wrapped in a pink blanket between takes. With those photos, we created my first photo guestbook,. which they used at the wedding.

Then they came to my part of the world, with Harley,of course, to have holiday photos taken. I was there to witness the purchase of their first Christmas tree as a couple.
We saw or emailed each other periodically throughout the year, so by the time the wedding arrived, I felt like they were good friends of mine getting married.

This was also a special wedding because it was the first one I had some video captured and incorporated it into the slideshow. I love video! It brings a whole new dimension to the level of storytelling of the day.

I have to give a special shout out to Ceresville Mansion. It had been raining most of the day and it looked like there was no chance that Matt and Shannon would have their wedding outdoors at the pergola. Fifteen minutes before the scheduled wedding time, their coordinator announced that it hadn't been raining for a bit and they were very rapidly setting up for the outdoor wedding. I think Shannon could have kissed him! The ceremony weather was rain-free and we had about fifteen minutes of photographing after the ceremony before the rain came down again. I was so impressed with the staff and their quick turnaround to make this couples day complete. Kudos Ceresville!

Shannon and Matt, I wish you all the best and hope to know you for years to come!
Thank you for the priviledge of photographing your wedding.

The engagement portraits of Stephanie and Chuck

This session was so much fun! and unique for me. I'm always trying to expand on how I present couples "stories". I started with still images , expanded into video/slideshows and now I'm trying out a little movement in the slideshows by adding video! Stephanie and Chuck were gracious enough to let me "experiment" on them and we had a great time! They suggested the balloons, which added to the session in a fun and visually interesting way. I'm looking forward to trying out the video on my next wedding.

Thanks to you both! I really enjoyed our time together.

The Wedding of Kristina and Jason

Yet another rainy, cold day for Kristina and Jason's wedding day. It seems the fall has been plagued by wet weekends. Fortunately, that has not dampened anyone's spirits. I have been so awed by my couples, so in love, that the weather has absolutely no effect in them and Kristina and Jason were no different. A beautiful ceremony in a very quaint and lovely old church in Walkersville was topped off by a festive party at Martin's West Walkersville. I love seeing the joy of the entire family all dancing and enjoying themselves. Congratulations to you all and all the best for a lifetime of happiness.
Thanks for letting me be a part of your day!

The wedding of Christi and Scott

Christi and Scott couldn't have picked a more beautiful location with a view of the ocean and the Bay Bridge, yet, they couldn't have had worse weather. The wind was strong, the rain insistent and the seas were rough looking out from the windows of the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. Fortunately for them, the interior was also gorgeous and instead of being married on the outdoor deck, they were married in front of a fireplace, candles glowing. They didn't let the weather dampen their enthusiasm for the day and enjoyed the ceremony, reception and each other! Thanks for making me a part of your day.

The Wedding of Adam and Nicole

Adam and Nicole's paper airplanes!

Adam and Nicole are graduates of Mount Saint Mary's and many of their wedding guests were former classmates and professors. Nicole wanted to get a photo of the MSM crew in a classroom. We expanded on that idea a bit to make a very short story of the photos. Everyone was great and took my "directorial" suggestions to act like students socializing before a class with Nicole and Adam, in the front, and oblivious to everyone around them. I even handed out bubble gum to dress up the scene but we couldn't get one good bubble out of it! There are several more images to this series but these are my favorites. At the end, I had everyone toss their paper airplanes at me. This was a real blast! Thanks to everyone for being good sports and joining in!

The Wedding Celebration of Nicole and Brian

Thank you Nicole and Brian for letting me be a part of your day! Congratulations!

The Wedding Celebration of Matt and Jessie

Congratulations to a couple who really know how to have fun and enjoy each other and their every moment together.

Katie's Senior Portrait session

Katie has been assisting me with some weddings and can usually be seen hauling lights, holding flashes,and fluffing dresses! She works hard for me but on this shoot we decided to have fun with her. Katie said she loved flowers and the casual look of this cut flower farm in Pennsylvania, so she barefooted it around to get some gorgeous photographs. Good luck with your senior year Katie!! You rock!

Peyton is nine month's old!

Got to visit Peyton for his nine month photo and this time Daddy joined in. It's so cool to see all the changes Peyton is going through this year. He's one happy little guy, getting teeth and really proud of himself as he sits up. As with all small children, we had to schedule his shoot around recent bumps and scrapes. I remember my son getting a fantastic black eye when he was learning to walk! No matter what, this little fellow is too cute! See you for your one year photo!

Jason and Kristina at the Carnival

I have wanted to photograph an engagement session at a carnival since I started photographing them. I thought the colors and the atmosphere would lead to a fun feeling in the pictures. Jason and Kristina were really good sports and agreed to meet at the Libertytown carnival!
I think they enjoyed themselves, ignoring the stares of the other carnival goers and taking any suggestion I had, including riding the Sizzler, eating cotton candy and "fishing" for a plastic shark. I really loved the whole shoot! Thanks Jason and Kristina. You were marvelous!




