Hello there! My apologies for the blog silence. We have been here for the last few days for some summery vacation time:
That’s St. John, specifically overlooking Fish Bay. But we’re back now, and ready to start the fall wedding season! So if I owe you an email, I’ll be responding to them shortly. We didn’t take that many photos in St. John because, if I’m being completely honest, we were just too lazy to do so, but I’ll post a few soon. Happy Labor Day!
The weekend before Chris and I left for Alaska, I had the joy of second-shooting for my friend, Kristen Gardner, one of my very favorite fellow photographers (how’s that for alliteration?). Kathleen and Jon’s wedding was held at the super charming Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, VA, and everything about it was just so incredibly beautiful. I’m posting just a few of my favorite photos, but you simply must go visit Kristen’s blog to see the full story.
I’m pretty obsessed with this idea for escort cards – antique keys! Just beautiful.
I spent a few moments with the guys before the ceremony, while Kristen was with the girls. The boutonnieres were the most unique that I’ve seen. I LOVE these.
Hello, gentlemen!
It was a really warm, summery day, but Kathleen and Jon thought of everything, including cold beverages for their guests before the ceremony.
Love the ceremony details:
The happy couple!
Cute signage everywhere:
Everything in this tent was A.MA.ZING. I couldn’t get enough of it.
(Everything around the tent was fabulous, too. Cozy seating areas with beautiful vintage pieces? Yep!)
The custom-built pergola feature was so amazing. I have never seen anything like it at a wedding!
Congratulations and best wishes, Kathleen and Jon!
Now go see Kristen’s blog post immediately! Her photos of Kathleen and Jon’s wedding day are truly stunning and you simply must see them for yourself.
I just realized that I crossed a few more things off of my 101 in 1001 list recently, even though I’m past the 1001 day deadline. During my trip to Alaska, I completed: #30. Go kayaking; #38. Go to Alaska (obviously) and #61. Photograph a humpback whale.
When I got back home, I also visited the National Arboretum with my friend, Casey, while she was visiting from Texas. So that fulfills #94. Visit the National Arboretum.
I’m still working on compiling my new list, and I’m gathering suggestions from friends and family, so if you have any ideas of things I should try, places I should go or things I should see, feel free to comment or send me an email!
This is a story of six degrees of separation, or maybe four degrees – I’m not sure how that works exactly. But check it out: my friend Alia introduced me to her friend Sarah. Sarah needed a photographer for an event she was hosting, and asked if I would be available/interested. I did attend the event and took pictures, where I met another photographer, Sandy, who was also shooting for the event. Through the magic of Facebook, she and I kept in touch since then. Fast-forward a few years, and Sandy recommended me to her step-daughter, Emily, for her wedding photos (you know, so Sandy can actually attend and enjoy the event!), and voila, I met Emily and Mat! Stuff like that sort of blows my mind. This job is definitely so cool for making connections with people and places. I love that about it! So now, onto why we’re here – engagement photos of Emily and Mat!
I’m sort of speechless at how photogenic these two are. Seriously.
Wedge heels + cobblestones would normally be a little challenging, but Emily totally worked it out.
Really FUN outfit change! I’m pretty sure everyone we passed wanted to know where they can get this dress:
Favorite:
So sweet!
Emily, you totally rocked the dress. Ouma would be proud!
I absolutely cannot wait for your wedding, Emily and Mat! I loved meeting you both and had such a great time photographing you – I know the wedding is going to be amazing!
Anyone need motivation for a Monday? Well, meet Renée. She has literally been working her butt off to reach her health and fitness goals, and she did it! It just goes to show you that if you set a goal, and stick to your plan to get there, you will get there! Renée is proof of that. And to mark the completion of reaching her goal, we took some headshots/portraits. (Side note: I think everyone should treat themselves to a portrait session when they reach a big goal, whether it’s with me or with another photographer!) UPDATE: Since it isn’t my story to tell I didn’t want to share all the details here, but check out Renée’s comment below for an additional detail to the story! 🙂
Renée, you’re gorgeous: 
Renée’s mom was along for part of the shoot, and suggested we do a statue shot on top of the little cement platform (see left, below). I think she was just playing around, but I LOVE the resulting image.
This is one of my very favorites:
This one, too!
Outfit and location change!
Another favorite! (Can I have three favorites?!)
Renée, congratulations on reaching your goal! It’s such a wonderful accomplishment, and you’re an inspiration to so many people, including me! I’m so proud of you, and excited for you. Congrats again!