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!

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!