Emily's Junior Portraits // Downtown Hampton Senior Photographer

It seems like so long ago that I took Cody's senior portraits, but in reality it was almost exactly a year ago! Cody has now graduated high school and is attending the best college ever - Virginia Tech, of course - and his younger sister Emily is entering her junior year of high school. I know I shouldn't feel old yet since I'm still in my early 20s but...this is one of those moments!

Emily absolutely shone during her portrait session. We walked around downtown Hampton for a little while, on an afternoon where rain was threatening to ruin our plans the whole time but never came. She is a sweet girl with a huge heart and a bright personality, excited about the future and loving life right now!

Emily, thanks so much for hanging out with me on such a crazy, windy, almost-stormy day! I'm so thankful I got to meet you last year and spend some more time with you this fall. I know I'm going to feel so old next year when you're a SENIOR, but until then I just feel blessed to know you and your whole family. You are gorgeous, girl! Have an awesome junior year :)

Crystal & Kinan // Suffolk Couples Photographer

I met Crystal and Kinan the day after their first anniversary, on the most perfectly beautiful day in Suffolk. They have been living apart for months because of work and military obligations, with no end in sight. But the more I talked to them, the more I saw how their love has strengthened and grown despite, and in part because of, their separation. Their story is one so familiar to our area: Crystal, serving our country in the military, is living in Hampton Roads while Kinan is over 7 hours away working and waiting weeks, sometimes months, to see his wife.

For their first anniversary, they decided to capture their love in a perfect way - through photographs, which can span hundreds of miles and bring Crystal and Kinan together again in a special way. After one set of pictures, it was obvious that they had spent time in front of the camera before - Crystal even tried out for America's Next Top Model! But the what stood out most was their interactions with each other. From Kinan holding Crystal's hand to steady her as she put her heels on, to Crystal immediately reaching towards him for support, I knew their love was special and real.

Kinan and Crystal, I am truly honored to have captured your one year celebration. You have been through good times and bad, and will continue to go through both during your journey together in marriage. Kinan, continue to support your wife when she needs you most. Crystal, continue to reach out to your husband for help when you can't do it by yourself. Together, you will have a long, happy, and beautiful marriage.

Crystal and I took full advantage of Kinan running back to the car to get his sunglasses...girl, you are STUNNING!

This was their special request - they got married without shoes on, and wanted to continue the tradition!

One of my favorites!

Megan's Senior Portraits // Virginia Beach Senior Photographer

My sister is a graduated high school senior. My little sister is going to be a college freshman in two month. My baby sister is an adult now.

No matter how I say it, all of those things are terrifying to me! I wrote a blog for Megan's birthday just a few short weeks ago (you can read it here), so I will refrain from getting all sappy and sentimental again - mostly!

When I visited for her graduation, Megan and I were able to run outside for about 15 minutes and take her senior portraits. Last time I visited (when I was in town for more than 24 hours), she was sick, so we had to rush to get a few done before I had to leave again to photograph a wedding the next day!

Let me tell you - it was in no way difficult to get beautiful pictures of my little sister. She is gorgeous, and chose the PERFECT LRD (little red dress - it's going to become a thing!) to wear. It wasn't until I was editing the images, however, that it hit me how old Megan is. She really isn't my 'baby' sister anymore. She has grown and matured in so many ways, and she is beautiful both inside and out.

I love you, Meggie! Thanks for letting me be your big sister, and for letting me take a few pictures of the prettiest high school senior I know.

Annnnd now for my absolute favorite!