Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery Wedding | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Brad + Lauren

Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery Wedding | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Brad + Lauren

Ever since their engagement session in Charlottesville I have watched Brad and Lauren's relationship and come to understand the kind of people they are. They are the kind of people who dress up every month to visit the children's hospital just to brighten someone's day. They are the kind of people who incorporated a host of different charities in their wedding so they could give back. They are the kind of people whose smiles light up a room, whose joy is obvious from each moment, and who are deeply in love with each other after 6 years together.

Because of this and so much more I knew Brad and Lauren's wedding would be wonderful, but I had no idea just how incredibly beautiful it would be. The Albemarle Estate on Trump Winery property was a stunning backdrop for gorgeous pink peonies and J. Crew bridesmaid dresses. Lauren's gorgeous Monique Lhuillier tulle-filled gown and sparkly Badgley Mischkas absolutely stole the show. The amazing talent of Blue Ridge Floral Design was on display with a one-of-a-kind flower-covered reception sign. Donovan-Groves Events and his team pulled off a truly spectacular wedding, dreamed up by a couple whose spirit matched the stunning decor.

The night ended in an amazing fireworks display, with Brad and Lauren dancing underneath light painted across the sky. What I will remember most is...

What if I Want to be a Photographer? | Monday Musings

What if I Want to be a Photographer? | Monday Musings

Last week I received an email that I've talked about in-person many times before. It was from a woman wanting to start a photography business. She has taken pictures for fun in the past but never professionally, and she wanted to know how to begin down that road. She had some great questions about how I got started and what I would recommend for her.

I realized that since so many of you have been following my journey from the beginning I've never written a blog about this - but with lots of newer faces around since four whole years ago, I decided to write about my journey and what I would recommend to anyone wanting to get started as a professional photographer. Here's my best advice!

1) Learn as much as you can without practicing...

Saude Creek Vineyards Elopement | Williamsburg Wedding Photographer | Nick + Amber

Saude Creek Vineyards Elopement | Williamsburg Wedding Photographer | Nick + Amber

Nick and Amber have two big things in common: they are self-professed wine snobs and they love each other deeply! When it came time to plan their wedding day, both agreed that all they wanted was an intimate, low-key ceremony at Saude Creek Vinyards, where the wine is incredible and the views are absolutely stunning.

It's no secret that elopements are some of my favorites to photograph - it is easy to for the bride and groom to relax when the pressure surrounding one 'big day' is at its lowest. At the same time, Amber chose so many elements to make their day both beautiful and memorable. Her rose gold wedding dress was drop dead gorgeous, and her peony and rose-filled bouquet paired perfectly with such an elegant choice...