I have wanted to photograph an engagement session at a carnival since I started photographing them. I thought the colors and the atmosphere would lead to a fun feeling in the pictures. Jason and Kristina were really good sports and agreed to meet at the Libertytown carnival!
I think they enjoyed themselves, ignoring the stares of the other carnival goers and taking any suggestion I had, including riding the Sizzler, eating cotton candy and "fishing" for a plastic shark. I really loved the whole shoot! Thanks Jason and Kristina. You were marvelous!

Summer Lovin'....

... had me a blast..... Come on, sing it if you know it! The families that took advantage of my summer special photo session and I had a great time at Loy's Station Park in beautiful downtown Thurmont. We took family photos that were fun ! There were too many to feature so I picked out a few of my favorites. Thanks to everyone who came out!

Above, the Jone's family's kicking up a swell in the creek. During their shoot, they skipped rocks, found seashells and got good and wet!





Fred and Terry, center, created a beautiful family together. In their 40 years, they have made a lot of wonderful memories and as a gift for their anniversary Terry wanted to commemorate their lives and their loved ones, with a photo.
They all had a relaxed, fun nature and it shows in the photos.
These types of images are the ones that will be treasured for years and generations. Happy anniversary!
I love this photo of Jacob and Elisabeth ( sibs) and cousin Matthew. I told the three to hug each other and the boys squeezed Elisabeth tight in their enthusiasm but she's taking it well!



The Williams family traveled everywhere in the park for their session, posing on the bank, getting wet in the creek and walking with Brenna doing flips between them as they walked. The natural smiles on their faces make this image special.
Brenna is having a good time getting wet.... but not too wet in the creek. This smile really glows all over her face!

Ethan liked getting in the water but by his smile, I think he liked getting out of the water better.
I think this age is so adorable with chubby little legs and arms and his beautiful curls.
I always have a great "assistant" that volunteers to help me during the session and this day was no exception . I had helpful hands for every shoot. Here Mr. Meeker works my "dancing chicken" to get the smiles.
Thank you to everyone who came with a spirit of adventure for the photos. I really enjoyed our day!

Chloe and Cora

Twins, Chloe and Cora are celebrating their one year birthday so we took some photos with the beautiful Catoctin Mountains as the backdrop. They were so animated and adorable!

I love the look Chloe is giving in the photo below. It says, "see how cute I am!"

They did a fantastic job of sitting and smiling until we took their shoes off and put them on the grass.... we don't like grass! They were a lot of fun! Thanks David and Jenny for letting me photograph these fleeting moments. You're only one once!

Creston and Kelly e-session

Creston and Kelly and I had a fun time at Greenbrier State Park for their engagement session photos. That park never fails to provide different images for each family or couple I photograph there. The light, the weather and the subjects all combine to create unique images. I love that no two are alike!

A very brief, light rain shower happened during our shoot and we took advantage of it by playing a bit with the shadows on the umbrella as they smiled and laughed with each other.
While we took images in the trees and gazebos, my favorites from the day highlighted the water areas of the park . I really enjoyed myself. Thanks and Congratulations Creston and Kelly!

Grease is the Word!

There is nothing quite like singing along to the tunes of "Grease" and watching your son as one of the greasers! Brady had another fun summer theater camp with Hagerstown Children's Theater in which they pulled off an entire show in two weeks. Each summer I am blown away by the professionalism of the young actors as they memorize lines, songs and choreography. I had so much fun watching them, they did a fantastic job as of course, did the crew, instructors and producers.

Here's my little guy dancing during the hand jive scene.

This is where he explains he's the "mooning king of Rydell High".... let's hope not! :()

Nicole and Adam

Mount St. Mary's in Emmitsburg was the site for the engagement session of Adam and Nicole and was especially meaningful because they both went to school there and will be married in the ornate chapel in September!

As with all couples, it took a few poses and places to feel comfortable and begin to relax with me stalking them with my giant lense! :) My favorite photos are always of laughter or tears through laughter and they definitely could make each other laugh!

Every couple has something special about them and something we can create that is completely unique to them. Adam and Nicole had been practicing a dance together and when I asked them to dance a little of it, we made one of my favorite photos of the day...romantic, mysterious, unique.

Can't wait to see the entire routine at the wedding!

The e-session of Heather and Michael

Heather and Michael decided to have the engagement session in downtown Frederick. One of the reasons was to have a photo taken at Griff's, the site of one of their first dates. The people at Griff's were great and let us take a table in the front window for some photos.

The other reason is just because they love Frederick! And so do I! No matter how many photo shoots you do there, they can all be completely different. There are so many different areas so close together, urban, gritty, natural, green.... you name it.

The other strong interest of the two is sports, however, they like completely different teams!! This made from some fun and funny photos of the two of them in their jerseys, feeling the love for each other and their respective teams. This was the first e-session, I actually asked the couple to tackle each other for the photo! They were good sports (no pun intended) and we got some great photos!

The wedding of Ann and John

Ann and John's wedding, a beautiful day in downtown Baltimore on June 27.

