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.

Well, it’s been a bit rainy lately and that always gets wedding folks a bit concerned. Here is a slideshow from one of the rainiest wedding days ever. I kinda dig it. Just click the image below to go to the slideshow.

Congratulations to Taylor, one of my Seniors from this year, who won Homecoming Queen the other night! Well deserved for a beautiful young lady.

A gorgeous, sunny summer day in Blacksburg with just a slight breeze to keep everyone comfortable. The beautiful Hahn Horticultural Garden at Virginia Tech, exotic and lush. Happy people everywhere. I think every bride dreams of a wedding day and setting like this one. It was a ceremony completed with very heartfelt vows, leaving everyone feeling that these two were very much meant to spend the rest of their lives together.

Afterwards, much fun with these two at their reception at The Inn at Virginia Tech where Kelly and Justin set out to entertain their family and guests with a less traditional first dance. Clearly, these two have the ability to mix it up. Elegance and tradition with contemporary flair and groove. I love fun, too :)

Kelly and Justin, here’s to years of happiness for you and your pooches wherever you are :) Thanks for all the time I got to spend with you two and letting me be a part of your day.

Kemper

This is the image they chose for their album cover……

Gentle guidance….

What do I do with this thing????…

I’ve got a few more weddings to blog before I get to this one, but I just really liked this image and I really liked this couple. There was hardly a minute of the day that it wasn’t raining. In fact it seemed like most of the day it was pouring. But, no complaining with these two and they were fearless. We did it all, including a trip outside for some couple’s portraits, complete with umbrellas and determination. It was a beautiful wedding. I loved shooting every minute of it, and we got some awesome images.

So, folks. If it’s raining on your wedding day, ‘taint nothing you can do about it, you will get some great looking portraits, and it’s good luck :)