Scott, Dianne, Ethan, and Oliver // Smithfield Family Photographer

Dianne first sent me an email months ago, before Oliver was even born. She wanted to document not just his first year of life, but the year their family would grow and get to know their newest addition. We waited patiently for a day when we could spend time together, to capture the memories that are already being made in their growing family.

That Saturday morning was chilly, but Scott and Dianne brought a sweet spirit and so much love to the session. It also helped that she packed some hot chocolate to warm them up after a few hours in the cold. Ethan is a lively little boy, full of personality and energy, whereas Oliver is on the quieter side. Though he is still so young, he is proving to be a calm little boy, and was a joy to be with.

Scott and Dianne, thanks for being such great sports in the freezing cold - I could tell by the way you looked at each other that you are the best of partners and friends. I can't wait to spend even more time with your whole family this year, as you navigate being parents for a second time. Thanks for choosing me to be your photographer!

And to finish it all off, they broke out some hot chocolate at the end! I was tempted to steal some myself ;)

I think Ethan could have stayed there all day...

Richard & Christina // Hampton, Virginia, Elopement Photographer

A few weeks ago, I shot my second elopement this year (you can see the first one here)! That was pretty exciting for me, considering I didn't even KNOW there is a space for elopement photographers, and back in the summer I started talking about wanting to shoot one. What I love about elopements, or at least what I know so far, is that ALL the pressure is off. If the wedding starts late, or early, it doesn't matter. There's no rushing around and finalizing all the details because it comes down to just two people, in love, forever.

On the day of Richard and Christina's wedding, it was drizzly and miserable outside. Since we were going to take some portraits afterwards with their combined family, we decided we would just delay the portion until a much prettier day. So a couple weeks later, I met three of them and spent some time commemorating their growing family.

Richard and Christina, thank you so much for letting me be one of only two witnesses on your special day. Thank you for allowing me into your family over the course of a few weeks. I hope that your excitement at being married continues for the rest of your lives.

After a rainy day on their wedding, we were ready for some good weather for family portraits!

Can you tell she's excited to be married?!

Matt, Julie, and Connor // Carrollton Family Photographer

Seeing so many parents of little children this season, I've noticed one common theme: whether we get a good Christmas card picture or not really depends on the day! With young babies, especially, you just never know how the day has gone and what might upset them. Fortunately, we've had great luck this year (and some creative maneuvering), and I think everybody left my minis and family sessions with a few great photos to choose from.

Little Connor is only a few months old, but he was all smiles, even though it was pretty chilly outside! Matt and Julie took advantage of her parents' beautiful backyard, and I took their family portraits a few weeks ago on a rare (as of late) sunny day. You'll see over and over again Connor's huge smile, and his big blue eyes - he is just precious, and such a happy baby!

Since Julie is a professional photographer herself, this session was an absolute breeze. Matt and Julie, thanks for letting me spend some time with you guys, and meet your little guy. I hope your first Christmas together is truly memorable.

One of my favorites!