Laurie Bracewell Photography

OCF Fun In Mystic, Connecticut!

2012-01-18T14:01:00.001-05:00

Home to Mystic Pizza, the town's claim to fame, and the awesome Mystic Seminars (from which I recently returned), this town is quaint and full of charm - even at night, when we could barely see much of it! Lisa Boggs was my super fun travel companion and roommie as we drove from VA to CT. She was Navigator and DJ as I drove, and we belted out tunes in the car like karaoke was our full time job. (Lucky for the people in my life, it isn't mine!) We whipped out our cell phones for photo ops along the way, and ran like crazy people to the top of a ridge at a rest stop for a sunset photo in New Jersey. The tractor trailer drivers surely were amused.

On the evening after seeing DQ Studios (Dave and Quin are seriously awesome!) speak, we were inspired by their use of OCF and decided to have a little fun in town after dinner!

After moving our speedlights around a bit and adjusting flash and camera settings, I took this photo of Lisa down by the water. (Speedlight placed on the deck far down to the right to illuminate the side of the ship. Hand holding a speedlight in my left hand as I take the photo.)

1/200s; f/3.5; ISO 320

We found this industrial stairwell, pitch dark, and played around a lot to see what we could do in the space. (Speedlight on a shelf to the right; another speedlight behind me for some separation.)

1/80s; f/2.8; ISO 400

I love the look of OCF and can't wait to play more!

BTS: JVS Lighting Workshop

2012-01-17T12:33:00.001-05:00

Droolworthy. That's the best way to describe all of Joseph's lighting equipment. I took his speedlights workshop in 2010, so this time I was assisting him and his amazing wife, Anne, throughout the day. He has a few different pieces now - new modifiers and a new Radio Popper system, and it was exciting to check out the new toys. (I'm also contemplating ditching my Pocket Wizard Plus IIs for these Radio Poppers!)

I was impressed by the attendees of this particular class. They picked up the lighting and settings quickly, and were more than ready to move the light stands and modifiers all around the studio to test out each piece of equipment during the hands-on portion of the workshop. Joseph limits the number of students so each person has plenty of time to work with each modifier, and he walks the room to assist with any questions they may have and also give suggestions and recommendations for how to position the lights. I've always believed that nothing beats hands-on experience. I walked away from JVS's class in 2010 feeling confident about my lighting, and I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to feel the same confidence. (Or, if anything, you get to check out his medium format Hasselblad. I may have considered grabbing and making a run for it a couple of times.) ;) The next workshop will be March 6th in DC at 52 O Street Studios.

Some BTS (behind the scenes) images:

Mystic Seminars 2012

2012-01-12T16:24:00.000-05:00

I was looking for something a little different this year, and I found it. My friend Kristi Odom had been telling me about Mystic Seminars since last year. I was on the WPPI train again for 2012, but last month I stopped in my tracks. I've gone to WPPI for the past two years, and while my time there was invaluable, I wanted an experience where I didn't feel lost in a sea of humanity. Mystic was perfect - it was intimate, and we all felt like we were valued and taken care of. And by taken care of I really mean spoiled. As in, an amazing buffet lunch provided every day; assorted coffee, teas, sodas and water throughout the day; tons of candy at the info table (I'm pretty sure I ate more than around Halloween), and rows of tables in the seminar room to place our drinks on and take notes while we sat and listened to the amazing line-up of speakers.

I look to constantly push my photography further, and it was incredible listening to and being inspired by some true artists in the industry. Joe Buissink brought me to tears on day one. His passion for what he does is tangible, a presence in the room when he talks. I discovered Michael Greenberg, whose lighting techniques with just one or two speed lights are brilliant. And listening to my dear friend Jacklyn Greenberg speak was beautiful and powerful. Two people who blow my mind? Dave and Quin Cheung of DQ Studios. Their work - simply put - ROCKS! If you haven't checked them out you neeeeed to! They will change the way you think about lighting and creating your own light. Quin is such a master at throwing shadows and creating captivating images. And, okay, I admit to having a girl crush on her. She's completely sweet, 100 percent genuine, and I told her I want her to take me shopping. Ben and Erin Chrisman were also one of my favorites; their images are so "fearless."

Mystic was the perfect start to a new year, to get me thinking about changes I want to make in my business and how I want to push my work forward. And let's face it, where else can you have Melissa and Jerry Ghionis photo bomb a picture with you and your girlfriends while chatting with Jacklyn Greenberg and listening to Becker sing karaoke while Susan Stripling captures it on camera with the Chrismans hanging out and having a drink.......ALL IN THE SAME ROOM?!

Photo of me and my girl crush, errrrr, Quin Cheung...

Quin and Dave rockin' it out during their talk...

Photo bomb pic of the roommies taken with Mark Crosby's camera (of Zofia Photography).

My roommate, Lisa Boggs, and I were so inspired by these speakers and their use of speed lights and off camera flash work that we went out one night and had some fun on our own. Get ready for another blog post on that next week!

Workflow And Backing Up Your Files!

2012-01-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

New Year, new computer. Well, it doesn't always work that way, and usually you hope it doesn't happen the way it happened to me. Let's just say thank goodness it was at the end of a busy wedding season, at a time when I wouldn't have been committed due to insanity from it all. My computer crashed. I wasn't surprised, honestly. I just hoped it would have waited for a slower month is all. Was I frustrated and stressed? (Ask my husband.) Was I worried? No. Because I back up ALL MY FILES. Every client, every wedding, every engagement session...EVERYTHING.

My current workflow is to download cards at the end of every session onto both an internal hard drive (which I work off of) and an external hard drive. After culling, editing and uploading to a web gallery, all files are backed up from the internal hard drive to two external hard drives. As of lately, my backups have been on-site on the external drives, with one off-site storage of the edited .jpg files (i.e. my web gallery / order fulfillment site). But just recently I also purchased a Cloud backup solution to ensure off-site backup of not only .jpg images, but the RAW files as well. So my clients (and I!) never have to worry about lost moments and memories!

My new machine (which my amazingly wonderful husband spec'd and built for me), is screaming fast, and makes me wonder how I managed to get anything done with the old one!

My Favorite 11 Images of 2011

2012-01-03T17:38:00.000-05:00

I'm awestruck really. When I think back to quitting my day job in March of 2011 (March 10th, to be exact - I'll never forget the day I gained my "freedom!"), it's incredible to see how much I've grown in just a few short months. I've had amazing clients and am finishing up a crazy busy wedding season. I've been shooting the Enchanted Ateleir look book for three seasons now. And seeing my images on websites such as Anne Bowen, Washingtonian, Brides and Kleinfeld's has been kinda surreal. Having a wedding featured on Style Me Pretty was a goal of mine, and one that I didn't expect to happen in my first year of business, but one of my amazing couples was recently featured and I couldn't have been more ecstatic! And let me not forget the editorial shoot with Mary Amons of Bravo's The Real Housewives of DC. April, a talented stylist and fashion blogger from the DC area, asked me to do the shoot for her interview, and of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity!

So looking back on 2011, I wanted to post 11 of my favorite images (there were really a lot more than that, which made it difficult to choose!)...

Christmas Eve Tradition

2011-12-26T14:52:00.000-05:00

Chris and I both have our families in the area, making us incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so much love. However, that also makes the holidays a little tricky. But we seem to have fallen into a rhythm for Christmas that gives us a chance to spread time - and love - all around. We spent Christmas Eve day with my side of the family, complete with a dinner feast and gift exchange. I never thought I would enjoy seeing my nieces open their gifts more than I would enjoy opening mine, but my heart melts when I see their their faces light up in excitement and joy. I hope your Christmas was filled with as much wonder and excitement as theirs and ours!

(Will someone please wrap my gifts in Winnie the Pooh paper next year??)

Family Photos: The Fosters

2011-12-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'm not really a family photographer, but when my best friend since the 4th grade tells me she hasn't had photos done in years, I couldn't resist doing a session with them during my visit to see her in Oklahoma.

We spent some time walking around Bricktown, an up-and-coming artsy area in Oklahoma City. There were so many great spots to shoot in! I miss her and her family already, but now I have these photos to remember my time with them...

Country Engagement Session: Christine + Shaun

2011-12-05T17:37:00.001-05:00

They must have been at the same bars and restaurants at the same time, and probably passed each other on the street, without even knowing it. This was the conclusion they came to after they met in 2009 at a Red Sox vs. Nationals game and discovered they lived only blocks from each other. After the game they went to a bar for drinks, and Shaun wasted no time asking Christine out on a date.

He caught her unaware this past March. She should have sensed something was going on when Shaun, a guy's guy, was drinking a glass of wine with her on the patio of the beautiful Bluemont Vineyard. As they headed back to the parking lot to continue their Sunday drive, she threw her arms around him and said, "I love you so much!" Shaun then reached into his pocket, presented Christine with a beautiful ring, and said, "Well, then will you marry me?"