The Wedding of Cate and Dylan

June 20, 2009
Charles Town, West Virginia

Summer Lovin' Photo Family Special

For the next two weeks, my mind will be filled with the songs of "Grease" as my son Brady will be playing the part of a greaser for the Hagerstown Children's Theater summer theater production. So it should be no surprise that my summer photo special is called

"Summer Lovin" Family Photo Special

I wanted to have a fun and casual shoot in which families could shake off the formal poses and goof around a bit.... showing the "real" them! And I chose one of the most picturesque spots in Frederick County, Loy's Station Park near Thurmont with it's historic covered bridge. We can pose by the bridge, have fun in the water or lounge on the bank of the stream amid the oaks. There's also a playground for the really energetic among us!

This lifestyle portraiture will be custom created to your family and it's personality. A half hour session plus one free 8x10 is $50. The 8x10 is a $20 value, so in essence, this photo experience is only $35! Your photo session will be viewable in an online gallery and additional prints can be purchased at reasonable prices .

To see recent images from the Loy's Station Location, see the posting "Aubrey is Amazing!" below. And to view more images by Kelly, go to www.kellyhahnphotography.com.

To reserve your photo experience, call me at 240-285-3677 or e-mail at info@kellyhahnphotography.com. I look forward to seeing you there!

Aubrey the Amazing!

Aubrey was celebrating a birthday and her Mom wanted to mark the occasion with some photos. Children change so much from year to year and each year shows a different part of their developing personalities. Some of my favorite shoots are those of families I photograph each year. It is so special for me to be witness to those changes and to capture them for the families to treasure for a lifetime.
For Aubrey's shoot, her Mom and I chose the Loy's Station Park near Thurmont and had a fabulous time!
Growing up in the area, I have a particular fondness for the old covered bridge where I spent a few lazy days of my own as a child and teenager.
Aubrey was a great model as we strolled through the park and photographed her in and out of the water. For only three years old, she really sparkled in front of the camera!

Happy Birthday Aubrey!

Scott, Christi and Kendall

A family portrait session at Greenbrier State Park.

The wedding of Ben and Ceci

Frederick Magazine! We're the cover!

I was so incredibly excited that Tosha and Brad's wedding was chosen for the cover and a generous photo package inside of the June issue of Frederick magazine www.frederickmagazine.com.
I photographed their wedding last summer and we focused their portraits in areas that highlighted the fact that they loved downtown Frederick. They were a fantastic couple to work with and their photos show it!

Stella is 3!!!

What a beautiful birthday girl!

Feeding the ducks on Carroll Creek!

Giving Daddy a kiss on the swings. So sweet!

There's nothing like your best friends!

Stella celebrated her third birthday with her parents, Kenny and Tara and a heap of family and friends at Baker Park in Frederick! Because I have a son, I'm particularly thrilled to attend the party of a girl.... so much pink and flowers and Barbies! I think Tara was more excited that this was "a Barbie year" than Stella was!

An agenda is a difficult thing to stick to with a three year-old so the the park location was a stroke of genius as Stella not only enjoyed seeing and doing crafts with her friends, raiding a flower pinata, eating cake and opening a plethora of pink packages. but she enjoyed the swings and AND they all got to feed the ducks on Carroll Creek. How can you top that!

Thanks so much for inviting me Tara and Kenny! You are a beautiful family with a lot of love!

The Wedding of Jennifer and John

The wedding of Jennifer and John was held at Chanteclaire Farm in Friendsville, Maryland, in the area of Deep Creek Lake. I had never been there before so I showed up REALLY early to scope everything out. What a cool and eclectic place it was! It was a huge renovated barn full of everything and anything loved by the owners Fred and Christiane Bergheim. The grounds were beautiful and tranquil with a view of a pond and fountain from the gazebo where they wed. I hear the food was fantastic as well.

I'm constantly amazed at the unique and individual ways my wedding couples have personalized their weddings, from the venue choice, down to every small detail. I can honestly say, no two have been similar and each stands out for different things.
Jennifer and John really spent a lot of time thinking of ways to personalize the wedding. Instead of numbers, the table cards were the names of places and things they had done together. Framed images of them together and growing up with family and friends were displayed throughout the two story venue. Since the wedding was outdoors and it was a bit hot, the programs were made into fans.

These spring weddings keep us on our toes! Again, we got really lucky! The weather was fantastic right through most of the outdoor photos and then it rained off and on the rest of the evening. No worries there, I broke out an umbrella I had purchased especially for lightly rainy weddings. Jennifer and John were old pros at posing after their engagement portrait session with me so we took some really fun photos with that umbrella!

A fantastic wedding all around! Thank Jennifer and John!
Check out the next post to see their slideshow!

The wedding of Jennifer and John

The Wedding of Christine and Chuck

Cate and Dylan

Under the impending threat of yet another storm, with winds whipping under great, gray clouds, Dylan, Cate and I headed to the river to take some engagement photos. Luckily, the rain barely touched us and the wind died down. Cate and Dylan were really laid back about the shoot and had fun with it. Their loving ease around each other shows in the photos.

They brought the family dog, although I doubt he would have let himself be left out of the action, and my favorite images are of the three of them. The one above just makes me laugh!
I am constantly surrounded by beautiful people, in body and in spirit!

Thank you Dylan and Cate. You were a pleasure to work with!