the brooks family is expanding

2013 has been the year for the brooks. they got married in february and will be bringing a baby boy home by the years end. i have watched sara and grant’s relationship grow from an engagement to a marriage and now to the expansion of their family – talk about a lot of celebrations!

i’m honored to be able to capture such special memories in their lives and each time we meet it feels like no time as passed. when sara mentioned she would be needing maternity photos i was so tickled, i just knew the baby’s nursery was going to be awesome. this nursery isn’t just awesome – it’s super.

sara and grant decked out baby cael’s room in a super hero theme which is so appropriate for a little boy. cael will be inspired by superman, batman, iron man, spider man, the hulk, captain america and wonder woman, not to mention protected by super dad and wonder momma!

grant and sara only have a few weeks left before cael’s arrival and i bet his super power will be his cuteness. they are counting down the days before they meet him – enjoy this time together as a set of two before you become a family of three!

the fryes | family time

november was a month full of sessions for me and i was so glad that i was able to fit in sometime with beth. she really wanted photos of her and the kids as a keepsake and some for the holidays. i met her, brayden and kyrra in marshall on what turned out to be a quite chilly but warmly lit day.

it was fun being around her kids, their energy is unmatchable. at one point brayden was trying to climb a tree by himself and kyrra was exploring a few rocks. there is something so touching about their playful curiosity and their innate desire for exploration. the pair roamed the property as if they discovered it –  looking for secret passages, trails and a lake. i appreciate that beth allows them to live these adventures and encourages their creativity. i think it has really cemented their friendship as brother and sister.

we spent half of our time playing and the other half posing, which made for unexpected – photo – gold. as you scroll, you’ll see how animated brayden and kyrra are, a true representation of childhood.

thanks beth, brayden and kyrra.

caleb & jess | engaged!

i always tend to shoot in the countryside among rolling fields, tall grass and livestock. growing up in fauquier, i’m familiar with the area and appreciative of its offerings – miles of fence lines, untouched mountain sides, freshly plowed fields and rustic barns. so when caleb and jess mentioned they wanted to have their engagement shoot in annapolis i was thrilled. i don’t believe there is an organic setting more grounding than standing at the edge of a body of water. water for me creates a moment of reflection and hope which seemed fitting for an engagement shoot; a time to remember their defining moments as a couple and their wishes for their future.

after a major detour (an hour lost in transit – thanks siri) i met caleb and jess to start their session on a secluded beach. it was remarkable. we were on the beach, completely alone near muted waves, sandy trails and boats. this couple was natural in front of the camera making it easy to capture their affection for one another. it was nice watching them work together while posing and caleb knew how to make jess really laugh. caleb’s sidekick, roger the boston terrier, also made an appearance on the beach and really added his personality to some of the frames.

we swapped sandy toes for cobblestone streets and headed to downtown annapolis. it was beautiful with historic buildings, quaint restaurants and boat docks. the background really suited these two. i’m so happy they choose annapolis as it’s one of my new favorite places and i’m already looking forward to going back to shop.

thanks for working with me and picking a fabulous location. i don’t know if i can wait until your wedding to see you both again – impromptu trip to naval bagels (call me!)?

congratulations on your engagement and i’ll see you two in september 2014.

jason & anna | husband & wife

jason and anna got married a little over a month ago in myrtle beach, south carolina among family and friends. their guests traveled from states away to witness these two make a commitment to one another.

laughter and surprises filled their special wedding weekend beginning with two guests for anna. anna’s cousins flew in from across the country and showed up with their daughter, abby – anna’s favorite. another special guest was tafty, the darling pup that anna loved at her office before she moved to north carolina.

the rain surprised both jason and anna as they had to move their beach wedding indoors, but that didn’t stop them from enjoying the ceremony and their new title as mr. and mrs.

jason’s best man, john delivered the most epic best man speech i have ever heard, which i think surprised all of the guests. i was laughing so hard i almost didn’t get the chance to snap his picture. i’m hoping someone has it recorded; it’s worthy of a second listen.

the weather did clear up and we were able to get group shots and portraits outside. all in all the weekend was just what jason and anna wanted – an intimate wedding that created major laughs and memories with the people they love the most.

congratulations jason and anna!

nathaniel & haley | surprise!

