Naval Academy Wedding: Katie & Jared

Can I just tell you about this church?!  It was un-believable!  If all churches had the amazing light, architecture, detail and color that this church had, I would be in wedding photographer heaven. 

The weather was beautiful.  The day was picture perfect.  And then it took an unexpected turn.  I was set to 3rd shoot for Melissa Manzione Photography.  I arrived at her home and we briefly discussed the schedule of the day.  Then Melissa, Nick and I gathered up our gear and headed for her car.  But we all stopped short before we reached it.  One of the windows had been completey smashed in the back, her car broken into, shards of glass littering the ground.  Nick stayed back to call the police and insurance company.  Melissa and I got into my car, and plan B was quickly formulated.  I was thrust into position as 2nd shooter and given the responsibility of photographing the groom, groomsmen and swordsmen on my own, and I was excited to step up to the task.

Jared and his groomsmen looked handsome in their dress whites and dress blues.  Let me tell you, there is just something about a man in uniform that makes me swoon!  They were all absolute sweethearts and I loved getting to spend time with them.

And when I later met Katie, I could see why Jared was so in love with her.  She is a doll, just sweet as can be.  And they were so in love, and so happy - it couldn't have been more evident than in the way they embraced and looked into each other's eyes.

Thank you, Katie and Jared, for allowing me to share in your special day.  And, thank you, Melissa, for the opportunity to 2nd shoot alongside you.  I love working with you and can see why your clients love you!

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Marketing Photoshoot

Recently, Chris and I had fun being the talent for an M/I Homes marketing photoshoot.  I loved seeing a different side of the industry and watching other professionals at work.  The controlled environment was completely opposite of working with the weather, venue lighting, and location backdrops during weddings. 

Colin McGuire was an absolute sweetheart to work with.  Throughout our two shoots he was always calm, collected, genuine and fun.  He has an impeccable eye for detail, and after a few test photos he and the stylists would move plates, glasses, vases, and other props here and there, some by only a couple of inches or a 10 degree rotation.  Chris and I watched as Wayne Hayward adjusted one side of the refrigerator door by half a centimeter to make it flush with the other door.  Details, details, details.  This is what makes them so great at what they do.

Wayne is an amazing photographer in his own right.  He ran a studio in Johannesburg, South Africa for 20 years before moving to the DC area.  While he does his own commercial work, he was on hand to assist Colin for this shoot. 

Here is Chris, working from his phone as we wait for the kitchen scene to be set up.

Fresh flowers for the shoot:

Arranging items for the kitchen scene.  Chris said he would like to see this one enacted more often in our home.  Except, with real food.  There was real wine on the countertop, though, and I had no problem understanding how to use that prop! 

Chris in position for his role - complete with sports section and a glass of wine - while he watches me stir a wooden spoon in an empty wok.

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Sneak Peek: Nairi's Bridal Shower

Just wanted to give you all a sneak peek of this beautiful Alice in Wonderland themed bridal shower.  I can't wait to blog the rest!  Happy Tuesday!

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Happy Father's Day

I just realized it's been over a month since I last blogged, but I had to post today to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day.  He joined the Army straight out of high school as a means to a better life, then met my mother while stationed in Korea.  I was born in Texas and we moved to Rochester, NY when I was two.  I felt uprooted when my dad moved us all to Germany in the middle of my first year of school, and was upset when he extended his stay for two more years, because I wanted to come back to the United States to see my friends and relatives again. 

When we returned to the U.S. (after I finished 4th grade), I had no idea what a 7-11 was, and I discovered MTV and music videos for the first time.  I felt like I had missed out on so much, and I was too young to appreciate that I had been cultered well beyond most kids my age.  My father knew that being stationed in Germany was the greatest opportunity for us to travel to different nearby countries and experience a wide range of cultures and history. 

Thanks to my father, by the age of 10 I had been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, toured the Sistine Chapel, seen the Colosseum in Rome, watched glass blowing by master artists in Murano and walked the canals of Venice, walked along the outer galleries of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, visited East Berlin when the wall was still standing, toured endless castles in Germany, enjoyed amazing displays of tulips and other flowers in Holland, traveled through the Swiss Alps, and swam in the Mediterranean Sea.  The list goes on.

My parents scraped together whatever they had in order to afford us these opportunities, and I'm so thankful for my dad in planning each and every trip.  Throughout my life he has worked hard to provide for our family, and he has always supported me in my choices and believed in me to do the right thing.  He loves his family in his own quiet way, and I am proud to call him my father.  I love you, Dad!

