Cindy and Josh's engagement session

Cindy and Josh's e-session was in Shepherdstown. What I loved about the engagement shoot was that they showed me some places I had never seen there! I always love exploring new places, especially those places that are important to the couple. We photographed on the trails and in the streets where they dated. It was a hot day, again!, but we managed to have a lot of fun together creating the scenes and the moods that made for amazing photos.
Thank you Josh and Cindy!

Welcome to Caroline!

It all started with Betsy and Rob.
They were the first couple that I began this blog with two years ago. They were the couple that graciously had their engagement session videoed so that I could post it on my website where it still remains. I was so honored that they contacted me about photographing the new addition their family, Caroline. It really makes me happy to continue to follow their lives as they change in new and wonderful ways.

When I became a photojournalist, in my 20's, it was because I wanted to tell stories, in images, that mattered to people and that made a difference. The subjects were different then, but my goal is still the same, to capture important images, that have meaning. Images that reflect relationships and a moment in time, though fleeting.With one glance at these images, they will recall the magic, the love they felt for each other and this time in their lives. And hopefully, one day, they will be cherished by Caroline, who will not keep these days in her memory but in her heart.

Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege to see your lives together begin anew in the blessing of your baby.

The wedding of Heather and Michael

Heather and Michael had a gorgeous day for their wedding in May. I had photographed their engagement session nearly a year before and was so happy to see this day arrive. Their enthusiasm for sports, which we highlighted in their e-session, was sprinkled throughout the day with everything from Hokie cuff links, garter and socks, to game tickets decorating the tables. They stayed true to their relaxed and fun nature, showing a sweet goofy side as well as their obvious love for each other. It was a fantastic day all around. Thanks Heather and Michael for sharing your incredible day with me!

Rock the Frock

Had the best time with Kirsten, photographing all her many looks, fun and fabulous, with a carload of prom dresses, the assistance of her mom and a lot of high energy at Cunningham Falls State Park.
I've been wanting to offer a special "Rock the Frock" session for girls, who may only wear their prom dress once, to take it out on location and really highlight the dress and the beauty and spirit of the girl in it. Kirsten was the perfect start! She had a sense of adventure, so she was up for anything, including crawling around on rocks and tree stumps and running through the water. She had a real flair for posing, saying it was from watching all those Top Model shows. And I think we captured the beauty she has without and within. Thanks Kirsten!




and check out this video of our photo fashion session....

The wedding of Stephanie and Chuck

Stephanie and Chuck's wedding was on a typical spring day,threatening rain, then raining, and then, blessedly, a break in the showers. But the people, they were anything but typical. Stephanie mentioned that she and Chuck had a really fun group and we should make the most of that photographically. What I didn't know is that included everyone from the bridal party, relatives and friends to the two sets of grandparents that danced like teenagers and stayed for the entire wedding.
We had a mixture of exuberance, deep love and respect and downright silliness that carried through the day.
My favorite images are those that capture the uncontainable joy and great sense of humor that permeated everything and everyone. There was never a lack of smiles or laughter. They say that a good sense of humor is what can get you through the rough times. If that's the case, Stephanie and Chuck have a long and happy life ahead of them.
Congratulations and thank you so much for including me in your day! What a privilege.

Nathaniel's Baptism

What an absolute privilege I felt to be asked to photograph the baptism of Nathaniel Reign. I photographed his parent's wedding, that of Krystyna and Michael in 2007. It is one of the the greatest honors to be entrusted with capturing the moments of one of the most important days in a couple lives together, their wedding. But to be called to continue to document the changing life of a couple that started out as two and now is three... well, needless to say, I was thrilled and just a bit teary-eyed, to be able to be there for this new important phase of their lives. Little Nathaniel was surrounded in love that was palpable. What an awesome family and extended family of friends he will have in his life. Thank you Krystyna and Michael for including me and allowing me to get to follow your lives through his first year and beyond.
Nathaniel looks absolutelyangelic during the baptism.

Feeling the love!

Little guy... all tuckered out.

The e-session of Jess and Ryan

Had a fun engagement session with Jess and Ryan at Hagerstown City Park at 8AM!!! Actually, I loved it. I'm more of morning person and like getting up early and getting things done. We had originally scheduled for that afternoon but the forecast called for strong thunderstorms. When Jess suggested the early am session, I wondered how it would go. Hopefully, they would be morning people too. I don't know if they were but I do know that they were great to work with. We moved all over the park, splashed in the pools of water, got slobbered on by their dogs and really started to feel the humidity, even at that early time but they kept a good humor the entire time. I'm looking forward to their wedding, which is not... at 8am.
Thanks Jess and Ryan!