I'm so excited for their June wedding at the Blackthorne Inn! They are both Irish, and the Inn is owned by an Irish family, so when they happened on this venue in the country they just knew it was the perfect place to celebrate on their wedding day. Christine is also a bridal blogger. She is Miss Irish Bride on It's a Bride's Life. I love seeing her inspiration boards and all the ideas she has for her wedding day. And as a graphic designer, I know she's going to have so many fun details that truly capture who they are as a couple!

Christine and Shaun decided to have their engagement session at their new home in Stafford, VA. They have a beautiful house in the country, and it was so calm and peaceful...

Ohhhh, Christine....stop it!! You are way gorgeous!

They had these fabulous Kate Spade glasses, a gift from Christine's friend, and we couldn't resist using them for the shoot! (This made Shaun, a guy's guy, happy.)

This is the first time I've made my clients chug during a session (hey, we had to change locations to continue shooting!). But they didn't mind...

Christine found these amazing custom burlap pillows on Etsy, and they made a perfect complement to their family room decor. And knowing she's incorporating burlap runners into their wedding details also has me excited!

We had some amazing November weather during their session. And the golden light in their back yard? Peeerrrrfect!

Christine and Shaun exchanged furtive glances when we arrived at the lake and I spotted this run-down area at the back of a building. "Trust me," I said. And I love that my clients do trust me! I couldn't resist the lines and angles back here...

The green coat? Well, she's Irish, and it was a must-have for the shoot. (And I secretly coveted it because my favorite color is green...)

Christine and Shaun, I had so much fun during your session and I'm so excited for your wedding in June! Thank you for having me in your home - I hope you grilled an amazing dinner after I left! ;) xo

Why The Angels Sang

2011-12-01T21:11:00.000-05:00

Okay, so maybe that was me singing...when my iPhone 4S arrived at my front door!

Why? Well aside from the obvious reasons of its awesomeness, a huge part was the frustration over the slow death of my first generation Droid. I exercised daily patience while it went haywire and took on a mind of its own like a bad Sci-Fi movie. It selected applications and performed Google searches without me even touching the keypad, and it seemed to favor the letter 'q.' The letter 'a', on the other hand, was apparently exiled. If it weren't for autocorrect, my text messages would have been deprived of an important vowel.

I plan on celebrating my new iPhone by chucking my old Droid out the window of a car at a solid 65 mph. I know I will savor the moment.

I Am Thankful...

2011-11-23T21:18:00.001-05:00

...for many things today. Not the least of which are the TWO Thanksgiving feasts I get to stuff myself with (score for celebrating with both sides of our families today!). Another is vanilla ice cream, and that it's a perfect complement to apple cobbler and pumpkin pies. God takes pity on those of us who don't have time to cook, and for that I am grateful. So I got ice cream for BOTH family celebrations today. Okay, well, technically Chris picked up the ice cream while I was still hard at work. So I'm thankful for him too, especially since he also picked up Linner for me, and always takes good care of me. :)

And on that note, after a busy wedding season (and amazing clients! - which I'm also thankful for), I'm thankful that I can take off for the next few days...because I'm my own boss!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and are thankful for the small things!

Ronald Reagan Building Wedding: Beejal + Ben

2011-11-23T10:18:00.001-05:00

It was a bustling day at the Willard InterContinental, where Beejal rented out a large room for her and her 11 bridesmaids to get ready. Secret Service roamed the halls, for what we assumed were because of dignitaries there on business, and peeked into their room several different times. (Don't worry, gentlemen, the girls in saris getting their makeup and hair done while drinking champagne are not a threat...I promise!)

Beejal was calm and collected, ready to let the day unfold as it would. I had been excited about this wedding ever since shooting their engagement session in April. My husband and I came to know Beejal and Ben through mutual friends, and we all immediately got along. So it was no surprise to me when I found out they had 17 bridesmaids and groomsmen. These two don't know a single stranger with their warm and welcoming personalities!

Thank you to Gina Robinson for making the girls look their amazing best, and thank you for being so sweet and fun!

The first look, where Ben gets to see just how beautiful his lovely bride is, and Beejal gets to see her handsome groom for the first time. For me, there isn't much better than this unscripted moment a bride and groom get to share....

I could not have made it through the day without my incredibly talented and amazing 2nd shooter, Melissa Manzione. While I was taking the photo on the left, Melissa was capturing the image on the right, as well as a few others in this post. Love you, Melis...I couldn't have done this wedding without you!!

Katie Martin of Elegance & Simplicity and her amazing team did such a beautiful job transforming the Ronald Reagan Building into a gorgeous reception space...

After the Hindu ceremony, Beejal and Ben also had a Christian ceremony...

Beejal and Ben, thank you for the joy of getting to spend your day with you - not only as your photographer but also as your friend. I love how you make each other laugh and smile, and the love in your eyes as you look at each other says it all...here's to a lifetime of happiness for you both!! xo...

Associate photographer: Melissa Manzione
Event Designer, Flowers, Lighting: Katie Martin of Elegance & Simplicity
In-house Coordinator: Danielle Johnson (thank you for being so awesome to work with!!!)
Accommodations: Willard InterContinental Hotel
Wedding and Reception Venue: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Cake: Forget-Me-Not Cakes
Makeup: Gina Robinson
Hair Stylist: Lauren Perkins
DJ: Brian King

Fell's Point Engagement Session: Kimberly + Steve

2011-11-15T16:41:00.001-05:00

Baltimore. It's their stomping ground, and it used to be home until they moved to Northern Virginia. After Kimberly and Steve met, they found out they lived close to each other and had many other things in common. Their first date was in Baltimore: sushi, salsa dancing and a boat ride on the water. Steve didn't even know how to salsa, but he knew that Kimberly loved to, so he was prepared to learn and impress. The wining, dining, and his skills on the dance floor must have won her over, because many more dates followed, not the least of which included a marriage proposal and a stay on their engagement night at Admiral Inn. Now they are to be married next June. In Baltimore. A place that holds so many special memories.

So it was only fitting that we have their engagement session at Fell's Point, where Steve and Kimberly spent much of their time together.

Steve is a political consultant, and his friends joke that when he looks at the camera he gives his "politician smile." I found that every time he looked at Kimberly, his truest and most genuine smile shined through.

"Their bench" where Steve proposed...

Kimberly and Steve, thank you for a fun time in Fells Point. I can see why you love this place so much! So excited for your wedding at the Engineer's Club in June!!

Rustic Maryland Engagement Session: Erin + Michael

2011-11-08T13:49:00.000-05:00

She wasn't even supposed to go, but they had an odd number of people and needed an extra to fill their 6-person raft. Erin had just returned from the Grand Canyon when her best friend asked if she wanted to travel to Pennsylvania for a white water rafting trip early the next morning. "Why not," Erin decided.

As the caravan of 5 friends made its way down the road, Michael wondered why they were headed back to his house. Until they passed his turn, heading to Erin's home just a short distance from where he lived. Erin and Michael talked about their similarities on the drive to PA: how close they lived to each other, that they attended the same school, and that their parents also grew up near each other. What's more, Erin's best friend was dating Michael's best friend.

Not long after their rafting trip, Michael asked his best friend to ask his girlfriend to ask Erin to join them on another night out, since he didn't have a date to hang out with. (And for the longest time, Erin didn't know that's how she got invited - she assumed her best friend had just asked her along.) But Michael finally came around to asking her out directly, not a group of friends this time, but a movie night at his house. Now, no longer making up the odd numbers, they are paired for life....

When Erin told me she wanted to have their engagement session on the farm where they live, I was nothing short of ecstatic. I love me some farmland. Maybe it's because I spent part of my childhood in upstate New York and have fond memories of picking wild blackberries and watching the production of baling hay, but in some way it feels like a small slice of home. And their farm? It didn't disappoint!

Erin and Michael, I had so much fun with you both, and I can't wait for your May wedding at the Evergreen Museum!! xo...

Woodlawn Manor Engagement Session: Erin + Daniel

2011-11-01T15:32:00.000-04:00

Her friend left her alone with a stranger. Erin had invited him over to hang out, and he brought Daniel with him. But when he walked outside with her roommate to smoke, she and Daniel were left alone. A little awkward at first, they started talking and really hit it off.

But then Daniel left. For 3 weeks. He had taken a trip to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with his dad. But the bond he and Erin formed was not easily forgotten. Their first date after he returned was a double date with Erin's roommate, a shy guy who wanted to take a girl out but was too nervous to go on his own. And during dinner, they talked all night long, like no one else was in the room. And I'm not talking about Erin and Daniel! I'm talking about Daniel and Erin's roommate's date. Daniel and this other girl had so many things in common that they were off in their own little world for the evening. Daniel didn't realize he was doing this, and to this day Erin claims she doesn't consider that to be their real first date.

Even though that evening was not as Erin and her roommie had envisioned, Erin and Daniel continued to talk, and text, and get to know each other. He even upgraded to unlimited texting, just for her.

