I don’t know if Mylee and Leo’s lives are normally serendipitous but since I’ve met them things seem to keep falling in to place. Sure, it’s been the little things, but it’s just another reason that makes their relationship feel right. We started their engagement session on East Ave in downtown Rochester and were stopped in our tracks when we saw the word love scrawled on a brick wall near us. Yes, it’s simple and easily replicated, but there it was just waiting for us. I love each chance to explore and document a part of the city and work with all of the different textures and colors that come with it. Mylee and Leo fit in perfectly in bright and bold blue and they shared different sides of their relationship as we talked, walked, and took some pictures. As they plan for a day that will bring family and friends together and start their lives as husband and wife I’m excited to join them on this journey. I am looking forward to next August, but until then enjoy a more natural and everyday look at the relationship of Mylee and Leo in what we call an engagement session.

Walking around Old Town Alexandria makes you feel at home. The cobbled streets, brownstones, and hidden pieces of history invite you in to stay and explore. When I was in DC a few weeks ago I had a chance to visit – even just for a little while – and loved the morning I spent with Meghan and Ian. They call the area home and as we walked around the neighborhood I heard stories of their lives, how they met and their progress on the destination wedding they are having this winter in Vermont.

After seeing each other here and there at events and parties, Meghan suggested Ian ask her out. He took her advice. It was just a few years ago during one of the crazy Virginia snowstorms that they planned their first date. Determined to make it happen, they discovered that they need not venture across town to get together, since they lived in the same neighborhood. The rest–as they say–is history, and they grew into a relationship that was inexplicably right. Of course, there are many reasons that Meghan and Ian complement each other – besides the fact that they can finish each others sentences. They are a balance of creativity and logic, and use different ways of thinking yet arrive at the same conclusions.

Their Vermont wedding is going to be an intimate and inviting event, altogether unique and I can’t wait to document it. Before we welcome the snow, let’s look at life in Alexandria…

there were so many alleyways, interesting textures and hidden gems of buildings like this historic ice house…

Ian played rugby for many years so he brought along a ball to toss around and end the session with… and even though Meghan’s athletic career has stayed within the realm of non-contact sports, she jumped in and showed she has what it takes. They both have what it takes. Can’t wait for winter!

A few weeks earlier, when Madeline was in town, I met with her in Geneseo to talk about wedding photography. I love being able to hear about wedding plans and was delighted to find out their wedding will take place at the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, the day after opening day at the racetrack. Not only will the city be bustling, but I’m sure their day will be uniquely Saratoga Springs and I can’t wait to see what that looks like.

Before we get to the wedding, let me bring you back to the engagement session. We headed into the park for its natural setting and it was a gorgeous morning…

Would love really be love if you didn’t laugh? These two definitely have fun together, which I think is a must.

When I found out that Tom + Madeline had two dachshunds, I suggested they bring them to the session. Being a mini dachshund owner myself, I know how easy it is for them – or any dog for that matter – to have a special place in your life, and these two are definitely part of their family.

Adorable! Madeline + Tom, I’m so glad we got together for the session and I can’t wait for your wedding. Enjoy the planning and the day will be here before you know it!

this photo above was one of the first that I took when Ryan was helping position him… and it stood out to me, and I love that his hands are a part of the picture. (mental note to take more hand pictures – but not the ones with hearts – in the future)

Chris and Kate’s relationship started at Notre Dame and grew as they studied engineering and took jobs across the country in Seattle. The brought some Seattle weather back to Michigan with them for the wedding but it turned out to have just enough sun we could go outside for pictures and wind to make Kate’s veil look fabulous! I only shoot a few weddings in Michigan each year and I was so happy I was able to be a part of the day and I can’t wait to hear what you think. I’m going to have to add on to this post in a few days as I’m traveling and this is all I could get up for now. So – enjoy this and check back for more!

Kate looked amazing as a bride and I love this series where I feel it all came together. The moment you put on the dress is when you really realize that this is your wedding day.

They are the cutest couple and don’t let their brains fool you they know how to have fun!

