2019 Family + Couple Favorites

2019 Family + Couple Favorites

When I look through these pictures - and all of the families and couples who I had the privilege to photograph throughout the year - I can’t help but be filled with thankfulness. I would count many of these among my friends, and in fact some were friends first before they ever became clients! This year I saw babies born, families move across the country, and new life announced for the first time. I got to meet people who I never would have otherwise spoken to, and reconnect with others from throughout the past 9 years in Hampton Roads.

What a privilege it is to capture the joy of a family as they grow or a couple as they look towards beginning a new life together after waiting for so long. What an honor to take pictures of past brides and grooms as they progress from the newlywed phase to being more established as a couple…

Best of Portraits 2018 | Business

Best of Portraits 2018 | Business

How do I narrow down my favorite portraits of the year when I’ve had so many beautiful couples and families in front of my lens? The answer is that it’s not easy, but there were a few things that stood out to me as I looked back on the year.

The first is joy. Each person here is expressing joy at being together, getting married, growing their family, or simply being a family. The laughter and emotion feels so real, even through the screen. These are some of the most joyful people on earth, and it was my privilege to capture some of the best days of their lives - with many more yet to come.

The other thing that stands out to me is…

Christopher Newport University Family Portraits | Murray Family

Christopher Newport University Family Portraits | Murray Family

This family is so very near and dear to my heart. We met them right around the time we started attending our current church, just as they were moving here from North Carolina. I saw Brittany by herself and actually thought she was a college student (yes, she looks young and acts young at heart!) and introduced myself to welcome her. Little did I know that she was married to our new families pastor, with three children of their own.

Fast forward almost two years, and these five have become fast friends. Brittany has walked through so much with me - life, marriage, and motherhood - and I am truly thankful for her friendship. Edward has been a fixture both at church and in our lives, and we are grateful for him as a friend and current Bible study leader. Together, their family is fun, kind-hearted, and just a little bit crazy in the best possible way…