They were once two strangers, alone in a room. They have become two people, completely in love.

Erin wanted her wedding at Woodlawn Manor, but since their date wasn't available, she did the next best thing...had their engagement session there!

Dimples! I seriously love them, and Erin has the best one!! So every time I was looking for that certain smile from her, all I had to say was, "Dimple!"

Erin used to ride and loves horses, so we were excited to have this fella come over and say hello...

I told them our session was done and we started heading back to our cars. But when I saw this spot, I made them stop for another photo...I just couldn't resist! I mean...look at these two!!

Erin and Daniel, I had sooo much fun during your engagement session, and I'm so excited for your wedding in June! xoxo... Laurie

My Anniversary, Random Facts, And A Sneak Peek

2011-10-28T10:19:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my 2 year blog anniversary, and it's crazy to look back and see how far I've come and how much I've grown since then. What was merely a spark is now a wildfire, and I'm loving every minute of it. When I quit my day job this past March, I never thought that Fall of the same year would be as busy and crazy as it has been. Taking that leap was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

But looking back at my blog I realize I don't talk much about myself. Well, because I hate talking about myself. I find other's lives much more interesting than mine! So here are a few random facts about me on my bloggiversary:

I put ice in my milk because I like it super cold. My husband finds this both strange and disgusting.
I spend about 7 minutes brushing my teeth. I'm pretty sure I have some mild form of OCD. Chris thinks I'm ruining my gums, but I boast that my dentist always says I have beautiful teeth and always gives me a clean bill of health.
I like going to the dentist.
After I brush my teeth I get a runny nose. The upside is that when I use a tissue, it smells faintly of Chris' cologne since the box sits on his sink, and it makes me happy.
Bright sun makes me sneeze.
I fidget. A lot. My mother used to tell me I was shaking my luck away. But I assure you I feel like one of the luckiest girls in the world to have an amazing husband and a job I absolutely love!

Okay, enough about me, and onto someone else. :) Here's a sneak peek of Erin and Daniel's engagement session from earlier this week. I can't wait to blog the rest!

Happy Friday!!

Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club Wedding: Ruth + Al

2011-10-25T10:48:00.000-04:00

He loves to cook and he loves the water. She's not a good cook and she doesn't like the water. And they met through an online dating site that neither were completely serious about using. Al's 3-month free subscription was almost over when he saw Ruth's photo and thought she was cute. Ruth saw Al's "wink" but wasn't sure if she wanted to wink back. With her hand on the mouse she debated her decision, but that decision was made for her by a co-worker who came up from behind and pushed Ruth's finger down on the mouse button, because she thought Al was cute.

After a few messages back and forth, they had their first date at Starbucks. Outside. In the middle of a hot and humid Virginia summer. At the only table without an umbrella. Every time Ruth glanced away, Al took the opportunity to wipe the sweat from his brow, hoping she wouldn't notice. But she noticed everything. And her initial impression was that he was cheap and sweaty. Coffee at noon and he didn't even ask if she was hungry!

She left their first date thinking they had a great conversation but still felt a discord. Thankfully, her cousin convinced her to to go on another date with Al. Their second date was at a restaurant. Indoors. With air conditioning. And the conversation was full, and their appetites were satiated.

He loves to cook and she loves to clean. They both love to go camping, travel, watch movies and play Wii and Xbox. Together, they have found their harmony in each other's lives.

I started with Ruth and the girls as they got ready at her and Al's beautiful new home...

While I was with Ruth, Noah was capturing the guys as they hung out at Marsh Mansion.

I say it every time...I love first looks. Ruth and Al were both nervous as they waited to see each other. Leading up to their wedding day, they had even talked about who might cry. Ruth was certain it would be Al. But Ruth's eyes welled up with tears of joy as she watched her husband-to-be take in the sight of her.

Ruth, you are so beautiful...

This oak tree? Uh-mazing! I was so excited when they told me they rented golf carts so we could head out onto the course for sunset photos!

There are times when I get emotional during weddings - the vows when the bride and groom become teary-eyed; loving speeches during receptions... - but the emotion is usually a sweet happiness marked with a smile. This is the first time I actually cried. Ruth lost her father a few years ago to cancer, and her brother walked her down the aisle and stood in during the traditional father/daughter dance at the reception. And as the song played and tears spilled from her eyes, I could see how much Ruth missed her dad, and how she wished he could have been there to watch his little girl get married.

Ruth and Al, I'm so happy that you have found each other, that you have pledged to take care of each other, and that you make each other laugh and smile. Thank you for the honor and joy of allowing me to capture your wedding day, and for the happiness that comes from calling you friends!

2nd Photographer: Noah Hayes
On-site coordinator: Susan Naugle
Venue: Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club / Marsh Manor
Hair/Makeup: Kate Ricasa
Flowers: Brad Toombs with Vintage Florals
DJ: Anthony Puentes of Kingdom Muzik

New York Bridal Market Part II: The Martha Stewart Weddings Event

2011-10-21T12:45:00.000-04:00

When Liv invited me to the Martha Stewart Weddings party I just couldn't turn it down. She told me about last year's event and it sounded like so much fun! When we first walked in we had our picture taken with Darcy Miller, Editorial Director for Martha Stewart Weddings. Darcy is totally cute and completely sweet! We then made our way around the room, enjoying all the fun stations set up on the peripherals and catching some of the fun bite-sized passed hors d'oeuvres, which included sushi, tacos, burgers and many other foods. Details weren't overlooked as some of the passed trays also included mini drinks, including a rum and coke served in the tiniest coca cola bottle.

I was also starstruck seeing some of the industry's most talented designers, and to be standing just feet from Reem Acra, Amsale, Claire Pettibone and Monique Lhullier. Not to mention passing by Randy Fenoli of Say Yes to the Dress several times.

The color theme was citrus and pink, and I loved this lucite installation hanging above the ice bar.

Cupcakes by Cake Power...

A spread of meats, cheeses and crackers...

Floral boutonnieres by Matthew Robbins Design...

Liv with the lovely ladies of Hitched Georgetown!

And we took a behind the scenes tour of Martha Stewart's HQ offices. Here is post production hard at work...

One of many inspiration boards...

Studio space...

Amy DeGiulio, owner of Sugar Flower Cake Shop, was giving a pulled sugar flower demonstration...

And lastly, here are the lovely ladies I had the pleasure of spending time with during Market and at the party: (front row) Aruna Seth and Nia Louise of Aruna Seth; (back row) Kimberly Allen and Jennifer Charles of Something Fabulous, Kate Saur and Liv Hart of Enchanted Atelier, Maud Lescroart of Sophie Hallette, Melissa Bolin of Kitty Andrews Millinery, and yours truly - one lucky gal!!

Thank you, ladies, for making the night so special, and thank you Liv, for having me along! Loves!

New York Bridal Market Part 1: Enchanted Atelier & Aruna Seth

2011-10-20T17:50:00.001-04:00

I recently returned from New York Bridal Market, where I was invited by Liv of Enchanted Atelier to spend some time at her suite and also attend the Martha Stewart Weddings event. I've had the honor of shooting Liv's last 3 look books and it was wonderful to see one of the culminating events of her hard work. Bridal Market is where Buyers and Press come to see her following season's collection for the first time. She had so many fabulous pieces to showcase and I loved seeing them all on display. I also had fun trying a few on...it's so hard to resist!

Jennifer Charles of Something Fabulous did a wonderful job designing and installing Liv's suite.

I absolutely adored Maud, whose family owns famed French lace house Sophie Hallette. They provided Liv with the lace for a new line in her collection.

Liv shared a suite with Aruna Seth, a UK-based designer who creates beautiful Italian handcrafted luxury designer shoes. Her incredible heels have been worn many celebrities. I loved getting to finally meet Aruna after using her shoes in our look book shoot for the past two seasons.

(Here's Aruna on the left, and Nia on the right.)

Her famous bridal butterfly heels...

I loved getting to experience Bridal Market. And tomorrow I'll be blogging Part 2 - the Martha Stewart Weddings Event, including a behind the scenes look at Martha Stewart's headquarters!

One Of Those Days...

2011-10-19T17:05:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those days? The ones where you can't seem to get anything right? Where you leave the house for a couple of errands, only to discover while you're driving that you left something at home for one of them? Where you have so much to do that your head seems to spin? Where you can't seem to answer emails fast enough? Or process images fast enough? Where you can't seem to keep your cat from digging shredded paper out of the shredder bin? Where you're so stressed that you get irritated with your husband when he calls and sweetly asks you what you'd like for him to pick up for dinner? Yeah...that's me today. And on these days, I know that if I don't laugh, I'll cry. So here are a couple images of me, taken by my friend Maria Vicencio at a recent wedding.

I tend to hate photos of myself - I make a lot of weird faces. This is why I'm behind the camera. This one I don't mind so much...

This was after I caught her taking pics of me...

Happy Wednesday, and remember to find humor in life, even on those days!