Yes, I couldn’t get enough of Kate’s gorgeous dress and veil. The scenery was perfect too- these enclosed gardens blocked enough wind that it was perfect back there.

To end, a few of the wonderful bridal party! To see the complete set of photos head over to the proofing gallery, register and have fun looking through all of the images! You can also help Chris and Kate earn a free enlargement by leaving a comment on this post. Enjoy!

Sean and Jess were reintroduced to each other through their very good friend, Becca Fuller. A missions trip to the Dominican Republic that Sean was leading was what initially gave them the opportunity to connect, and I have no doubt that these too will do great things together to serve and help others.

thank you, Mill Race Design for having a gorgeous wood door and colorful exterior!

I love motion in pictures, and especially in this one. They’re off on an adventure and I can’t wait until it really starts when they’re married in August!

It’s always exciting to photograph something new. Sometimes it’s the people that inspire you, the props, the location, but hopefully it’s all of the above. It’s not always easy to have those three elements come together as it takes more planning and collaborating, but as you can see it’s totally worth it. I’ve been planning on doing a unique session like this for a while, and wanted to use it as a starting point for other sessions… so this is just the beginning. I hope to collaborate like this with other couples and come up with totally unique and creative images so let me know if you want to be involved.  This photo makes it look effortless, but if you saw the car full of props we brought with us and the hiking we did out to our locations you would be impressed. Margaret and Luke were the perfect couple to try anything and incorporated their own style and personality into the shoot, which made it even more successful. I’ll write more on planning a session like this and show you the rest of the images soon!

The drive to Richmond was easy to meet Andrew and Joy. As I drove I talked to a friend about the pictures I would be taking, dreaming up locations and images that I wanted to capture. I haven’t had the chance to do many shoots in urban locations so I was looking forward to the variety. We met outside of their now rehearsal dinner location at a wonderful restaurant called Europa and started heading in the direction of a Richmond landmark. It was a perfect spot that Andrew and Joy scouted out the day before and I loved working the city name in to the images.

They were complete naturals. As we walked over to the location, we talked about their wedding, growing up in the Richmond area, and how they met. The camera started clicking and it was easy to see their love for each other.

We headed to several other spots throughout the city and there was so much to work with we could have shot for hours.

See what I’m talking about? Just lovely, and I can’t wait for their wedding. May is going to be gorgeous for them. I asked Joy to write something up about the wedding and what her perspective is at this time, so here is what she has to say:

Andrew and I knew from the beginning that we wanted a smaller wedding with just about 40 to 50 of our closest family members as guests. We have been together for almost four years now and wanted to share this day with those who were closest to us. My mistake was thinking that the wedding planning would be quick and simple because of this but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I quickly learned that the only thing that really changes about wedding planning with the number of guests is the number of invitations that go out. Never the less it has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life.

Now, just a short 5 months away from the big day I truly feel that it will turn out to be everything I dreamed of for one very important reason….the list.

I made a list very early on of what was most important for me to have on my wedding day and I think every bride does even if she keeps it in her mind. Just a mental note at least of what things are really important to you. For me, having great photos to look back on was at the top. Sure the dress will make you feel like a princess for a day, the musicians will sound as if you stepped into a grand ballroom in your palace, and the flowers that you pass as you walk down the isle will lead the way to your prince charming. But when it’s all said and done and all you have is a memory, what will be most important is being able to look back on that day and feel it all over again. Anyone can take a picture but I think it takes a true photographer to see the emotions of that day through a lens and preserve them on film. Which is why finding a great photographer was so important to me. Luckily for me I did, and I’m sure once our special day has been captured on film, she will share some of that with you.

1,450. That’s the number of photos from Matt and Lisa’s wedding. That is my highest amount of wedding photos to date and while it is largely due to the amount of time spent with them and the fact that I had a second shooter with me – thanks Kaylan! – it’s also because there was non-stop fun. Their wedding day combined all elements of a traditional wedding day but with their own twists to make it personal.  So, who is this newly married couple, that I photographed like paparazzi? Matt and I met back in college, where we had lots of fun with a group of friends that I have to give a shout out to! Matt eventually made his way out to New Jersey and started working at the church Lisa attends, which led to the start of their relationship. There is obviously more to that story, but hopefully that will pass for a one sentence summary. I would tell you more about Matt and Lisa but the photos tell their story, so enjoy looking at their wedding day!