i’m a believer, in a sense that is somewhat nonsensical but fantastical. i believe in karma and eyelash wishes and past lives and soul mates. so maybe i’m a dreamer too.

with each session that i schedule i dream a little. i imagine the location and their outfits and how their personalities will complement their style. i knew when haley reached out to me that i would be able to capture it all for her family session.

haley and nathaniel’s backyard in the afternoon had dreamy sunlight and beautiful greenery. haley rounded up grace and mason and i started shooting. it was fun and unpredictable, we played with the cat, ran around in circles, took a walk and jumped on the trampoline. it was pure joy.

during the session haley requested an outfit change so her and grace hurried inside to reveal their newest ensemble. i was still hanging with the boys, nathaniel and mason, shooting and posing them when nathaniel asked for a favor. my immediate response was, “sure!” but then i thought, “what favor could i offer him?” it turns out i could offer a big one.

nathaniel went inside as haley and grace came back – with matching hats – to change his clothes. we shot for a little longer having grace and mason play in a huge pile of freshly raked leaves. as the shoot started to wind down, nic (nathaniel’s brother) came out to say hello and help round up the kids.

i wanted to end with a few more of haley and nathaniel to make sure i had enough. behind me nic handed mason, haley and nathaniel’s son, a hand written note from nathaniel. mason dropped it a few times but finally got the hang of it and brought it straight to haley. the note ready “mommy, will you marry my daddy?” as haley read each word on the note nathaniel stepped back and dropped to one knee. he recited the most beautiful speech. it was magical.

the images are priceless – haley was absolutely surprised and i was able to help with nathaniel’s favor.

thank you for sharing this incredible – breath – holding  moment, it truly touch my heart. sessions like this are just what believers need to dream more.

congratulations on your engagement!

c’mon baby brower

in a few weeks or even a few days little cooper james will make his appearance into the world. the browers are excited to meet their little man soon.

i’ve never considered myself to be baby/kid friendly but as i get older and witness my friends experience pregnancy and parenting i’ve soften up. watching jenny grow as a wife and as a soon to be mother has been inspirational. i’ve always known in my heart that she would be an a+ mom. she has the that indescribable touch with babies and kids, something that i definitely lack.

as i sit here and wonder who baby brower will look like, i remember imaging her as a mother to a daughter – a miniature jenny if you will. i pictured the pastel decorations in her nursery, the trendy outfits and future dance recitals, so i was surprised when jenny and kevin told me they were expecting a son. as they make their final preparations like bag packing and car seat installing i realize that my wishes for her weren’t big enough. she and kevin have far surpassed my wishful whispers and as they wait for cooper, i will wait and wonder about his tiny cowboy boots, outdoor adventures, his first truck and so much more.

any day now you two, i can’t wait to meet your little man.

tyler & teresa | married

i was ready to get back into a routine when i returned from italy and having a wedding scheduled the following weekend was just what i needed.

with each wedding that i shoot i learn something. sometimes it has to do directly with growing my business like an updated process, a new schedule, a tweak in my techniques or to remember to pack extra batteries. however, there are times where my lessons are those of the heart. sometimes they have to do with patience, second chances or even taking a chance.

tyler and teresa’s taught me to recognize and revel in the importance of the day. weddings are magical. simply put, it’s a time where two people pledge their love for one another in front of their friends and family.

they chose to focus on themselves. the pair had most of the decisions about their wedding made early on. teresa had mentioned once they were made they didn’t waver; they kept moving forward checking items off of the list. their approach to planning was fresh and mirrored their mellow, yet poised personalities. and it worked well.

their wedding was the definition of simple elegance. the ceremony was short and spiritual with bouts of laughter – especially when teresa kindly asked the pastor to hold her bouquet! the reception was decorated with delightful flower arrangements plus hints of burlap and lace. the deejay was energetic and most of the night the dance floor was full. it all came together so nicely.

i saw a couple that worked together to create their personal and unique day. it was easy to see that their wedding was a true reflection of themselves and their relationship.

congratulations tyler and teresa. may your marriage be just as charming and carefree as your wedding day.

jack & lynda | italian wedding

today jack and lynda celebrate their two month anniversary as mr. & mrs. colella. it’s hard to believe that eight weeks ago i was with the family preparing to capture and celebrate their dedication to one another.