Relaxing In New York City + Martha Stewart Party Sneak Peek

2011-10-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I just need a little time away. Whether it's immersing myself in a good book or going for a drive out in country, a little escape helps me to regroup and refresh. This time my getaway was a trip to NYC. And while I thought I would be super busy and that there was no way I could relax in the city, I found myself with plenty of time to walk around Central Park yesterday, listening to birds chirping in the trees; hearing the steady pace of runners come up from behind and then pass me; catching fleeting conversations of employees on their lunch break or friends having a picnic in the afternoon; and watching tourists take pictures of squirrels. Yes. Squirrels. I don't know what it is about those furry little creatures, but I see this phenomenon all the time in DC. Someone standing next to a national monument in our nation's capital......taking a picture of a squirrel.

While I didn't take many photos as I walked around (especially not of squirrels), I did snap a few here and there to remember how good it felt to relax and unwind....

Aaaaannnd....I can't wait to tell you about the Martha Stewart Party last night! I'll be blogging the details in the next day or two, but for now here's a sneak peek!

Sunrise

2011-10-16T19:24:00.000-04:00

(Written this morning...)

There is nothing more glorious than a beautiful sunrise. Except for more than 1.5 hrs sleep. But since the latter didn’t happen, I’ll gladly take the former. I’ve lived in Virginia for 23 years and this is the first time I’ve ever taken a commuter train. Despite the 4:30 a.m. rise to get to Union Station after getting home late from shooting a wedding yesterday, I’m sitting on the train and taking in the sights of trees starting to change into their fall golds and reds.

I questioned traveling to New York in the middle of a busy wedding season (sleep is more precious than gold to me - ask my husband, who knows how cranky pants I can get), but seeing this morning’s warm golden sun rise gently in the sky and bathe all of God’s creation in its soft light has already made the lack of sleep worth the trip. And cranky pants is currently at bay.

So here’s to a new day and new adventures; may they all be this beautiful...

My Ties To Kate Middleton

2011-10-14T10:32:00.000-04:00

She wanted me to photograph her wedding, but the Royal Family wasn't having any of that. Alright, so maybe that was a daydream. But...I did touch her wedding dress! Well, okay, maybe not THE dress, but I did touch the lace from which Kate Middleton's dress was made. And that has to be some sort of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon thing, right?

Famed French lacemaker Sophie Hallette has asked Liv of Enchanted Atelier to design a couture accessories collection from the Dutchess of Cambridge Leaver's lace pattern - the lace used by Alexander McQueen for Kate Middleton's wedding gown. And not only did Liv bring the lace over to my house for some photography, but I also got to see the pieces she made from it during our recent photo shoot for her Spring 2012 collection. I can't wait to release the images from the shoot after the collection launches at New York Bridal Market this weekend!

I'm also excited to be joining Liv at Market for a couple of days. After shooting a rehearsal dinner tonight and a wedding tomorrow, I'll be taking an eeeaaarrrrly train to NYC Sunday morning. I think caffeine will be the word of the weekend!

Now here's another sneak peek from our photo shoot of one of the new heirloom quality pieces from Liv's collection. I'm also excited to see this image featured on the blog What Kate Wore!

Washington D.C. Wedding: Nicole + Kelly

2011-10-12T18:28:00.000-04:00

The Occupy Wall Street protestors camped out on Freedom Plaza just outside her hotel and the closing of several blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue for the Taste of DC didn't deter Nicole on her wedding day. She knew that what mattered at the end of the day was marrying the love of her life. She sat quietly in the chair while expert hands applied her makeup, breaking out into smiles and laughs as her bridesmaids talked and joked with her. And then as she moved about the room in silence with a calm facade, her eyes told the story of someone with a million things running through her mind. She re-read her vows, bringing tears to her eyes, and then fanned herself with the paper to keep the tears from spilling and her makeup from running. Nothing could hide the love she felt for the man she was about to marry.

I just love Nicole's Badgley Mischka shoes!

"...you constantly motivate and inspire me to want to do better and be a better person. As we stand before God and our closest friends and family, I promise to continue to keep the Lord in our marriage first and foremost...."

Kelly getting ready at the W Hotel. (Thank you Peter for capturing these!)

I've said it time and again, but I love when the bride and groom choose to do a first look! They get to share a special moment together, just the two of them.

That look on their faces? That says it all....

The loving looks and glances from Kelly to Nicole lasted the whole day through as he celebrated this day with his beautiful bride.

And as we were headed back for bridal party photos, we made a super quick stop at Union Station for a few photos under the repeating arches.

This cake from Edibles Incredible?? Oh. So. Delicious!! The layer I had was lemon and it was sooooo good! Just thinking about it now makes me want another slice...

Nicole's cousin sang a beautiful song he wrote just for her and Kelly...

Nicole and Kelly, I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon in Hawaii, and I'm sorry that some of your friends and family may see this post and these photos before you do. (Just remember I told you that blog stalking while on your honeymoon is allowed and encouraged.) ;)

Event Planner: Karla Mitchell of Kelley Cannon Events
2nd Photographer: Peter Bang
Accommodations: JW Marriott and W Hotel
Wedding and Reception Venue: City Club of Washington
Hair: Fiona
Makeup: Mahogany Williams of Maze Me Concepts
Flowers: B Floral Event Design
Cake: Edibles Incredible
Ceremony Musician: Ben Young of Disc Jockeys on Call
Reception DJ: Aaron Couch of Disc Jockeys on Call

Enchanted Atelier: Sneak Peek

2011-10-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

She asked if I do family photos too. I said I tried it a couple of times, but it just wasn't really "my thing." I asked if she ever shoots weddings, she said she's done a few, but it isn't really "her thing." We chatted for a few minutes about how we each seem to fall into one area or another in photography.

Yesterday Chris and I, as well as his side of the family, had our yearly family photos taken by Wendy of Blue Lily Photography. It's such a different pace than a wedding day. I would almost think that I'd like it better, being that it's less stressful than having only one chance to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments. But as Wendy and I talked, I explained that what I love about weddings is how beautiful everything is - from the bride and groom dressed up and so in love and happy, to all the details that make a couple's day unique.

It was a fun session and I always enjoy watching other photographers at work. It's clear that Wendy is great at what she does and loves traveling with her family to photograph other families around the country.

And speaking of traveling (lame segue, I know...), I'm so excited to be headed to NYC this Sunday for Bridal Market! I'll be joining Liv of Enchanted Atelier (I'm searching high and low for a reason to wear one of her fabulous pieces) and Aruna Seth (a pair of butterfly heels? yes please!) in their suite as they take appointments with buyers and press for their upcoming collections.

Here is a sneak peek of the photo shoot I did with Liv a few weeks ago. I can't wait to share more images after Market!

Centreville, VA Wedding: Rachel + Lane

2011-10-07T17:37:00.000-04:00

Rachel and Lane are truly special to me. You can read why here. And even though the morning was heavy with rain, I was washed over with a calmness that I didn't expect. We were supposed to have bridal portraits before the ceremony. Outside. At a pond. With no cover. I called Rachel and we decided that I would just head over to the church and we would sort it all out.

We began with bridal party photos under the awning of the church drop-off area. And incredibly, by the time we were done, the rain had let up. Coincidence? Luck? No. Lane has a direct line to God. He's the Youth Pastor at our church. Naturally he called in a favor for his big day. Okay, I'm kidding. Sorta. I know there were a lot of prayers being lifted up about not just the weather, but for Lane and Rachel and the start of their life together. And truly, we were given the gift of a small window of time where the rain let up and we were able to take bride and groom portraits outside under the open sky. In the first photo of them, you can still see hints of drizzle as the sun peeked through the clouds.

Invitations designed and printed by Rachel...

I sometimes think of the rings on the Bible shot as "already been done," but with Lane being a Pastor, and this being his Bible, I couldn't have thought of anything more appropriate.

Rachel's beautiful veil, handmade from Brussels, was worn by her mother as well as several other relatives.

The church was packed with about 300 guests - many church members to include other pastors, and several of the youth. It was truly a celebration not only with Lane and Rachel's families, but with our church family as well.

I absolutely love the uplights Troy had in place. He changed the color to match their color scheme.

Ooops! Lane accidentally dropped the ring! (That's okay, we won't mention how I popped the button off his suit jacket when I was straightening it during bridal portraits.)

Their cake design was so much fun! You can see the circle theme through all the elements in their day, including their invitations and the necklace Rachel wore.

Rachel spray painted all of the vases and table elements black and also made the framed table names, which represented places she and Lane have visited together.

Rachel and Lane, my heart is so full for you both! I hope you're enjoying your honeymoon in Punta Cana, and I can't wait to see you two again!! Loves!!!

