MaryKate [Lancaster Senior Portraits]

Trustworthy. Outgoing. Loves laughing and making others laugh. Athletic. Meet MaryKate who is oh-so-stunning. She lit up the camera with her genuine smile but can also do a killer “model face.” She’ll continue playing basketball during her senior year, and she plans to attend nursing school with the hopes of becoming a pediatric nurse. This aligns perfectly with her love for helping others and making them smile.

While I scouted for Lancaster city locations prior to MaryKate’s session, I found these hidden gems. The colored houses remind me of Charleston! And we both adored the unique tree and the texture of the wooden fence. I'm excited to share these with y'all! See what I mean about MaryKate working the camera!? She has such natural poise.  So natural and care-free! Love these.

Carrie + Jeff [Drumore Estates Wedding]

I have a treat for you all today! I’ve been bursting to share these photos of an incredible couple. I can’t say enough positive things about Jeff and Carrie’s day: the steadfast love they share, the elegant venue, navy and coral touches, and their energetic and caring friends/family who showered the couple with love.  Jeff and Carrie have been together since high school, so this was a joyous celebration with people who have walked through all stages of life with these two.

My sister, Chelsea, and I enjoyed every minute photographing this classy wedding with a laid-back feel (perfect mix!)

Carrie wore her grandmother's necklace! I love when bride's incorporate family heirlooms. I love this moment--the bride's mother glancing across at the groom's mother, just moments before their children would be exchanging vows. This was hands-down one of the sweetest "first look" moments. As soon as they saw each other, they were both tearing up. This was a day they've anticipated for years! This next one might be my favorite portrait of the day. I'd love to brag on my sister (second-shooter) who captured this moment. Such sweet emotion. I told y'all that Drumore Estates is gorgeous!  Carrie has this timeless elegance about her! And Jeff was looking quite dapper. Carrie has exquisite taste--the bridesmaids' dresses were from Nordstrom, and they were perfectly paired with coral touches. And y'all may recognize the bride's sister (second from the left) since I photographed her senior portraits this summer!  Beautiful florals by Sandra Porterfield  Such jovial, snazzy-looking groomsmen who have grown up together. It's always so sweet when a groom tears up as he watches his bride glide down the aisle Exchanging vows…and more tears ; ) It was a sweet, sentimental day! Mr. and Mrs! Chelsea covered cocktail hour (just look at that food!) while I photographed family portraits.  It's always fun running into former Ashley Elizabeth Photo brides/grooms…Matt and Amy are wonderful! Check out this cake by Bella Manse!! 

Emma [Colorado Senior Session]

Earlier this month I flew to Colorado to photograph this lovely lady’s senior session. To say I was ecstatic about this opportunity is an understatement.  The weather was unpredictable and stormy, so Emma and I woke up at an ungodly hour (to beat the rain!) two different days. We only had a brief time at GARDEN OF THE GODS (!!!) until it started down pouring, but I’m thrilled with those images. Can we please notice her amazing Anthropologie wardrobe in all of these photos??  This is one stylish and classy teenager, y’all! After each conversation I have with Emma, I’m always blown away by her maturity and zeal for living a good story. I’ve known her since she was a toddler and am so proud of who she has become.

She’s an absolute gem with a heart that’s bursting with love for others. Her extroverted, friendly nature puts people at ease as soon as she meets them. Emma is incredibly talented: captain of the track team (she broke the discus school record from 12 years ago!), active on the cross-country team, leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of National Honors Society, and a youth group leader at church. Emma is investigating colleges but plans on using a track scholarship and majoring in social work.

Enjoy this majestic scenery and the lovely Emma! First stop--Garden of the Gods. This one leaves me speechless. Just stunning, Emma! I'm swooning over these red rocks (also at Garden of the Gods) Day two: we discovered this neat barn structure and also strolled the grounds of the Broadmoor Hotel.  The early morning lighting was just perfect!