Sam + Kim [Central VA Wedding]

Sam and Kim…I could gush quite a bit about these two! I’ve known Sam for seven years, ever since our college days, and I’ve always respected his authentic love for God. I consider Sam a bit of a “mountain man” in the best sense of the word…he’s an adventurer at heart, and I’m glad he found a lady who can share in his passions for outdoor activities. I clearly remember a group of us friends sitting around the lunch table at college, often mesmerized by Sam’s entertaining stories…like about the treasures he’d find while diving head-first into dumpsters. Kim, a total sweetheart, is the perfect match for him. These two both work at the local ER; Sam’s an EMT, and Kim is a nurse. In fact, it was exactly twelve months ago that Sam noticed Kim’s photo hanging on the “incoming employees” bulletin board. Adorable, right? In the following months, their friendship and love grew over hiking, star-gazing, and canoeing. Sam recalls thinking, “I can’t imagine what else I’d look for…Kim has the important qualities.”

After picnicking under a sprawling tree in June, Sam was about to pop the question…but the mood was killed by a family with seven children who each wanted their photo taken on the tree swing. Finally, a peaceful moment came, and Sam asked Kim to be his wife.

These two are both incredibly genuine and truly care about the people around them, which was evident at their rustic wedding in Virginia last month. Their closest friends and family gathered at sunset to watch them exchange vows in front of a barn that looks like it belongs in Montana—love it! Guests enjoyed barbecue, delectable cupcakes, mingling around a fire, and homemade soap as favors. Followed by dancing. Lots of dancing. Kim and Sam know how to throw a party, let me tell ya. On a crisp fall night under glowing stars, they danced their hearts out and celebrated their love.

A heartfelt “thank you” to Brett Hastie for joining me; he captured some excellent candids of Sam and the guys getting ready and endless sweet moments throughout the day.

Quite clever highlighting these words, Brett...and notice the magazine down below, y'all. Very fitting.  The mirror with steam adds a neat touch. A sweet moment before the ceremony, as Sam's parents prayed for his marriage.  When Sam and Kim laid eyes on each other at their first look, it was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever witnessed between a bride and groom. Sam couldn’t stop admiring Kim’s beauty and stunning dress, and Kim lit up every time her eyes connected with his. Because they chose a first look, we photographed portraits of the two of them for over an hour! I’m so thrilled with their stunning images…I don’t believe they've never modeled! One of my favorite shots Brett took! Contrary to popular belief, grooms often still tear up even if they choose a "first look." The walk down the aisle is still super emotional!  I was standing smack dab in the middle of hundreds of sparklers, and I was just waiting for my dress to go up in flames! 

Amy + Matt [Hopewell Furnace session]

If you’ve been acquainted with my work since last Fall, you may remember Matt and Amy: the bride + groom who are avid cyclists, hence the below image. It remains one of my favorites! Lititz holds many memories for Matt and Amy’s relationship, so it was the perfect backdrop for this snapshot. Fun fact: Matt’s ancestors were some of the first to settle in Lititz.

One year ago, this sweet couple exchanged vows in the same church where they first laid eyes on each other as toddlers. I wouldn’t exactly call it “love at first sight” though…with a twinkle in his eye, Matt used to pull Amy’s pigtails in Sunday school.

People are drawn to these two. They have a way of making others feel valued, and they are welcoming to anyone they meet. They’re admired by many—including the cross-country high school students they coach at Warwick.

What better way to celebrate their first year of marriage than with a fun photo session, including their beloved pup named Colbie. She’s such a snuggly Goldendoodle. Hopewell Furnace Historic Site was the perfect combination: dog-friendly and photogenic!

Lu + Nathan [Lynchburg, VA]

I met Lu our sophomore year at college, when we shared an impossibly hard honor’s government class (still wondering what possessed me—a Public Relations/Advertising major--to sign up for that.) I became friends with this spunky redhead outside of class, and she was actually one of my first subjects to model for my camera while we ventured around downtown Lynchburg one afternoon. That was over six years ago, during my phase called, “if-I-tilt-the-camera-at-a-crazy-angle-it’ll-produce-an-‘artistic’-photo!” I’ve learned a few things since then, so I was super excited when Lu contacted me asking for a “just because” session with her sweet husband, Nathan (and their pup named Riley).  While Lynchburg welcomed Autumn, we inhaled the crisp air on a perfect September night. Our first stop was The Farm Basket, a favorite spot for locals who appreciate healthy eating and a variety of plants.

I’m beyond lucky to work with such genuine and adorable couples. Lu and Nathan caught each other’s eye while in Literary Criticism class at Liberty. Their relationship developed when they were both grad assistants—while working on their Masters’ degrees in English. Since then, they’ve spent countless hours enjoying shared passions such as running (often Riley joins in the fun!), pouring over good literature, watching intriguing movies, and traveling to the ocean. Nathan appreciates her solid advice, cooking skills, and contagious laughter. Lauren admires his hard work ethic, quirky humor and “passion for stories well told.”

We ended the session in this GORGEOUS garden which is part of a historic home. A little gem tucked away in downtown Lynchburg.  This is one of my very favorites! The light...the flowers....the couple...the dog...delightful!