2nd Photographer: Armin DeFiesta

Church: Centreville Baptist Church

Reception: Columbus Grill

Coordinator: Nicole Martinez

Hair and Makeup: Valon Salon

Flowers: Ordered from Fifty Flowers and arranged by friends

Cake: Johnny McReynolds (family friend)

DJ: Ben Geyer

An Intimate Virginia Wedding: Laura + Drew

2011-10-04T17:38:00.000-04:00

Their wedding day was a secret. Except to the small number of family who were present to witness their vows. They considered having a larger wedding - renting a venue, catering, the whole works. But because the majority of their families lived out of state and they didn't want everyone to have to travel, they decided to do something a little different. And not just different in that their wedding was small and intimate, but that instead of receiving gifts from family, they are giving a gift instead. Laura and Drew will be gifting hand made albums from their wedding day to all those who were not present as they exchanged their vows and celebrated their commitment to each other.

This gesture speaks volumes to who Laura and Drew are - caring, giving, compassionate, loving and generous. I loved every bit of spending their day with them and getting to see just how much love they have for each other.

Laura's "something blue" - 2 hearts pierced by an arrow - and her promise ring from Drew.

Seeing his bride-to-be for the first time, just before the ceremony...

Skyping with family that couldn't be there...

It also happened to be Steve's birthday, and Drew was sure to turn the attention back on his father to wish him a happy birthday and thank him and his mother for all they have done and for the use of their home on their wedding day.

Rice throwing gone wild...

Congratulations Laura and Drew! I hope to see one of your albums when they are finished!! xoxo...

Decatur House Wedding: Lisa + Bernard

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Lisa wanted her wedding at Decatur House not only because of its historical significance, but also because it was built for Naval Admiral Stephen Decatur. And with Lisa's father, brother, and nephew - and even fiance - all having served in the Navy, she knew it was meant to be.

Their black tie affair was nothing short of beautiful. And their vows to each other were full of promises, hope and love. Family and friends surrounded them in joy and celebration, and at the end of the evening Lisa and Bernard's hearts were full - of love for each other, and of the love of those closest to them.

Many, many, many thanks to Maria Vicencio for shooting with me that day - you are beyond amazing!

As I was photographing the cake, someone setting up the lights from John Farr Lighting asked if I wanted a side light. Ummm...yes please! So he held a can light off to the side while I took this picture. So sweet - love these guys!!

I loooved the crystal details and folded ribbon on Lisa's bouquet! Creative Floral Designs did an amazing job!

I would be remiss if I didn't thank Janice of Bellwether Events for keeping the day running smoothly. It's always a treat to work with someone so great at what they do!

2nd Photographer: Maria Vicencio
Accommodations: Phoenix Park Hotel
Wedding Venue: Decatur House
Event Planner: Janice of Bellwether Events
Florist: Creative Floral Designs
Cake and Catering: Windows Catering
Lighting: John Farr Lighting
Ceremony Musicians: Celebrated String Quartet
DJ: MyDeeJay
Garter: The Garter Girl by Julianne Smith

Obsessions

2011-09-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

Does it happen to you too? I find a new site online and I'm sucked in for days. (And by days I mean weeks. Well, okay, not really weeks but it kinda feels like it when you spend late nights and ENTIRE Sundays on them.) One such site is Pinterest. I had heard of it a while back, but really, I just didn't have time for the latest fad. I'm too cool for school, right? (<--- Just saying that phrase proves I'm not.) For the longest time now, whenever I found something online that I wanted to come back to later, I would save a link to the page somewhere. And this somewhere ended up being everywhere. I would email links to myself, save them in a Google document, bookmark them - on different computers and different browsers - and, well, you get the idea. If saving page links could be a hot mess, my system was in need of a Stacy London intervention.

Enter Pinterest.

This gem of a site lets you pin your websites all in a neat and pretty little package. It's visually appealing, and I bet 100% Stacy-approved. The greatest part is that I can see what others are pinning, and re-pin their pins. Which also happens to be the worst part. Because I found my next obsession.

Polyvore.

This site is like having a free personal stylist! I have found outfits that I love, put together by fashionistas, and the best (or worst if you see my credit card statement) part is that all the items on the style board link to websites where you can purchase them! Oh. Be still. My heart. I was up until 2 a.m. the other night, buying a pair of whiskey colored heels, a couple of shirts and some jewelry. (I'm hoping this is one of those posts that my husband doesn't read. Yes...can you believe he doesn't read everything I post? Pssshhh. This'll teach him!) Kiddiiiinggg, sweetie, if you're reading this. :)

I would bet Polyvore is also Stacy London-approved! If you have any other obsessions you feel I should know about, I'm all ears... :)

Loyola Chapel and Baltimore Pier 5 Wedding: Erin + Pete

2011-09-23T14:54:00.000-04:00

Overcome with excitement that her wedding day way finally here, Erin was all smiles and giddy laughter as she got ready and throughout the entire day. Not even her recent bout of pink eye could keep her spirits down. And as she and Pete exchanged their vows at the altar, she couldn't contain herself as she did little jumps of joy.

Pete was full of calm and gentleness throughout the day, but his eyes told the story of a man completely in love. The way he gazed at Erin, smiled at her, and held her in his arms...she is his everything. And the day was as perfect as these two are together, and I couldn't have been more lucky to watch it all unfold...

Erin and Pete opted for a first look, which I LOVE, and this allowed us to do all of the family photos before the ceremony, have some time for bride and groom portraits, and have plenty of time after the ceremony for many more photos!!

Erin......rawrrrr!!

An incredible view from Federal Hill...

Many thanks to Sunny Mathur for shooting with me! I had so much fun working together!!

Getting Ready: Pier 5 Hotel
Hair and Make-up: Krystina Carraway of Sweet n Sexy Hair
Florist: Flowers and Fancies
Church: Loyola Chapel
Reception: McCormick and Schmick's
DJ: Justin Keys with Music Masters
Cake: Yia Yia's Bakery

Style Me Pretty Feature: Ann + Andrew

2011-09-16T16:29:00.003-04:00

I am beyond thrilled to announce my first ever feature in Style Me Pretty! (Thank you, Mallory!) It is *the* blog brides turn to for wedding inspiration, chock full of beautiful details and heavenly photography goodness! Ann and Andrew were an amazing couple, and I am so honored they chose me to capture their special day. They put so many special and personal touches on their wedding day, from the moleskine invitations to the table numbers and their meanings. Check out their feature HERE, and leave them some love!

Hollin Hall Wedding: Lori + Jeremy

2011-09-14T14:46:00.000-04:00

It's not easy planning a wedding long distance - trips to find a venue, caterer, florist, photographer. But Jeremy and Lori managed to make quick work of it all, with the same surgical precision incumbent to Jeremy's line of work as a doctor.

Spending the morning with Lori getting ready had me as well as everyone else around her in smiles. Her laughter and excitement were contagious, and her charm and sweetness so lovable. It wasn't hard to see why Jeremy had fallen in love with someone as amazing as her.

Jeremy so sweetly sent a bouquet of roses to Lori's room the morning of their wedding.

After her hair and makeup are done and her dress is on, Lori is struck by the enormity of the day, and takes a deep breath as she prepares to marry the love of her life...

One of my favorite moments...just after the ceremony when they have their first moment together as husband and wife...

I loved the green hydrangea and pops of deep purple calla lilies in Lori's bouquet.

Lori and Jeremy, thank you for allowing me to share your special day with you!

Getting Ready: Hotel Monaco in Alexandria

Hair: Ethel and Ali Shafter from The Studio

Makeup: Tracey

Wedding Venue: Hollin Hall (Nina, thank you for being such a gem!)

Florist: Twinbrook Floral Design

Caterer: R&R Catering

Cake: The Sweet Life

Associate Photographer: Armin DeFiesta

9/11: Never Forget

2011-09-11T13:06:00.000-04:00

A co-worker walked into my office and said, "A plane just crashed into one of the world trade center towers." I stood from my desk and hurried down to our break room, where several employees were already gathered to watch the news. For the next several minutes, people trickled in and out, but I stayed the entire time - long enough to catch the breaking news of another plane crashing into Tower 2.

When the next plane hit the Pentagon, news spread quickly of buildings being evacuated all over the area. Buildings considered the highest likely targets of another attack. I was glued to that break room TV all morning, shocked with disbelief. My concerns turned to the safety of friends and former co-workers near the Pentagon. While in college, I interned for the Department of Defense, working in the HQ building just across from the Pentagon. Every once in a while, another intern and I would walk there for breakfast. He was still interning on that day. I called and finally got through to him. He was on the interstate and saw the shadow of the plane before it crashed into the Pentagon. Friends called and emailed me, checking to see that I was okay. The whole morning was surreal.

Today, I remember and honor those that lost their lives on this day 10 years ago. And I am thankful for our service men and women who fight for our freedom every day. Let's never forget the patriotism we embraced after those harrowing events, when we all felt what it means to be an American.

A photo of the rebuilding at the Pentagon taken by my father...

