I went out for a bit yesterday after it stopped snowing.

This is my dad. He’s 77 and he spends his days doing whatever he wants to. This year he baked 600 cookies to give away to his family and friends at Christmas. Every year he says he’s not going to do that any more and every year he does it! If you didn’t get any, I’m sorry, cause they are REAL good :)

As the incredibly busy fall wedding season came to a close, it was time to squeeze in an eSession for Stephanie and Matthew, a couple who is getting married next June and wanted beautiful fall colors for their backdrop. As many of you may recall, especially if your were GETTING married in October, it was not the driest month on record. So, just finding a sunny spot was a bit of a challenge for most of the month. But, we picked the perfect day and here were a few from the last eSession of 2009! :)

Well, the sugar maple is starting to lose its leaves and they are a nice golden color now. Very pretty in the morning light from out my back window.

Today was fun because Rummy came by the studio. He is VP of a firm that I was doing a promotional shoot for. He runs things with an iron paw for sure. Most dogs do. So, after all the work was done, I had to get a shot of the VEEP by himself. Of course, he did not want to cooperate. He’s the boss and like most execs, they have very little time for promotional nonsense. But, with a little coaxing from middle management, I was able to get a few shots.

Here’s Rummy. Ya gotta love him!

This is my newest client Caroline. I wouldn’t normally have a shot like this, but after the session I went over and picked her up and mom asked if she could take my picture. So, with very little instruction, Caroline’s mom picked up the camera and within two seconds took 13 pictures of the floor and my right elbow before she could get things under control. In the end, she did manage to take this rather quality snap I have to admit!

Caroline was obviously not impressed.

This is a beautiful sugar maple that is in the park behind my house. I think we are in the midst of a spectacular fall!

Mid-summer, I got a request from a wedding client to photograph the place where he had asked his fiancée to marry him. It’s a little orchard outside of Charlottesville called Carter Mountain Orchard, and apparently this is a place where they like to go every year to wander through the hillside picking apples while just getting to spend time together. It’s the perfect setting for a sunny fall afternoon and of course it is a special place to them.

As I walked through the orchard it wasn’t hard understanding why they love this little corner of their Earth. I thought about those places that become a part of us and how simple and charming some of them can be. It really doesn’t have to be some exotic location or paradise as long as we are with the people that mean the most to us. I’ve got lots of them.

Yesterday, I spent the early afternoon with the bride in her home as she prepared for their evening wedding. There over the fireplace mantle was the large canvas print he had given her as a wedding gift. She was eager to show it to me and I could tell she loves it. Of course I was much pleased and very relieved that she did! I asked her if she minded me sharing this image.

Hopefully, this portrait will serve as a daily inspiration and reminder  of a special place at a special time in their lives. I expect it will be a place that they can visit for many years to come and still get a very special feeling. Perhaps a visit there will become a family tradition, or maybe they will just keep this little place to themselves.

It’s just so nice to have those places that become a part of us.

It was just about a perfect day to get married. The sun was out and temps were in the mid 70’s. The water was calm and quiet with just enough wind for sailboats to quietly circle by and watch the celebration unfold. Then the perfect light for portraits by an old abandoned house I found while scooting through my old biking route on a back road between the ceremony and reception venue. You won’t find stuff like this on the expressway.

The bride was beautiful and I’m certain it runs in the family. I shot her gorgeous sister’s wedding last year. Both girls married now. Mom and Dad need a rest.

Jenna and Robbi, I had so much fun with you two. Have fun out west starting your new Life together.

Mom and Dad….thanks :)

Kemper

This is cetainly one of my all time favorite shots.

I love this shot!

This was an awesome purse!

One of my favorite parts is when the bride and groom make eye contact.

My, oh my. Beautiful girls.

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I love the symmetry in this place.

Today’s wedding had a really cool thread running through it. The bride was awesome and she wore her cowboy boots under her stunning wedding dress. More of that to come. But, there were LOTS of cowboy boots, and here is a shot of……the 4 year old ring bearer and one of his flower girls as they strutted their stuff on the dance floor. Watch out for this heartbreaker…..by his moves, I think he’s going to be dangerous.