Golfing is one of Sonya and Justin’s favorite things to do together…actually the first (and only time) I golfed was with them at this very course – Whispering Winds. I was pretty terrible but these two were so positive and encouraging, I had so much fun. Sonya is actually the real pro here. She’s been golfing since elementary school. Ever since her grandparents figured out that she would go play with them if they bribed her with the keys to the golf cart! So they were definitely in their element here. We had an awesome time!

Sonya, you are beautiful.

This one just makes my heart melt. So much love in that big bear hug :)

The big day: 7.14.12

Commence the golden hour! Boy oh boy do I love that glow. Both the sun and their faces. Radiant.

It was super windy during our shoot. Sonya, I know your hair’s a little bit crazy in this photo but just look at your fiancés face! Pure happiness!

These two are just so in love :)

See that? That’s adoration.

And I’ll end on this sweet sweet note.

Kayci and Andrew both grew up in Wichita Falls and say they knew of each other, but didn’t get together until they were both at Texas Tech for college. They are both such friendly and happy people with magnetic personalities and an excellent fashion sense. No wonder they were drawn to each other ;) And apparently they think I’m either hilarious or I’m a nutcase. You decide. In either case, I’m happy if you’re happy and laughing. Oh, and in love ;) Congrats you two. Thanks for rocking this photoshoot!

When we were back in Baltimore, Lindsay suggested we have a show together of our work we made abroad. We did just that. From then on we were not only photo friends, but every other kind of friend there is. It is such a comfort and a relief to have each other to call for camera help and business advice, email each other new inspirations and articles, and of course just to chat. I had moved back home for a few months after I graduated, and not so late one December night, I got a call from Lindsay and let out a little yelp, well a pretty big yelp. My mom came in my room (how very 6th grade) and informed me she was trying to sleep.  I informed her that Lindsay just got engaged!!! Enter Russell. Well, not really. They’d already been together a few years by the time Linds and I became friends. So for me, Russell was always part of the picture. I like Russell because he really surprises me sometimes. He can be serious and adamant about something one minute and then funny and goofy the next. Sort of like this shoot.

I went to visit Baltimore earlier this month and Lindsay asked if I’d want to do her and Russell’s engagement pictures. My response of course was, “Heck yeah!” Russell on the other hand needed a little more convincing. Finally, he reluctantly agreed. True to from, he surprised me. I got them both smiling and laughing and gasp…he actually admitted to enjoying himself! Probably also because he got to play hookie from work for two hours on a Wednesday morning :)

Lindsay and Russell, I couldn’t be happier for you. Thank you for opening your home to me every time I come back to Baltimore. And thank you for allowing me to be the one to document your love.

Linds, you are fierce and I love it.

“I love Brian’s quirkiness. He can never be said to be boring. There is always an aspect of him where you are not exactly sure what he is going to do or what he is thinking. There are things you can always depend on him to do and be, and it is this dependability I love as well. He will always hug me when I am sad. He will always listen when I’m worried or upset. He will always tickle me to annoy me so I’m no longer upset. He will make me laugh so hard I cry, so that I’m not holding in tears of frustration with school, studying, work, etc. He will always be a wonderful big brother, a great son and grandson. I love his honestly. He will tell you if the dress makes you look fat. He will tell you if your tummy is too pudgy. He will tell me when I’ve gone to far and am being a butthead and need to relax. He will do pretty much anything he thinks is appropriate to make me happy. He will not let me push him around or bully him. He maintains he does what he wants when he wants, and lets me have the same liberties. I love how his eyes change from brown to green. I love how dressing up for him always involves his blues clues Steve shirt. I love his determination when it comes to winning things. I love his sense of humor, and the challenge of making him laugh.”

“Have you heard about the problem of trying to fit a round peg in a square hole? The idea that the one cannot fit into the other. She’s one, I’m the other, and it just works perfectly. And the biggest reason is her.”

As Mora was hurrying around her room one night, getting ready to go out with a friend, Brian sat on her bed and chatted with her as she whizzed by. He had a box of taffy with him and offered her some. She kindly turned it down as it was very old and she had in fact been nagging him to throw it away for a while now. She finished getting dressed and mentioned getting a snack. Brian again offered her some taffy which she again turned down. As she frantically looked for a banana Brian finally exclaimed, “Have some BANANA taffy!” She took pity on him, as he was so adamant about his taffy. She opened the box but there was no banana taffy. Just a gorgeous diamond ring :)

Mora and Brian, thanks for a great shoot. I can’t wait to see you guys in May for your wedding in New Jersey!

Priya and Moose can’t agree where exactly they met. But it was during high school. Running track. I imagine they both have seen many tracks over the years. The one thing they could agree on is that first summer they met, most of their time together was spent at the this track in Maplewood. Once we arrived there they couldn’t exactly agree on some other things that had happened there years ago. One thing they can agree on is how much they love each other. It was evident in their eyes. But not always in his smile. I was not forewarned that Moose did not smile for photos. Period. End of statement. What Moose didn’t know was that I was on a crusade for him to do so. So naturally being my hilarious (read: corny and nerdy self) I managed to get a few laughs out of him. At which point he would turn his back to the camera. I got some half smiles but at the end of the shoot there it was…a full on smile, with teeth and everything :) Priya and Moose, thanks for such a fun shoot and laughing at my dorky self!

Adorable…

This is THE shot. The shot I got of Moose full on smiling! I feel victorious! And of course it’s also my favorite shot of the day :)

I know this is two sessions in a row I used this brilliant field of yellow wildflowers at sunset, but when nature gives you something so magnificent you just have to bow humbly, say thank you and take the opportunity while it lasts. Both of the couples I’ve taken out there say they feel like they’re in a dream. A waking dream with the love of their life. How can you ask for more than that?

Rebecca and Miles met at the Air Force Academy where class rings are kinda sorta a big deal ;)

my no.1 favorite of the day…

I couldn’t choose just one of the following…Celeste – you have such great facial expressions!

My no.1 favorite of the evening…