Georgetown Engagement Session: Rachel + Dylan

2011-09-07T07:26:00.000-04:00

They met at a college party. He saw her across the room in all her glory - which consisted of sweatpants and a t-shirt - and was smitten at first sight. For her, the feeling was mutual. Dylan started stalking her while she worked at the UNLV Starbucks, and eventually he and Rachel finally went on their first date. The rest, as they say, is history!

We had so much fun walking around Georgetown for their engagement session! Rachel and Dylan are sweet, light-hearted, and just plain cute and silly together. I loved getting to know them!

Elkridge Club Wedding: Lindsey + Patrick

2011-08-31T15:28:00.000-04:00

Words can't begin to describe how sweet and charming Lindsey and Patrick are. And not only them, but all of their family and friend as well. Southern hospitality and charm mingled in the air with love and happiness on their wedding day. Their black tie affair at the Elkridge Club was nothing short of elegant and fun, and I had an amazing time capturing the day with my dear friend Melissa Manzione!

The dashing groom and groomsmen...

Lindsey's dad is her best friend, and on the morning of her wedding day, she asked him to have one last bagel breakfast with her - a special tradition that meant the world to him.

Ceremony at the beautiful Corpus Christi Church in Baltimore...

Their signature drink was an Orange Crush, with an alma mater stirrer, of course!

How completely cute are these two?!

Their favors were mini bottles of Smirnoff Orange, with a recipe for their signature drink written inside the card. "It all started with a CRUSH!"

Lindsey and Patrick, thank you for letting me be a part of your special day...I hope you had an amazing honeymoon in Bora Bora!! xoxo...

Hurricane Irene Couldn't Stop Me

2011-08-29T11:42:00.000-04:00

It was about the only thing on the news for the past few days...Hurricane Irene, it's path up the East Coast, and the potential destruction it would cause. Photographers all around the region were worried about safety - of the bride and groom and of course themselves. Would they get stuck at the reception location? What about the areas calling for mandatory evacuations? Thankfully, the wedding I was shooting with my friend Melissa Manzione on Saturday was located inland, and even though the hurricane started moving in by morning, the worst of it wasn't expected until later that evening. So, dedicated as we are, we made a commitment and there was no question that we would stick to it!

The bigger question became...what would I wear?! I had just bought a new dress to shoot weddings and was hoping to wear it on Saturday, but if I were swept up in a flood and became the victim in a televised rescue, did I want to be cute or practical? Dress or slacks? I posed the question on Facebook, knowing I could rely on my friends for funny and witty replies - they didn't disappoint. General consensus was that cute wins out over practical any day!

I wore my new dress and loved it! If any ladies out there are looking for a dress that fits just right, is comfortable, and can sustain hurricane force winds, I'd recommend this one from Nordstrom...

Towson Maryland Engagement Session: Jamie + Tim

2011-08-25T12:27:00.001-04:00

He ate the brownies she had baked for another guy. Tim and Jeff came over to Jamie's apartment on a winter's day in college, to visit and just hang out. While Tim was smitten with Jamie the first time he met her at a party through their mutual friend Jeff, Jamie didn't return the sentiment. And he wasn't winning any points when Jamie finally walked in to find he had eaten half the cookies she baked for someone else she was dating. To make matters worse, he also ruined a pair of her winter gloves during a flat-out, face-first, hand-stopping slide in the snow later that evening.

Tim tried asking Jamie out several times, but each time her answer was a solid "No." Though she did say yes one evening to an invite for dinner. Jeff was going to be there, so it wasn't really a date, and she was okay with just hanging out with friends. Tim redeemed himself from the cookie incident by whipping up a delicious spaghetti dinner, and Jamie finally gave in and said yes to a real date.

Because it's where they first met, we had Jamie and Tim's engagement session at Towson University. While walking around, Tim commented on the Library he's not sure he ever set foot in, and Jamie noted it was a place she constantly visited...mostly drawn to the coffee shop inside! The weather was amazing, and the light was beautiful that evening...

Jamie and Tim brought their precious bruiser, Stanley. Isn't he a sweetie?

Of course, Stanley doesn't hold a torch to Jamie and Tim! Just look at these two...

Jamie and Tim, I'm so excited for your Turf Valley wedding in April! xoxo...

If It Ain't Broke...

2011-08-23T17:34:00.000-04:00

...there's no need to check the rest of the house for damage.

By now news of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake (yes, EARTHQUAKE) that rumbled through the Eastern United States today has spread all over the world. The epicenter was about 60 miles from my home in Northern VA.

I heard it before I felt it, and didn't quite know what it was at first. A train? A large 18-wheeler rolling up my cul-de-sac? Then when I felt the house starting to shake I thought the construction crews were dynamiting some rocks out of the ground in the new section of our neighborhood. When the shaking grew stronger, that thought turned to dynamiting gone wrong. Because it couldn't be an earthquake...here in Virginia!

I immediately turned on the TV but the programming was still daytime soap operas and talk shows. So naturally, I turned to Twitter. The source of real-time news from friends tweeting and retweeting! Really, who doesn't hear things on Twitter first these days?! As word spread that the quake was felt as far as Toronto, I received phone calls from my husband and my sister, making sure everything was okay and sharing our disbelief.

I walked around the house looking for damage, and when I saw that all my crystal and fine china in the cabinet was in tact (and had barely moved!), I could rest assured nothing else in the house was broken. So here's to an exciting day, and a well-built home!

Mary Amons of The Real Housewives of DC

2011-08-20T13:50:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited to share with you a photo shoot that I had recently with Mary Amons, one of the cast members of Bravo's The Real Housewives of DC! April, the talent behind MyDCStyle and dear friend of mine, interviewed Mary at her beautiful McLean, VA home about the New York based designer Piazza Sempione. Mary modeled a few pieces from the collection and we shot in various rooms around her house. We had an amazing time, and I want to thank Mary for being so sweet, kind and friendly - I loved getting to know you!

Here are some of my favorite photos from our shoot...

This photo is one of my faves!!!

Okay, well maybe this one too.... :)

Mary and April Yvonne...love you beautiful ladies!!!

Be sure to read the interview HERE! xoxo...

Greystone Hall, PA Wedding: Amy + Jeff

2011-08-12T15:01:00.000-04:00

Astrid and I had so much fun road-tripping to Pennsylvania for this wedding, complete with overindulging in Cheez Wiz on everything we ate. Why isn't this melty goodness available at all restaurants in Virginia?? It should be! This was also the weekend I tried scrapple for the first time. Let's just say I'm glad I didn't know what it was made of before taking a mouth full. Okay, on to the wedding....

Jeff was calm, and Amy was bubbling over with excitement, both loving each other in their own ways. Together, their affections and loving glances were endless. The Greystone Hall mansion provided a romantic and picturesque location for Amy and Jeff's wedding, and the beautiful weather and light breeze made the day even more perfect.

Washington, DC Engagement Session: Lisa + Bernard

2011-08-11T23:11:00.000-04:00

He winked at her on eHarmony. She wasn't interested at first, but after several messages back and forth found out they had a lot of things in common. Lisa finally agreed to their first date in December and chose a restaurant to meet Bernard when he came into town from Delaware for business. They closed down the restaurant that night, and Bernard starting making frequent trips to Maryland to see Lisa.

Frequent trips turned into every weekend, but something still didn't sit well with Lisa. She finally told Bernard that she had been through several long distance relationships, and none of them ever worked out. And then he decided. He told her he would move to Maryland to be with her. Skeptical because he had a house to sell in Delaware, her concerns were washed away when his house sold after only 8 days on the market. So Bernard has relocated to Maryland, and they just closed on their new home yesterday!

Belmont Country Club Wedding: Jessica + Andrew

2011-08-03T10:00:00.002-04:00

Andrew was nervously quiet as he buttoned his shirt, tied his tie, and fastened his cuff links. He readied in mostly silence, with his brother joining him to secure his suspenders and straighten his tie. Jessica was a bundle of energy as she arrived at the church. As her transportation pulled up and she saw me, she shouted out my name like we were long lost best friends and she was excited to see me. Her energy was electric and contagious.

The day was a beautiful celebration of two people completely in love, and I couldn't have been more excited to share it with them. Thank you to Amanda of Apple Pie Photography for having me along on this beautiful day!

Ceremony at the beautiful St. Theresa Catholic Church in Ashburn.

Reception at the incredibly gorgeous Belmont Country Club!

Jessica, how stunning are you? Seriously!

MyDCStyle: Cocktail Attire 101

2011-07-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

A couple nights ago my dear friend April of MyDCStyle hosted Part 2 of her "Women of Good Taste: Summer Style Series." Working with some of the area's best boutiques, she showcased several different looks for all your summer soirees. Hosted on the patio of W Hotel's J&G Steakhouse Wine Bar, the event was a huge success thanks in part to these boutiques and designers: Urban Chic, Annalee's Special Occasions, and Zophia.

Stella & Dot provided the jewelry for the evening.

And there was a surprise appearance by Ashley Boalch - Miss DC!

The Dandelion Patch provided the fabulous "Swag Bags" for the evening.

