Cory & Mae // Downtown Staunton Engagement Photographer

How do you begin a post about your closest friend and your older sister getting married? I suppose I will start with thankfulness - that my sister is getting married, that Cory came into Mae's life, and that I get to be a part of the whole thing. A couple weekends ago, I visited Mae with plans to take all of their engagement pictures. Halfway through dinner that evening, though, it started to rain harder than I've seen in a long time. We laughed it off, thinking we would just have to take pictures the next day.

But then, the rain stopped. The clouds stayed overhead, but as the sun continued to set, the colors became more beautiful and vibrant with each passing minute. So for one hour, we spent time together laughing, talking, taking pictures, and witnessing something beautiful. Trust me - we'll get more later! But these are a good start :)

Cory and Mae are perfect for each other. From the sweet way she has to stand on her very tippy toes to kiss him, to the gentle way he bends down to hold her and kiss her back, they just fit together. Mae is kind, beautiful, and gracious, and Cory is steadfast, gentle, and thoughtful. Together, they are constantly making each other laugh and peppering in as many kisses as they can in the meantime.

As I look back over the first set of their engagement pictures and wipe away the little tears from my eyes, I continue to realize that God made these two for each other, and God made Cory for our family. I love you both so much, and I'm so thankful to be your photographer, sister, and friend!

Mae's Bridal Shower // Downtown Staunton Photographer

What an incredible few days I had this past weekend! I drove up to Staunton on Friday night to celebrate my older sister's bridal shower on Saturday. When Mae got engaged just a few short weeks ago, I was so honored that she asked me to be her maid of honor (yes, I know I'm married. No, I'm not going to let anyone call me a matron). After some happy tears, my thoughts immediately turned to her bridal shower - I'd been waiting to plan this for so many years!

So, on a rainy Saturday in August, plans had been made and we arrived at The By and By coffeehouse in downtown Staunton. Friends and family came literally from all over the state to celebrate the love and joy Mae has brought into our lives, and the new life she is about to begin with Cory this fall.

We ate dainty ham and cheese sandwiches with salad, and drank tea and coffee to our hearts' content. While I generally avoid bridal shower 'games' at all costs (who likes to be covered in toilet paper?), I decided to make the guests work a little and play a Guess the Spice game. Besides that - and grilling Mae on the details of Cory's life publicly - everyone talked, laughed, and had the best times.

Before I share pictures, I owe so many thanks to the people that made this day possible. Many thanks to The By and By for being such gracious hosts - rest assured I will be back, only with fewer people next time! I am so grateful to everyone who drove from miles and miles away to make this day special - thank you! And most of all, thank you Mae, for being my best friend all these years. I love you, I'm so proud of the person you've become, and I can't wait for your wedding this fall.

These are the favors! Individual hot cocoa mix in mason jars.

We got asked this a lot, but our semi-coordinating outfits were completely on accident. That happens sometimes :)

And here are ALL the Pasquarell ladies (minus just one!), former, present, and soon-to-be former!