anniversary session

Williamsburg Anniversary Winter Session | Williamsburg Photographer | Rob + Lauren

Williamsburg Anniversary Winter Session | Williamsburg Photographer | Rob + Lauren

I’ve known Rob and Lauren now for coming up on two years. I first photographed their engagement session just a few weeks after Willow came home (I couldn’t even tell them yet!), then their wedding took place last January on a beautiful day at Kiln Creek Golf Club. Now, over a year into marriage, they wanted to celebrate again with pictures and it felt like everything came full circle once again.

Rob and Lauren were so sweet during their engagement session when I first met them, but seeing them as husband and wife just made me realize how much more comfortable they are around each other (and in front of the camera!) than even just a couple years ago. They shared more looks between the two of them. They snuggled a little closer. They still didn’t shy away from kissing, and it’s obvious that their relationship has already grown stronger. When I asked the biggest lesson they have learned from the first year, they couldn’t tell me - mostly because it’s just been full of joy to finally live side by side every single day…

Albemarle Estate Anniversary Session | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Brad + Lauren

Albemarle Estate Anniversary Session | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Brad + Lauren

Maybe I'm getting old, but time seems to move faster and faster each year. It's hard to believe that Brad and Lauren got married over one year ago, and two years before that we met for the first time to capture their engagement session. When they contacted me a few months in advance (because she is a planner, through and through!) about an anniversary session at the same place it all began, I was thrilled.

Here's a little sneak peek, though, into what makes this couple so special. Rather than simply asking me to drive to Charlottesville for their pictures, they added on a special lunch at the amazing C&O Restaurant, inviting all their wedding vendors as a 'thank you' one year later. I have never heard of this before, and I was simply amazed at their generosity. It was such a fun chance to reconnect with what now feels like old friends, with Brad and Lauren at the top of that list. We all feel a little sad when the wedding day is over, so to continue that relationship (even though they live hours away!) is an incredible blessing…

Sunset Fort Monroe Anniversary Session | Hampton Couples Photographer | Shane + Brooke

Sunset Fort Monroe Anniversary Session | Hampton Couples Photographer | Shane + Brooke

Like many military families, Shane and Brooke have an interesting story surrounding their marriage. Originally from Kansas City, they legally tied the knot about 6 months ago so when he was stationed here in Virginia she could join him. With the rush of tying up loose ends, though, these two have not had a proper wedding, and next year they plan to celebrate with family and friends in Missouri.

Because of that, their portraits were an anniversary and an engagement session rolled into one! We visited one of my favorite spots, Fort Monroe because there are so many beautiful locations to choose from that staying in one place still gives a wide variety of backgrounds and portraits. Calhoun, their beautiful and feisty golden retriever puppy, stole the show with his Kansas City bowtie and plaid scarf - it's rare that the pet gets to change outfits, too...