I met up with Lisa and the girls at the salon where there was a lot of activity to get everyone ready. Both at the wedding and the engagement session, I was amazed at Lisa’s calmness and ability to roll with the punches. Wedding days are always busy, and if you remember their engagement session there were a few hurdles to get over before we could get started; it’s not an easy time to be relaxed. Back at the house, it was time to get into the dress…

with 9 bridesmaids you have plenty of help to get ready!

Lisa waited in one end of the church and looked out the window as people started to arrive. Meanwhile, the guys saw that they were right on track according to “The guys guide to Matt and Lisa’s wedding” – a little organization never hurt anyone.

it didn’t take long for everything to become official!

a few fun black and whites in between the ceremony and reception…

The Buena Vista Country Club was the destination for the evening, and was the perfect setting for some portraits. You know how I love open spaces and color and this had both of those things.

If I didn’t mention it already, Matt and Lisa are fun. I think these next photos say it all, and I love the vibrant color and shadows!

Only fitting to incorporate New Jersey into some ring shots – if I know any Jersey people (and I know a few) they love their state… am I right? While we were outside taking pictures, everyone was arriving at the reception and getting ready for the party!

Dancing was the main event of the evening, and everyone had fun joining in. It was fun to photograph, and as always I like to capture some of the motion and excitement in the photos which is why I use a longer exposure to blur the lights. The best part of the dancing – or at least one of the most memorable moments – was when the music changed after a slow song. Girls rushed to the middle to dance in a group as they usually do, and those who had memorized the dance lead the way for those who were still learning. Single or not, everyone put their hands up and danced to ALL THE SINGLE LADIES! It was the best dance frenzy I’ve witnessed, and yet had I been a guest at the wedding I would have been right there with them… this time, however, I took some pictures :)

The night was no longer young, and it was time to give matt and lisa a proper send off with sparklers – after their car was decorated, of course.

and they’re off! I had so much fun being a part of the wedding and can’t wait to see everyone’s favorites. For the complete set go to my proofing site and register to view their photos.  Matt + Lisa thanks for letting me capture your day and enjoy!

From far off, my legs probably looked like a crazy sci-fi creatures. I’m sure people stopped and whispered as I passed. I suppose that’s what you get when you wear pink tights. I’m really not one of those people who dresses really crazy, but I suppose I like to throw a few curve balls in there. I mean, if you don’t throw some curve balls in what’s the fun of clothes?

I’ve had these pink tights for a while. I still remember when I bought them – at Nordstrom Rack back in Michigan with my friend Maureen (but I always called her Moe). We were heading up towards the checkout, I was stopped by the tights and spent several minutes – as usual – contemplating the purchase. They were pretty inexpensive, but at the time I wasn’t sure if I could envision myself wearing them. In the end I decided it was worth it to have them as an option (Moe thought so too, although I’m not sure she would wear them, but she knew I might) and decided to add them to my closet. I could probably count the number of times I’ve worn them on my hands, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable. I bring them out when I need some color, I need to dress up, and I want something different.

Today I had even more reason to wear them since yesterday I stayed in comfortable clothes working on wedding photos until an obscenely late time. I felt my sense of worth fading and decided I would make a bold comeback. We all know how clothes can transform a person, give them confidence and project a certain image (if you don’t, watch “what not to wear” and you will learn); some days more than others, I really feel the need to dress up. Perhaps it’s because when I’m working I’m often isolated with my computer, and unless I’m video chatting or answering the door for fedex who’s going to see me? I try to keep myself from falling into the trap of not getting ready for the day, since I certainly feel (and often am) more productive when I’m put together and ready to go.

My pink tights transformed me. They were the perfect antidote to my fashion-less day.