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…

Best of Couples 2017 | Business

Best of Couples 2017 | Business

I always tell couples that one of the best ways to have the best wedding day portraits possible is by booking an engagement session ahead of time. This allows me to get to know the couple as they are together, relaxed, with no timelines or stress involves. It also gives them practice, since most people (myself included!) aren't used to having professional pictures taken. On top of that, while pictures in a white fluffy dress are completely necessary and absolutely beautiful, I love that engagement sessions give couples portraits of how they really look and act on a daily basis, pictures that will allow them to celebrate such a special time for years to come.

This year's engagement and couples portraits have taken me all over Hampton Roads and beyond. I spent a LOT of time in Colonial Williamsburg and Fort Monroe, with visits to Virginia Beach, Alexandria, and Richmond on top of that. Each picture with a corresponding blog post is linked so if you want to see more from a particular session, click away!

In the meantime, enjoy the love and laughter from couples who are on the verge of being married or are just celebrating life together. Here's to a joy-filled 2017...I can't wait for what next year holds!

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...