October 29, 2014

Sister Senior Session [Lancaster]

October 29, 2014/ Ashley

Nostalgia is setting in as I peruse these photos. It’s hard to believe these sisters are the same wide-eyed toddlers I met fourteen years ago (when their dad became my youth pastor). Gosh I've loved watching Alayna & Molly grow up and am so proud. It’s easy to see that they’re stunning girls, but underneath that external beauty they exhibit hearts of gold. Special thanks to Kristen (Unfading Beauty) who’s always a joy to work with; her makeup job was flawless, and I’m lovin’ the braids! These two are enthusiastic about what their future holds. Alayna (wearing blue) is eager to get a bachelor’s in nursing and have a career as a midwife, which she'd love to use overseas. Molly (in magenta) has already been pursuing cosmetology and photography and also hopes to incorporate missions.

Molly is determined, trustworthy, caring, and exhibits an unshakeable faith. She’s musical, artistic, and loves deepening her relationships with friends.

Alayna is genuine, nurturing, passionate, and has a deeply-rooted faith in God. She has a heart for adoption, loves running cross-country and track, and is eager to enter the medical field.

I couldn't get over this field…!!

And this day started out so gloomy and rainy…we were thankful the sun peeked out for part of the session.

Before we wrapped up the shoot, it was time for a quick outfit change. Molly and Alayna, you both are so incredibly beautiful. What a fun privilege to capture this time in your life!

October 14, 2014

Aaron + Jill [Hershey Engagement]

October 14, 2014/ Ashley

Aaron was just about ready to propose to the love of his life, Jill. At any moment, Jill would walk through the door of their home—and see the romantic set-up Aaron had prepared. A romantic dinner was planned, and the mood was perfect….until Aaron heard a rapping sound at the door. He flung open the door to see the plumber standing there, ready to repair something at the house. Aaron had to quickly but kindly shoo him out the door, since Jill was due home any moment! Crisis avoided—that would have put a damper on the moment. (Hearing Aaron recount this story gave me a good laugh!) That evening, Aaron declared his love for Jill, and they’re planning a summer 2015 wedding. Jill reached out to me after their engagement and told me she’d been following my blog for several months, which brought a smile to my face! Their recent engagement session was our first time meeting, and we hit it off (just as I anticipated). This couple is thoughtful, genuine, and giddy-in-love!

I never grow tired of hearing how couples met each other. In this case, Jill’s brother and Aaron’s best friend were talking and decided they’d be a good match. The two of them met at Jill’s annual Christmas party this past December, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Jill teaches 6th and 7th grade math, and Aaron’s an accountant, so they lead busy lives. They savor their free time together and enjoy cooking, visiting wineries, attending concerts, talking for hours, and line dancing. Enjoy this Hershey e-session full of cuddles and radiant smiles!

If you tell me you enjoy dancing, I may ask you to bust some moves for your photo session :)

Oh how I love this one! Such a radiant laugh!

Another favorite…this one screamed black + white as I was editing.

Their expressions say it all!

October 09, 2014

Peter + Dana [Lancaster Engagement]

October 09, 2014/ Ashley

Oh, Peter and Dana. My heart is full. These two grinned from ear-to-ear during their entire engagement session. It’s so evident that they’re smitten with one another! We spent an Autumn evening frolicking around Middle Creek, which was perfect for this outdoor-loving couple. And fun side note: Peter is a former client—I took his senior photos years ago! Their love story began several years ago when they were students at Grove City College. Peter and Dana caught each other’s eye at lunch in the cafeteria with friends. Shortly after that, summer break started… they thought about one another from states away (Peter in PA and Dana in NY).

Summer ended, and Peter and Dana arrived back on Grove City’s campus for their junior year. On a brisk Fall day, they sat in Grove City’s courtyard and spent hours talking and getting to know each other. On that day, acquaintances became friends who soon realized they wanted to share their lives together.

Next summer they’ll exchange vows in New York while overlooking Lake Ontario…and I can’t wait to capture it!

I loved hearing their proposal story! More than anything, Peter wanted Dana to be surprised. This past summer after they graduated from college, Dana went home to NY and Peter's in PA. Peter arranged to secretly drive to New York and pop the question at a scenic spot that is special to Dana and her family. But first, Peter had to be sneaky and call Dana’s boss to get her off work!

As Peter was arriving in NY, Dana’s family was assisting with his plan—Dana still didn’t suspect a thing. She simply thought she was celebrating a night out with her family. As Dana and her family walked around Thousand Islands and gazed at the water, she saw a guy who resembled Peter…"But Peter's hundreds of miles away," she thought. As the guy turned around, her heart stopped as she realized it was him. Peter proposed, and a very surprised but joyous Dana said “YES!”