Congratulations, April, for an amazing and successful event!

Friends - April is also available for bridal styling and consulting! I'll dedicate another post about this in the near future!!

Engagement Guest Book

2011-07-26T13:35:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited to show you all my new engagement guest sign-in books! These books have become a popular alternative to the traditional lined signature books. Not only are they personalized with photos from your engagement session, but they become keepsakes that you can display on your coffee table long after your wedding day has come and gone. I've searched a long time for a book with just the right features, and have finally found it. My sample arrived last week, and I absolutely love it!

Custom image-wrap cover:

Dimensions are 8x8 inches. 10 spreads/20 sides. More spreads can be requested.

Durable, thick pages.

Lay-flat design makes it easier for guests to view and sign.

Plenty of white space for notes from your family and friends.

Quality is important to me, and this book has it. I know my clients will love these as much as I do!

Potomac, MD Wedding: Lohren + Trent

2011-07-25T14:57:00.000-04:00

Simply put, they're good people. And they surrounded themselves with the friends and family that meant the most to them at Lohren's parents' house in Potomac, Maryland - all gathered to celebrate the marriage of this sweet and fun couple.

Lohren glowed in her mother's dress, altered to suit a more current style, and Trent looked handsome in his dress blues. During the reception, one of the groomsmen spoke of Trent's character. While deployed in Iraq, an IED struck their vehicle, but Trent remained calm and strong at all times. And Trent spoke of Lohren, saying she was the best thing that's ever happened to him, next to his salvation.

It was an evening filled with love, laughter, and good people, and I was thankful to be there to help capture it all. A huge thank you to Armin DeFiesta for having me along to shoot with him - I had so much fun working together!

The DC-based band Prime Time kept the energy up all night long - they were so much fun!

Ridgewells Catering provided the amazing meals for the evening, as well as the dessert bar. Can I just tell you how much I love dessert bars?!

The bridesmaids decided to jump in the pool at the end of the night, after Lohren and Trent had made their exit. They wanted the couple to have a little surprise while looking through their wedding gallery!

Annapolis Engagement Session: Erin + Pete

2011-07-23T11:34:00.000-04:00

He took care of her after she injured her ankle in a game of broomball, driving her to the emergency room and calling her sister to arrange transportation and make sure her car would also find its way home. It was only a month after they had met, but that's when Erin knew that Pete could be the one.

She took care of him after he was involved in a minor car accident. They were 2 years into dating, but it was a solid reminder of all that she does for him and the way she looks after him. One of the many things Pete loves about Erin.

He has so many qualities she loves that she couldn't begin to name them all. She has so many qualities he loves that he didn't know where to begin. And together? I don't know where to begin, but I do know that a sweetness exists between these two that is calm and gentle. A juxtaposition to their competitive, sports-imbued relationship.

We had so much fun walking along the beautiful alleys of Historic Downtown Annapolis, and the light was just gorgeous! Erin and Pete, I can't wait for your wedding in September! xoxo....

Hangin' with Jacklyn Greenberg of JAG Studios

2011-07-13T10:24:00.001-04:00

She has a style all her own. She stands out instead of trying to fit in. She's fun, funny, sweet, cool...and she just plain rocks! Jacklyn Greenberg of JAG Studios is an award-winning photographer who inspires with her vision and creativity, and I had the incredible pleasure of hanging out with her yesterday, along with two other wonderful and talented friends - Kristi Odom and Lisa Boggs. We spent the afternoon at Barrel Oak Winery (one of my faves), wine tasting, relaxing, and basking in the golden sunset.

Believe it or not, the finger puppet fun started before any wine tasting began. ;)

Don't ask me why Lisa is holding her flip flop....

These beautiful horses were grazing lazily in the field next to the winery, and this fella came over to say hello.

And then jaws dropped as he sauntered over to Jacklyn and gave her a kiss! In the midst of awed silence, the only sound was camera shutters clicking away...

Thanks, ladies, for a fun and relaxing evening...loved spending time with you all!!

Lens Love: Canon 50mm 1.2

2011-07-08T18:55:00.000-04:00

I looked like a hot mess when I answered the door, but I didn't care. I refused to either get in the shower or go to the basement to work out, in fear of missing the UPS man. And when he finally arrived? (At 5 pm mind you!) Well, I was more excited than on Christmas morning.

My new Canon 50mm 1.2 had found its way to its new home, and I couldn't wait to test it out! So far, it has not disappointed. I've been using the 1.4 version until now, and while it has been a great lens, I always felt it was, well....lacking. Not to mention I had also dropped it. Twice. (But that's a whole other blog post.)

Right now I just wanted to share a couple test images from the 1.2, shot wide open. I'm loving the color and buttery goodness from this lens!!

Meet Chloe...

Georgetown Engagement Session: Rachel + Lane

2011-07-05T15:13:00.001-04:00

This is a couple near and dear to my heart. For many reasons. Lane is a youth pastor at my church, and one of the nicest and most thoughtful guys you could ever meet. And then enters Rachel - beautiful, fun, sweet, kind, loving...the list goes on and on.... And seeing them together? They are completely perfect for each other!

Lane and Rachel booked me for their wedding before they were even engaged. And I love them for it! They knew in their heart of hearts that they were getting married, but Lane hadn't officially popped the question yet. They wanted a fall wedding and my calendar was booking up fast. I even had a consultation (with an inquiry for the same date) a half hour before theirs on the same day. As I was driving home, I had missed a call from Lane, and as I listened to the message I could hear the urgency and excitement in his voice. He knew the other couple was interested in a higher collection than theirs, and he understood if I wanted to book them instead, but he and Rachel really wanted me as their wedding photographer, and could I please call him back to let him know if they could book me. That right there?? That's the client that I love! That's the client that photographers dream of - the ones who must have you and are excited to have you as their photographer! Rachel and Lane, thank you for being so amazing...I adore you two!!

And just how perfect are they together? I think Lane's words from their wedding website say it all...
"It’s hard to know where to start when you are asked to describe something so amazing that you can’t even believe it’s true. That’s how I feel about Rachel. She is everything I have ever wanted, and she far surpasses anything I could have ever hoped for in a lifetime companion. She is committed to following Christ with her life, she is loving and compassionate to others, she has a warm heart, she is thoughtful and caring, she is intelligent and successful, she loves to laugh, she has a smile that makes me melt every time I see it and she gets me, she knows me and she loves me like no one else does. A girl like her is hard to find. She is a beautiful, precious gift from God that I am SO excited to spend the rest of my life with! And on top of that she is all kinds of HOTT, I mean seriously, that girl is on fire! :) "

We had so much fun shooting their session in Georgetown (one of my favorite locations!)...

Lane made a photo book to propose to Rachel. It contained all of their best text messages and photos together in a timeline, and the very last page had the name "Rachel Sebring." She didn't even notice at first that it was his last name instead of hers. As she reached the last page in a perfect location picked out by Lane in Central Park, New York, Lane was reaching for the ring....

And of course she said "Yes!"

They've read For Men Only and For Women Only to help prepare them for marriage.

Rachel and Lane, I'm SO excited for your October wedding! Much love to you both from the bottom of my heart!! xxxo, Laurie

Decatur House Wedding: Megan + Tim

2011-06-29T14:13:00.000-04:00

I recently had the incredible privilege of shooting alongside Matt Mendelsohn, one of our area's top wedding photographers with an impressive background and photojournalism resume. (And can I be a complete dork and tell you how giddy I am to see one of my images on the main post in his blog, with a few others making it into the mini gallery?!) Later that week I went to his studio where we went through the images and Matt was an open book about how he works and what he looks to capture in each scene. Matt, thank you for being so generous and kind, and thank you for having me along to shoot Megan and Tim's wedding with you!

I started with Tim and the guys at the Sofitel in DC.

Ceremony at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown...

Reception at Decatur House on Lafayette Square...

Georgetown Engagement Session Sneak Peek: Rachel + Lane

2011-06-21T16:23:00.000-04:00

Hotness from last night's engagement session! Can't wait to blog the rest!!!

Happy Father's Day, And My First Fancy Camera

2011-06-19T16:42:00.001-04:00

He gave me my first camera. Well, several cameras really. The usual kinds parents buy for their kids for birthdays and Christmases. My first was a 110 film, and when I graduated to the 35mm point and shoot I felt I had hit the big time. But I didn't know big time until I went to college, and my dad gifted me all of his equipment after I signed up for my first photography class. I had often envied his Nikormat EL with its assortment of lenses, teleconverters and filters. It all seemed so fancy.

My first day of my first photo class I couldn't wait to start taking pictures - never mind the fact I didn't understand ISO or aperture or shutter speed. It was painful to let the camera sit silent as we read through our Intro to Photography book for the first few classes. By the end of my 4th year I had burned through endless rolls of Kodak T-MAX 400 and spent countless hours in the dark room, watching the photo paper magically develop in front of my eyes. Nothing was as satisfying as returning to the drying rack and heat pressing the dried prints. Even though digital cameras have made developing less tactile, there's still nothing that compares to hearing the click of the shutter, capturing a moment in time, and seeing the final image on screen and, finally, in print.

