Scott & Meagan Proposal

It's been a little over a year and a half since I photographed my last proposal (you can view that proposal of some amazing people here). So when Scott asked me to capture their proposal, of course I jumped at the opportunity.

I arrived a little early to scope out the area. Then it was just a matter of waiting for them to appear. A dark afternoon led to thoughts of "Please don't rain!", but the sunlight couldn't have been more perfect. 

After a reminiscent date night, including a walk on the greenway, Scott popped the question and with the biggest smile Meagan said, "Yes!"  

So Scott & Meagan, congrats again! Enjoy every minute of your engagement. You guys are the coolest and I'm really glad you found each other! 

4 Reasons to Choose a Bridal Session // Waynesboro, Virginia

I have come to realize that bridal sessions seem to be more of a southern tradition. I'm from the south and didn't have a bridal shoot for my wedding. But over the past few years, I have decided that bridal sessions are so much fun, for a few reasons: 

1. You get to wear your dress for more than one day! 
2. You get to dress up and practice how you want your hair and make-up to be for the big day. 
3. You get to have FUN and be RELAXED without the stress of a busy wedding day - this gives you time to just enjoy being a bride BEFORE your wedding day! 
4. You get some pretty pictures and you can decide if you want a bridal canvas to display at your reception. :)

I was able to travel with Emily to her hometown shoot these beautiful photos at Shenandoah National Park. If you know me, you know I love sunlight. Well, the sun was out all day and then decided to hide for our evening session ---- but we still managed to get some beautiful photos and enjoy our time outdoors. :) Love this sweet friend and the time we spent together during our trip! 

Dress:  Elegant Bridals (Augusta, GA)
Hair: Hello Pretty (Nicky Stewart, Virginia)
Floral Crown: Me :) (First attempt ever! I'd rather leave that to a seasoned pro at flower crowns...it took me forever!)
 

Elliott Family

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Since our baby is finally here (yay!) and we are getting accustomed to some sort of routine and schedule, my goal is to blog on a few of the sessions I've had this past year.

This family session was shot last week (or should I say, last year). Although the majority of the images given to this family were in color, I chose to create a blog post that is dedicated to the black and white images. 

I have always loved black and white photos. The story they tell is different than that of color's story. The depth of the image, the texture, the composition, the light in the eyes. I think all these things are illuminated by eliminating color. Black and white images omit some of the distractions, they enhance your eye's perception of the subject. 

So in honor of my love of black and white pictures, and my love of this sweet family, here are those beautiful images of their beautiful faces. It's been such a blessing to know these guys as long as I have. <3

Karen and Frank Neely Wedding // Hephzibah, GA

This wedding. I can't begin to tell you how thrilling this day was. Last year I was able to capture family pictures of Karen, Frank & their kids...little did Karen know that Frank had planned to propose during that family session. So to be here almost a year later, and have the pleasure of capturing their wedding day, was the biggest joy for me. (You can see a few of the family/proposal photos in this blog post from last year.)

This year Frank and Karen researched, planned and began construction of the most beautiful barn on their property. Located in Hephzibah, GA, the beauty of the barn and the nature surrounding it is unspeakable --  you'll just have to see for yourself in the photos below. The Southern Barn at Neely Farms was built first for Karen and Frank's wedding, but ultimately as a new facility for hosting weddings, banquets and events. In the pictures from Frank and Karen's wedding you'll see the bare bones of the barn, the first wedding, the true beginning of so many memories that will be made from now on. 

This wedding was beautiful, fun, and relaxing. Watching Karen, Frank and their kids come together for this special celebration was touching. And being a part of this first wedding to be held in the barn -- that was priceless. 

Dress: House of the Bride
Hair: Karen Cruz (Just for You Hair Salon - Hephzibah, GA)
Make-Up: Brittany Stapleton (Blush Salon - Harlem, GA)
Catering: Willie Jewels BBQ
Floral Arrangements: Elizabeth Perez
Venue: The Southern Barn at Neely Farms 

And for a few updated photos of the barn....