The Big Announcement

This may come as a big shock to some of you, while I know that some of you already know. But we are expecting a little baby girl in February 2009! I have waited until things kind of slowed down to make this a public announcement, but now is the time to share with you.

We found out we were pregnant on a trip to France, Spain and Italy with some of my wonderful students this past summer. I had been feeling sick and it just seemed strange to me, so Michael went out to a pharmacy in Barcelona and tried to explain to the pharmacist that we needed a pregnancy test. Lo and behold, it was positive. I remember that moment very well . . . we were surprised and excited. I cried.

So we spent the next week together in Italy, the kids flew home with another chaperone, and we started dreaming about our little bundle of joy. As we came home, we went to the docs and confirmed that we were, in fact, preggers, and have been waiting and watching since then.

We have had two ultrasounds, and both have shown her to be a little princess, so we are counting on modern technology to have gotten that right (though, we are not painting the room pink - hehe).

We are due on February 17, which means that I am currently 27 1/2 weeks pregnant - 2/3 of the way through. I have been really lucky thus far, no morning sickness, no throwing up, no horrible weight gain . . . this little one is very active, so I find myself really tired out all the time (since sleep is not as much of an option as it was before - thanks to her kicking).

I promise to keep updates on here as things progress, but felt like it was time to make the formal announcement. Cannot wait for you all to meet her!

Betty & Sam: Engagement

So a few weekends ago, Michael and I drove over to Frederickburg, VA to spend some quality time with Betty & Sam at Belvedere Plantation. I met Betty and Sam through past clients, Gail and Mike, who were married last fall (basically a year ago - well, 11/10). Anyway, this couple is just a sweet and fun couple. Betty has spent many fall days at the Belvedere Plantation, so this was a perfect place to get some engagement pictures. We had a blast (even though I was kind of under the weather). They were so willing to be goofy and fun, and we got some great shots. So, here are a few from the day! I just couldn't narrow it down, so there are definitely more than normal . . . can't wait til their wedding in April!

Enjoy!













Thanks for the great time, guys! We had fun!

New Blogging Resolution: With prizes for you!

Woah, I have been bad at blogging. It's insane how busy things have gotten around here. So, here's my goal, to blog at least 2 times per week until the end of the year (Dec 31). Starting each week on Monday at 12:01 a.m. (EST) through Sunday night at 11:59 p.m. (EST), I will put at least two posts up. So, here's the catch, if you actually catch me not blogging twice in a week, you are going to win a prize. We will start with a Starbucks giftcard. So, the first person to leave a comment after the 12:01 deadline on the following Monday (if I do not post twice) will get the prize! You will have from 12:01 Monday morning until 11:59 p.m. that same day to catch me! :)

Sounds like fun, right? Hehehe. Really, it is just to encourage me to get on here and blog for you all. I have a few things to get up here and some big announcements to make. So, check in often and see what's going on. Don't forget to leave some comments and let me know you were here.

Niki & Matt: 6/7

Yesterday, I had the honor of photographing a wedding for two amazing people. Niki and Matt got married at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA. As is the case in most weddings, these two are so obviously in love that I just know that their marriage will be long and healthy and full of wonderful moments and memories. They are just perfect for each other : Niki is kind of zany and so much fun, while Matt is a wonderfully patient an laid-back kind of guy. They compliment each other so well! The day was the hottest day of the year, yet they just smiled and almost seemed to not feel the heat (trust me, I felt it - phew, it was hot). I also had the privilege of having the great Susan Solo shoot with me for the day! She was so much to hang out with!!!!

Here are a few quick previews from the day!






Have a wonderful honeymoon, guys! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you as a couple. Thank you for letting me share in your special day! I had a blast!

Kerry & Dan : May 31

Well, it's been a while . . . I kind of disappear during soccer season. Yesterday, I had the privilege of photographing Kerry and Dan's weddding. It was a beautiful day (even with the rain) and a beautiful ceremony. Kerry looked stunning . . . and over all - it was a great experience. The reception was at The Belmont in Fredericksburg, which, if you are looking for a great location for a reception, I would absolutely recommend them! Here are a few photo highlights from the day! Enjoy!


Congrats, guys! :) I had a blast!

OSP West

I LOVE California! It is amazing here . . . the weather is great, the people are great, it's awesome . . . We are in the midst of a few speakers, and have had some great sessions. I just didn't know what I was missing. This is my first time in CA, and I love it! So, here are just a few images from yesterday . . . more to come!

OSP West : Napa, CA

I am off to California! I am so pumped about this weekend - and I cannot wait to meet so many new people. It's going to be amazing.







Here is where I will be. Thank you so much to the Stewarts, Tana and Melissa for organizing this! It's going to be bomb. East coast, we have to get something going like this.

Watch for posts . . . we are going to have a blast!

Happy Valentine's Day to you

Okay, so I apologize for being such a bad blogger. I just have been so insanely busy. It's crazy. I just returned from a French Club trip to New York, and tomorrow I will be heading out to an awesome photography conference in Napa, CA with my buddies from OSP. I cannot wait. Trust me, there will be pictures soon. I know, I need to post a lot of things . . . I am so behind.

But for today, I just wanted to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a wonderful Valentine's Day. I am so excited to hear from some of you in the next few weeks as you celebrate your engagements! :)

I am so excited. I got to school this morning and on my desk was a box . . . from ProFlowers! I got 18 long stem, red roses, and they are GORGEOUS!!!! I feel so loved! :)

As always, I like to put a little something extra into the blog posts on holidays. For every couple that books from 2/14-2/28, you will receive a complimentary guestbook, designed by yours truly, from your engagement session (you must have an engagement session in your package to get this deal). How often do most people look at their guestbook of the standard variety, with this - you will have all your engagement pictures and all the special notes from people that were sharing in your special day! How cool is that.

So, how are you spending your special day? What did you get from your honey? Let me know!

Meredith and Josh: Engagement

Back in January, we spent a very cold Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Meredith and Josh down on the Potomac for their engagement session. They are getting married in March and I am so excited for the opportunity to work with them. Josh is a Marine, and their wedding will be filled with many of the traditions that come from his line of work. It's going to be amazing.
So here are a few pictures from the day. Can you tell that it was about 30 degrees (if we were lucky)?

Can't wait for March!

Albums

I am finishing up a few albums, so here are a few images from them! :)

Just a few more to go . . . look for yours soon if you have not seen it yet! :)