River Farm Alexandria Wedding Portraits: Jeff + Kun

They wanted to spend a few hours with their closest friends.  Bride, groom, and bridal party portraits for the wedding they wouldn't have.  Not here, anyway.  In just a few short days, Jeff and Kun are headed to Hawaii to exchange their vows in an intimate ceremony.  And since the friends who would have stood at their sides are unable to make the journey, they spent the day together in celebration, and I was honored to document this time for them.

We started at River Farm in Alexandria.  Its gardens are oh-so-beautiful, and the wisteria here was soft and romantic.

We then headed to Old Town Alexandria for a few more photos....

...before we headed to Columbia Firehouse for a late lunch, where everyone was famished from a long day of shooting.

Jeff and Kun, I had a wonderful time getting to know you and your friends, and I wish you all the best as you travel to Hawaii and commit your lives to each other! Pin It

Striving For Better

Perhaps I will never be in the ranks of Henri Cartier-Bresson, but I never stop striving to be a better photographer.  To see differently, to learn how to use light (and shadow) differently, and to make my clients look their absolute best on their wedding day (or engagement or portrait session).  That's why today I'm headed out of town to learn from one of American Photo's top 10 wedding photographers in the world.  Cliff Mautner's images are breathtaking.  His lighting is incredible.  I'm beyond excited to spend a few days in Philadelphia and New Jersey at Cliff's studio, and I'm looking forward to meeting other photographers who share the same passion for his work and their own.

And because I'm such a big proponent of learning (especially when it's FREE!), I invite any photographer in the area to come to our next DC area SMUG meeting on Monday, April 23rd (a week from today!).  I will be speaking alongside 2 very talented friends of mine on POSING!  So if you struggle with posing your clients, this is the workshop for you!  You can find details and join the event HERE.

Now I'm off to pack for my trip.  But first, a sneak peek of tomorrow's blog post....

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Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session: Amanda + Dave

He asked if she needed a date to her senior prom.  He had escorted her during her previous year as a junior (after she went in a roundabout way and had her aunt set them up together), and thought she might need a date again that following year.  While nothing really materialized after junior prom, enough sparks flew at her senior prom that they started dating full time after that night, now over 7 years ago.  Amanda says she knew he was the one from the very beginning.  I asked Dave when he knew, and he replied, "Two years ago when I asked her to marry me."

Bigger sparks flew the night they got engaged.  It was the 4th of July and they were with Amanda's family in Havre de Grace, waiting for the fireworks display to begin.  Amanda sensed it was going to happen at any moment.  She had been hugging on him that evening and (discreetly) felt his pockets for the ring box.  Not finding it, she realized it wouldn't be that night.  But after the National Anthem played out its tune, she turned around to find Dave on one knee.  Her mom was so surprised watching the moment unfold in front of her that she stood there in shock, camera in hand.  But didn't take any pictures.

While there are no photos of the actual moment Dave proposed, we did have plenty of time to walk around Old Town Alexandria and celebrate their engagement while capturing their love for each other.

Amanda and Dave, thank you for an AWESOME engagement session!  I'm so excited for your wedding that's just around the corner!!  xo Pin It

Maternity Session: Julie + Elie

Julie is thankful.  For many things, but especially that she's had an easy pregnancy.  When I met her she was glowing, and I was so excited to capture this special time in their lives.  Julie and Elie were so sweet to each other, and it was clear to see just how much they loved and appreciated one another.  They don't know the sex of the baby (Julie thinks this prevents her from buying too many things before the baby is born; Elie disagrees and reminds her of how many things she has already purchased), but it doesn't matter because this baby is already so loved.

Julie and Elie, thank you so much for a wonderful session.  I loved getting to know you both and basking in the warmth of your love for each other.  

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Old Town Alexandria Engagement Sneak Peek: Amanda + Dave

Posting a little sneak peek of Amanda and Dave's engagement session in Old Town Alexandria from this past weekend.  Can't wait to share the rest with you - this couple is AMAZING!!

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