Adoption Mini Sessions, Part 2 // Sandy Bottom Park, Hampton Photographer

I woke up the morning of my second mini sessions, a little worried about what the day would bring. It had already started sprinkling, and there was the chance of rain the whole day. While I don't mind braving a little wet and cold to take pictures, I truly wanted the experience to be wonderful for each of my families and couples that were coming that day.

Despite the freezing wind and threatening clouds, the rain held off until after the very last mini session! The overcast skies made the fall colors pop, and the temperature didn't stop us all from having so much fun. There are a few sessions that are surprises, so I can't share them yet, but I wanted to share the ones that I could - they were so much fun, and made standing outside for a few hours more than worth it!

To all the families and couples who came out for mini sessions, especially on such a cold, almost-rainy day, thank you isn't enough. I'm truly grateful for your support and your spirit. You make my job an easy one, and I'm so thankful for each one of you. I hope these pictures carry across the miles in your Christmas cards, and bring joy to all your friends and family!

James and Kayla, and their feisty huskies Cosmo and Paisley

Daniel and Elizabeth, with their precious kids Hunter and Aiden, found me through a mutual friend - and I'm so glad they did!

Ross and Emily came all the way from Pennsylvania to visit family, and wanted their portraits taken while they were here with their 3 kids!

Toby and Christi, singers who tour all up and down the East Coast and beyond, came with their amazingly talented kids, Jerrod and Jewel.

...and a few more to come as I'm allowed to share them!

Tori's Bridal Portraits // Smithfield Wedding Photographer

Oh my word, y'all...it has been the hardest thing to keep these portraits under wraps for almost 2 months now! Tori was an absolutely glowing bride, both on her wedding day and during her bridal portraits.

There is going to be so much history behind this, and I absolutely love that we were able to make her bridals into a story. We took these pictures on her parents' property, behind the house they are moving into this week. It excites me to know that one day, Tori will be able to show her children her bridal portraits, and tell them she took those where grandma and grandpa now live. What a legacy.

Tori is, beyond a doubt, gorgeous. More than that, though, she glows with love from the inside out. With her mom, sisters, and friends standing beside her as she posed for pictures, Tori's life was so clearly full of love already, only to be made better by Zac standing by her side now, as her husband. 

Rachael & Brian // Williamsburg Engagement Photographer

It wasn't that long ago that I was sitting down with Rachael over a cup of Starbucks coffee, talking about her fiancé, her wedding plans, and how excited she was to be engaged to get married! Fast forward to May and I finally got to meet Brian, and spend some time with them as a couple, on a beautiful day in Williamsburg.

I can't write this post without thanking Brian's brother, who showed them (and me!) some amazing spots around the area to take pictures. You are awesome!

Rachael and Brian came, immediately, and told me that they had never been photographed before, so I would need to help them a lot. I'm so happy to say that they were dead wrong! Rachael is a pro - from her model face to knowing just how to pose, she could not have been more natural. Brian knows exactly how Rachael fits in his arms, and was so enjoyable and easy to work with.

Rachael and Brian, thank you for letting me capture this beautiful time in your life. It is so rare to find a couple that cannot stop laughing with each other. I hope that you continue laughing all the way through your wedding and beyond!