MEREDITH + RYAN ENGAGED!

Let me start off by saying that I am SO happy for these two. Meredith is a dear friend from college who has found a soul mate in Ryan. They are both CrossFit fanatics and they met at Meredith's brother's gym, CrossFit Brave. I love couples who love to sweat together! : ) We started out their engagement shoot with a holiday-inspired picnic at the North Carolina Museum of Art, which is such a great outside space. The architecture is so inspiring, and we had fun frolicking in the Rodin sculpture garden, especially. At the end of the session, we stopped at the Capitol in downtown Raleigh for some shots in Ryan's uniform. He was just deployed a week ago for about 10 months (thanks for your service, Ryan), which breaks my heart for Meredith, but I hope these moments bring her many smiles remembering snuggling up to her man!

Love this next series...

Such a cool wedding date!!!

2013 RECAP

In 2013, I shot 22 weddings, eight engagement sessions, three bridal sessions and 14 newborn/family/baby/maternity sessions. I traveled from Baltimore to Chicago to Charleston. From scenic Jupiter, Florida to some of my favorite cities in North Carolina (where I grew up). I danced with some of you, laughed with most of you, calmed some nerves, snuggled the most adorable babies, made some lifetime friendships and captured some unforgettable moments. Out of all the blog posts I prepare, the 'Year in Review' posts are my favorite to put together. I love looking back through all of the photos I've taken to see all kinds of love: smiling faces, sleepy newborns, celebratory dance floor moves, warm embraces. It is YOU ALL who make me love photography. It is YOU ALL who rekindle my passion year after year. Nothing brings me greater professional fulfillment than capturing precious moments for people I adore. I am so thankful for all of you that my heart feels like it could explode. I dedicate my 2013 recap to each of you. Thank you.

CAMERON + BRANDON - The Arbors Wedding

Cameron and Brandon know how to have FUN, and I love that about them. Their wedding day was full of emotion, and I enjoyed every second. And just look at how gorgeous they are!

Cameron and Brandon were married on a chilly but beautiful day at the end of October in Cleveland, North Carolina at The Arbors. I loved this venue because it had a rustic chic vibe to it, and it fit their wedding style perfectly. Cameron's dress was SO beautiful on her, and the bouquets were perfect. I also loved the charming dessert display and adorable cake toppers.

Bride's dress: Allure, purchased from Anjolique Bridal Bride's shoes: Carvela Kurt Geiger Bridesmaids' dresses: Donna Morgan, purchased from Poffie Girls Groom and groomsmen attire: Marc Ecko, purchased from Men's Wearhouse Makeup and hair: Lindsay Pizzuti with Mirror Bomb Studio Florals: Albertine Florals Coordinator: Kelly Martin with Head Over Heels Weddings & Events Cake and cupcakes: Polka Dot Bake Shop DJ: Steve Govan aka DJ Groove Caterer: Visions Catering

My favorite memories of Cameron and Brandon's special day included Brandon seeing Cameron for the first time (surprise, surprise! I'm a sucker for the groom's face at this moment) and the toasts. The toasts were hilarious and sweet. I'm so lucky to have been there to document this day for them. Thanks to the newlyweds! Scroll to enjoy my favorite snaps from this awesome day.

Special thanks to the always lovely Anna of Anna Routh Photography for photographing the gentlemen beforehand and helping me throughout the day!

Aren't the bouquets gorgeous?!

LOVE this of the mamas hugging after the ceremony.

MADELINE: BABY

I've gotten the opportunity recently to photograph some really adorable babies and I LOVE IT. : ) In October, I got to meet sweet Madeline. This little girl was exactly three months old during her session. Her mama, Alexandra, is a friend of mine from college, and she wanted some portraits taken before Madeline got too much bigger. So, I happily hopped on over to Alexandria, Virginia and snapped away! I'm looking forward to their session next spring when the proud dad can be there too. For now, enjoy my favorites of her gorgeous wide open blue eyes and some monogrammed baby bloomers. : )

Her big brother Oscar wanted to photo bomb pretty much every shot. I love the reaction of Madeline in this one. : )

Another outtake with Oscar. Hilarious!

Alexandra told me these were the same two fingers she preferred as a baby (over the paci!).

LOVE this one.

Oscar finally got his solo shot. : )