Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Brag Books

I'm excited to now offer my clients brag books!  These mini albums are leather-bound, photographically printed, and allow fully custom designed pages.  Measuring 4"x4", they are perfect for carrying on-the-go to show off your wedding or engagement photos to your family and friends.  They come in several different colors, so if you're interested in ordering one, contact me for more details!

Each book comes with it's own fabric sleeve to keep your album safe and protected.






Wait, did I mention you get TWO?!  Perfect for gifting to mom or anyone else who wants one!


I love these mini albums so much I plan on buying a couple for myself.  If you want to know more about them - contact me for details!

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Friday, September 7, 2012

Bluemont Vineyard Wedding: Julie + Brandon

The forecast called for rain.  60% chance.  ALL day.  It was pouring during my entire drive to meet up with Julie at her hotel, raining while I photographed her getting ready, and raining during my 30 minute drive from the hotel to Bluemont Vineyard and while I photographed her details inside.  No outdoor portraits, I thought.  No portraits and no outdoor ceremony at this beautiful vineyard with an amazing view.  But on a wedding day, you just have to go with the flow.  And that was Julie.  All smiles, laughter, and happy tears as she got ready.  No stress, just delighted to be marrying the man she was head over heels in love with.

Brandon was getting ready in the room adjacent to Julie's, and I loved that I could pop in and chat with him as well.  And like Julie, joy surrounded him at the thought of marrying his true love, the girl he knew was "his type" the moment he laid eyes on her.

This was a wedding I had been looking forward to photographing all year.  Julie and Brandon are so easygoing and fun, the type of people you could see yourself hanging out with and sharing fun stories and laughter.  So it was no wonder seeing them surrounded by family and friends who felt the same way.  Julie and Brandon were loved and cheered, and several impromptu speeches during the reception were a testament to the closeness the guests felt to this special couple.



Brandon put together an amazing gift box for Julie to open on their wedding morning.  Julie is a photographer as well, and he wanted to give her something she could use in her business.  He settled on the perfect gift - an iPad!  But he didn't stop there.  He filled the box with love, including a special perfume for Julie to wear with a sweet note that read, "Of the five senses, the sense of smell is unique because it is closely related to memories.  Wear this today and remember our wedding forever."  Swoon...



Ohhh, Badgley Mishka, you do make some amazing shoes.  I love these ones that Julie chose to wear!



Julie and Brandon opted for a first look (which I LOVE!) so we would have plenty of time for portraits before the ceremony.


And miraculously, the rain stopped just in time for us to walk around the beautiful vineyard for some amazing outdoor portraits!








Julie is also a talented graphic designer and designed all of their save-the-dates, invitations and programs.



That stunning view...


Julie warned me that she would cry during their vows.  I was ready and waiting...






Kathleen of Elegant Momentz did an amazing job decorating the space at Bluemont.


I loved the local, raw summer blossom honey favors from Great Country Farms, which is just across the road from the winery.  And Brandon created the signature drink for their reception - a Berry Lemonade Spritzer......it was delicious!


Brandon's family used to own a bakery in Pennsylvania, so they made a table full of these homemade goodies from the same recipes sold to all of their customers - what a treat!






Julie and Brandon, your day couldn't have been more amazing - with the cloud cover creating the perfect softbox, your love for each other was the sun to brighten every moment of the day.  Thank you for the honor of allowing me to be a part of it all!

Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites Leesburg
Wedding/Reception venue: Bluemont Vineyard
Hair/Makeup: Perry Warren
Florist: MelleFleur
Cake/cupcakes: Sweet Things by Kim
Decorator: Kathleen of Elegant Momentz
DJ: Southern Sound Productions
Caterer: Savoire Fare Limited
Favors: Summer blossom honey from Great Country Farms
Officiant: Sandy Queen Pin It

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

NYC Engagement Session: Amanda + Grady

It was an August evening in the Hamptons and they were hanging out with mutual friends.  And once introduced, their conversation flowed late into the evening and again the next day.  Their connection was instant, and Grady asked if he could take Amanda out for a date once they were back in the city.  But Amanda didn't expect to hear from him so soon - he called her up the day after they returned and asked her out for that evening.  Without hesitation she accepted.  He told her he was headed out for a run first, and she said she was going to do the same, but instead she ran out for a manicure.  She wanted to look her best for this handsome gentleman she had already fallen for.

In a whirlwind romance, they had already met each other's parents within 5 months of meeting each other.  And though they quickly fell for each other, they dated for about two and a half years before getting engaged.  Grady chose the perfect spot in Gramercy Park.  They had always talked about staying in a nice hotel in the city, and Gramercy Park Hotel was near where Amanda used to live, so the area was already special to her.  Grady found the perfect bench in this private park to propose, and turning to her he said, "I have something important I want to ask you."  Amanda was in tears before he could even pop the question.

And so we started Amanda and Grady's engagement session in Gramercy Park.  At the very bench where Grady proposed.  The park was quiet and beautiful, and the light was divine...







About half way through our session, we stopped by Amanda and Grady's beautiful apartment building and took more photos in their courtyard before they changed into something a little more casual...




In true New York style, Amanda hails us a cab to head down to Tribeca.  These two look like they belong in a movie!






And we ended our session down at the Piers, with beautiful light and an amazing skyline...





Amanda and Grady, I had SUCH and amazing time with you both in NYC!!  Thank you for having me there to document your love for each other in the place you call home (and for the delicious dinner at the end of our evening)!  SO excited for your wedding in September!!  xo...


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