the ceremony and reception took place at a breathtaking monastery, that was built on the side of a mountain. it was converted from its traditional use to a quaint bed and breakfast – meaning an ideal place for a wedding. it was a place that would embrace both the old and the new.

the town’s mayor lead a ceremony that was simple and heartfelt. italian and english were both heard within the courtyard walls. their intentions were stated, their commitments accepted and celebratory cheer echoed as the new couple was announced.

joyous expressions, tight hugs, two kisses and a lot of smiles surrounded jack and lynda the rest of the night. the festivities included a sunset cocktail hour on the terrace that included the most elegant hors d’oeuvres and tasty drinks; an unrushed plated dinner filled with thoughtful toasts, speeches and two crowd surfing sessions; and ended with a late night of dancing, cigars and cake.

the italian culture is known to be affectionate but what i witnessed on august 11, 2013 was more than societal niceties. jack and lynda were completely wrapped in love and support. the blessings they received from friends and family will always be present in their marriage and when they need a reminder italy is just a plane ride away.

congratulations mr. and mrs. jack colella!

when in rome…

sure, we’ve all heard it before and have used it on occasion, but what were did it come from and what does it mean?

aurelius ambrosius, also known today as saint ambrose, was the archbishop of milan in the fourth century. he has been credited for the common (english) saying, “when in rome, do as the romans do.” during his travels he was exposed to many different methods of liturgies and became mindful of their influence. while the customs varied, the message of each service remained constant in providing inspiration and guidance to those who were open to it. he simply suggested that when in another culture embrace their traditions.

by august of this year i was ready for a vacation. i was wrapping up my first year as a graduate student and work at my 9-5 was chaotic. i could feel myself mentally checking out and daydreaming about my trip aboard. what would i see? what would i feel? would i grasp the language? i chose not to do research before hopping my flight because i wanted to embrace that first impression and i didn’t want to set expectations. i truly wanted this trip to be simple with no schedule just a tentative outline.

rome welcomed me with adventure, exploration, history, peace and carbohydrates. i’m not well traveled (that’s something that i’m working on)but skipping across the atlantic to stay in italy for two weeks was bold for me. i examined a new culture by recognizing the similarities and embracing the differences. i found peace among the ancient architecture of the city (the pantheon stole my heart), the combination of new and old brought a lot of self reflection. and i indulged… in a lot of pizza, spaghetti carbonara/cacio e pepe, lambrusco, fizzy water and gelato.

i needed a balance between tourism and relaxation, and that’s exactly what i got when in rome.

jack & lynda | engaged

engaged |enˈgājd|adjective1 [ predic. ] busy; occupied. having formally agreed to marry.

as a graduate student pursuing an english degree in professional writing and rhetoric, i have a tendency to look up the definition to words that i use regularly and those unfamiliar as a refresher and pure curiosity. i have my dictionary/thesaurus shortcut on my desktop, a screensaver that randomly selects words with their definitions and the merriam-webster app on my phone when i’m out. the only thing i realize i’m missing is that quintessential hard copy placed in my bathroom.

as i was editing this session i started thinking about the meaning of the word engaged and what it meant for all couples. “Busy; occupied,” is the first meaning that comes up, i couldn’t help but think what a dismal definition for such a beautiful event. i continued editing and as each photo with jack and lynda popped up on the screen i saw a story; a story that developed long before we met that day, a story of our engagement session and a story that they would be building for the rest of their lives.

i finally realized they were busy. together, both jack and lynda would be creating the life they always envisioned, one to share with that very special person. in august their individual calendars will permanently pencil each other in and become filled with an assortment of life’s engagements. they will be occupied establishing themselves as a married couple, as homeowners, as parents and whatever else they’d like to be with one another.

so the definition is correct, being an engaged or married couple does mean that you are busy and/or occupied… and what a beautiful thing that is! congratulations to you both!

*exciting news*
in less than one month i’ll be at jfk airport waiting to take off on a two week italian adventure with both jack and lynda as well as ayla (my best friend and jack’s sister featured in the blog post below) to celebrate and capture their wedding on august 11,2013. i’m so thrilled to be traveling with you three and becoming an international photographer!