Thank you, Dad, for introducing me to the world of photography and giving me my first fancy camera. I would not be where I am today without you! Happy Father's Day - I love you!

Wounded Soldier Surprises His Wife With A Wedding

2011-06-13T14:20:00.001-04:00

When Karen of RSVP Events contacted me and asked if I would be willing to volunteer my services as Jude and Kristine's wedding photographer, I answered her question with an immediate and resounding "Yes!" It wasn't about the publicity or the media attention surrounding the event. It was, for me, a very small way to give back to a soldier who has sacrificed so much for our country.

While deployed in Iraq in 2006, SGT Jude Recendez lost his legs after an IED struck his vehicle. (You can read about his story HERE.) When he returned to the United States, he spent 11 months in treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He and Kristine, who have now been together for 11 years, had tried to plan their dream wedding while still living in California. But because of Jude's recovery and becoming busy with life in general, their plans for a dream wedding never materialized. So a couple of years ago they took a trip to the courthouse and and were married by a Justice of the Peace.

A few months ago, Jude learned that he would receive a specially adapted home through Homes For Our Troops, a non-profit organization committed to helping those who have selflessly given to our country. Recipients are allowed to request celebrities or other guests for a special appearance during the Key Ceremony, but Jude's request was to surprise his wife with the wedding they never had. So this past Saturday, Jude and Kristine renewed their vows on the front lawn of their new home.

Jude and Kristine's escorts to their new home...

I would also like to say a special "Thank You!" to Stacey of Your Life Photography. When I was searching for a 2nd photographer, Stacey's enthusiasm over this event was overwhelming, and I knew without question that I wanted her to shoot alongside me. A few of the images in this post are hers....

Many special speakers were present during the Key Ceremony, among them SMA Chandler.

Jude and Kristine get to see their finished home for the first time...

As they were taken on a tour of their new home, Kristine had no idea that her wedding dress was hanging in their master bedroom, and that Jude would surprise her with a proposal as soon as they entered the room.

Jude had practiced getting down on one knee with his prosthetic legs. At first Kristine thought he was falling, but once she realized what was happening she broke out into tears.

Hair and make-up stylists were waiting in the master bathroom, quickly getting Kristine ready after Jude's proposal. Karen and her team were busy outside, flipping the tent and garage into a reception area!

The Old Guard made a special appearance for the Arch of Sabres.

Many thanks to Amanda of Anthomatic Florals for providing the flowers (in Kristine's favorite color yellow) for the wedding.

During his speech, Kristine's father remarked that he used to worry about Kris and Jude out here on the east coast while he was still living in California. But he feels he can now rest easy thanks to the new home provided by Homes For Our Troops.

Dear Jude and Kristine - Words cannot express the honor and gratitude I feel in getting to share your special day with you. The love you have for each other is evident in your hugs, your smiles, and the way you look after each other. Jude, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your selfless service to our country, and Kristine, thank you for supporting our country as the wife of a Soldier.

Read more about the event and wedding HERE and watch the Channel 9 news coverage HERE!

Georgetown Engagement Session: Nicole + Kelly

2011-06-10T17:31:00.000-04:00

She looked at his profile online. He saw that she had looked, thought she was cute, and messaged her. For the next month and a half they corresponded over phone and email, Nicole living in Brooklyn and Kelly in Maryland. They tried to meet up on more than one occasion, but the Snowmageddon of 2009 thwarted their efforts and turned plan A into plan B.

Finally, on New Year's Eve, Nicole was able to make the trip down to visit Kelly. It was their first date, and Kelly had plans for a nice dinner and then a party to ring in the new year at his friend's house. But because Nicole arrived in town late and still needed to get ready, that nice dinner turned into a quick Subway grub while seated at Kelly's friend's dining table, the party happening all around them. And while they ate, Nicole was silently deciding whether or not Kelly deserved a kiss at midnight. Even though this was not the wining and dining Kelly envisioned their first date to be, he felt that if Nicole was okay with a "Plan C" Subway dinner on their first date, then she might just be the one.

Well...Kelly got his kiss at midnight. And not long after that...Nicole got her ring.

We had an amazing engagement session in Georgetown. The heat and humidity was crazy, but the light was just gorgeous and these two completely rocked it out!

Nicole.....gooorgeouuussss!!!

One thing I absolutely loved about Nicole is that I would start explaining what pose I wanted her in, and all of the sudden she would strike a pose that much better than what I had envisioned! Nicole, I seriously want to bring you on EVERY engagement session from now on!

I think we picked the busiest bridge over the canal for this part of the shoot. We only had a few seconds for each shot while people kept walking across from both directions!

Nicole and Kelly, I had SO much fun with you during your session, and I'm so excited for your wedding at the City Club in October! Loves.....

Featured! (And Many Thanks...)

2011-06-07T15:31:00.000-04:00

To those that feature photographers' work on their blogs and websites with brides-to-be and the rest of the bridal industry, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for giving us a larger platform to share ideas and inspire creativity!

I'm honored to be a part of some incredible features...

United With Love, thank you for today's feature, highlighting the Couture Accessories designer Liv Hart of Enchanted Atelier! Nole and Juli are such sweethearts and are a real pleasure to work with. And I would be remiss not to thank Liv, who started out as a client, and has now become a dear friend!

Thank you to Brides for featuring several images from Liv's look book shoots, with special thanks to Kim Forrest for all of her hard work...

A Fabulous Peacock Fascinator:

A Royal-Inspired Headpiece from Enchanted Atelier:
And can I tell you how happy I was to read this comment?!?....
"That hairpiece is beautiful! And this photo is stunning. Whoever this model is, she is absolutely gorgeous. I have been browsing numerous pages on this website for a while now & everything about this photo has made me most excited for my own wedding!"

To the lovely Bree of Capitol Romance, it's always a pleasure working with you! Thank you for featuring Megan and Mike's wedding!

And special love to Julia and the ladies at Hitched Salon in Georgetown for your kind words and featuring photos from your always-completely-booked styling nights!

Happy Tuesday, Friends!! And thank you for the honor....

Memories and Emotions

2011-06-02T12:29:00.000-04:00

As I perused my previous blog entries last night I was overcome with many different emotions. Without realizing it, I smiled, I giggled, I awwwwed.... Then at one particular entry, I froze. I recognized that all of those emotions brought me back to how I felt at that moment in time when I pressed the shutter release button on my camera. For one day I'm a part of my couples' lives, living in their moments and capturing the joy and love that they feel. It's impossible not to be affected by it; I delight that my heart is touched by it. And it was truly an affirmation of why I do what I do, and why I love it so much.

During Tuesday night's engagement session, my bride and groom, Nicole and Kelly, asked me how I enjoyed being a photographer full time. My response to them was, "You know how people go through life wondering what they want to be when they grow up? Well, I found it!" (Okay, my actual response was much longer and more incoherent than that, but they understood what I meant!)

So all that to say.... Thank You to all of my clients for entrusting me with such an important time in your lives, and for all of the wonderful memories that I am able to look back on so fondly!

Aaaaaand...here's a sneak peek at Nicole and Kelly's Georgetown engagement session... (I heart you two!!)

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T16:42:00.000-04:00

He was raised in upstate New York, working farmland for $1 a day as a kid. When he graduated high school, my father decided he wanted more out of life, and so he joined the Army. He met my mother while stationed in Korea and worked hard to provide and save for his family. It was through his work ethic that I learned discipline and the value of a dollar.

The Army provided him opportunities he would not have had on a farm in upstate New York, and he took those opportunities to make a better life for us. Thank you dad, for your service to our country. And thank you, also, for providing a good life for Mom, me and Pam. I love you!

Wide Angle Love

2011-05-23T15:15:00.001-04:00

I rented the Canon 24mm f/1.4 Mk II for my last wedding, and I immediately fell in love. I don't normally shoot wide angle until the reception, but I found myself using this lens several times throughout the day, starting with getting ready photos at the bride's home where I didn't have the space I needed to back up with my 50mm.

Why have I avoided the wide angle lens for so long? Probably because I currently own the 24-70 f/2.8, and I've never really been impressed with its performance. Don't get me wrong, it gets the job done (and I enjoy the versatility of the zoom), but I've always found it too soft for natural light photography, and the 2.8 maximum aperture without image stabilization just won't give me the speed required for low light situations.

But ohhhhhhhh, that 1.4!!! Wide angle heaven!! (Not to mention it produces some great color!) Here's an example of the 24mm...

...and a 100% crop.

This lens is now on my wish list to purchase, but until then, I think I'll have to rent it for every wedding! I've always rented through BorrowLenses and I can't recommend them enough. They are reliable and their customer service is wonderful! Check them out the next time you want to use or test out some new equipment.

Happy Monday!