And because a post is better with a photo....  Chris and I took a 2 week European vacation in 2008, and I was finally able to see and appreciate the Eiffel Tower as an adult.  This is one of my favorite images from our trip:

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The Most Wonderful Husband Ever!

Two weekends ago, Chris surprised me with a mini weekend getaway in DC for our 5th Anniversary.  We live 35 miles from the nation's capital, and yet we rarely go there.  Maybe it's because we sit in that traffic while commuting to work every day.  Maybe it's because we were dragged there 53 times as kids with our parents when our relatives came into town and wanted to see the monuments.  Whatever the reason for staying away, I have to admit, I loved playing tourist for a couple of days.  I loved leaving work at home and just enjoying uninterrupted time with my husband, which is a rare commodity for us these days.  (Okay, I confess, I was emailing and working from my phone on our way into the city.  But, then I put it away for the rest of our time there!  Um, I promise!)

We scarfed down chili half smokes and cheese fries at Ben's Chili Bowl, dined at The Caucus Room on the best filet I've had since our honeymoon in Hawaii, rode atop an open double decker tour bus around the city, and had a filling fish & chips dinner and proper pints at Fado, one of the most authentic Irish pubs I've been to in DC. 

It felt so good to spend lots of quality time with the man who stands behind my dreams and choices 100%; who understands that I don't have time to cook dinner these days; who plucks my gray hairs as I sigh and groan about getting older; who always listens and is eager to hear what I have to say; who gives the best advice and encouragement; who helps me clean the house and sometimes does it all on his own when I'm too swamped to share in the responsibility; and who I know I could never live without!

So, thank you, Chris, for planning our mini-escape, and for being the most amazing husband ever!  I wouldn't be who I am and couldn't do what I do without you!

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Bringing the Value Back to Photography

Pilot Imaging put on an impressive seminar Wednesday at VisArts in Rockville, MD.  After making everyone stand up and dance to YMCA, Doug Gordon kicked off the morning with a presentation about dreams, passion and courage, during which he dared us all to be great at what we do.  He finished with an energetic demonstration of his flow posing technique.  The speed and efficiency in which he's able to work is astounding!

Following a short break (during which I grabbed a satisfying snickers bar as a healthy dessert to my twix breakfast - darn you, Pilot, for providing a table overflowing w/ snacks all day!), Vanessa Joy and Rob Adams presented PhVusion.  If you haven't checked out this software, it's a must see!  Rob is providing an easy way for photographers to fuse video and photography in this day's age of VDSLRs.  He and Vanessa demo'd a Living Album that blew me away, and I'm excited to incorporate this into my business in the future!

Clay Blackmore energized the after-lunch session with his new promo videos and discussion on lighting and posing.  I've said this before, but he is a master at his craft, and I'm amazed every single time I watch him work. 

Robert Isacson introduced and was one of the guest speakers during the roundtable discussion that closed out the evening.  Photographers from a wide range of experience levels asked questions and shared opinions on the current state of the photography industry and possible ways to bring value back to photography through pricing structures and educating our clients, among other topics.

It was wonderful being in the presence of some industry greats and so much talent.  A big thanks goes to Pilot Imaging for many long hours spent in putting this program together!

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The Scheuring Family

On top of being a full time mom of two and managing the household responsibilities, Kelly recently took on a part time staff position as Women's Ministry Intern at Centreville Baptist Church, the church where she and her husband Frank met and later married. Her beautiful voice contributes to the sweet sounds of the church choir on Sunday mornings, as well as CBC community events.


Frank is a Senior Mixer and Sound Designer at MVI Post. He has been responsible for the recording, editing and mixing of many popular and well-loved documentaries and programs, to include the Emmy Award winning "Planet Earth" series and the Emmy Award winning reality program "Dog Whisperer." His clients include The National Geographic Channel, the various Discovery Networks, PBS, Fox, and more.

I was super excited when Kelly wanted to do a family photo session. Having been several years since their last one, I didn't want any more time to pass before documenting this wonderful and extremely talented family. So we planned around busy work schedules and kid's activities, finding an afternoon to take a break from daily tasks and responsibilities and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Are Audrey and Dylan not the most adorable kids ever?!

Kelly, I could photograph your beautiful self ALL day long!

What a good lookin' bunch!!

Aren't these two just so dang cute?!

Kelly and Frank, thank you for a fun afternoon w/ your family!!  I loved spending time with you and the kids! Pin It