A Southern Maryland Engagement Session | Southern Maryland Photographer

Ricky and Abby are getting married in Texas so it was only fitting they have a very Southern Maryland engagement session.  We tried and tried to have our session for what felt like months although in reality I think it was just a few weeks.  We just kept getting rained out over and over again.  This day however was gorgeous.  A beautiful SOMD summer day with sunshine and enough breeze to cut the humidity.

Summer Break | Virginia Lifestyle Photographer

I think all of us were ready to embrace summer break with open arms.  As bittersweet as it can be to put the previous school year behind you.....the memories, the friendships, and all the lessons learned.

This summer I wanted to focus on taking things slow and making memories.  The next school year is starting several weeks earlier than normal meaning a short summer break.  Hopefully it will feel much longer to the kids than it will for me.  The next school year also brings new beginnings in the form of preschool for little dude.  He is excited to play with all the playdough there so let's hope that is enough motivation for him to go willingly.  I never liked school so it's very hard for me to argue when they say they don't want to go or they don't like it.

I hope they keep some of these memories into adulthood.  I hope they remember the days when they were inseparable.  Soon times will come when they prefer the company of their school friends but for now I am enjoying how much they enjoy each other.

Jason and Victoria's Maternity Session | Maryland & Virginia Photographer

I absolutely love everything about Jason and Victoria's maternity session.  These parents looked amazing and even though it was strangely cold and windy this May they powered through.  The sun even cooperated towards the end and brought a little extra warmth to the photos.  I can't wait to meet their little babe.  We have a fresh 48 and newborn session on the books so lots of sweet little baby photos coming very soon.

The Jackson Family | Southern Maryland Photographer

Back in April I did a senior session with Laurie's son Hunter.  We were talking about how she doesn't get to have her family together often and now they were all heading in separate directions.  Her daughter was already off at college and now her Son was going to be headed to Florida to go to school to become a pilot.  They were all going to be home over Memorial Day weekend so we thought it would be a good opportunity for a family session.

I met the whole family at a local park on one of the first real hot days of the summer.  The spring had been so mild the humidity was a bit of a shock to the system.  They were awesome and we were happy for no rain.  What is with all the rain we have had??  Explains why everything is SO green though.  I mean look at all the green.

An Antebellum Vow Renewal | Virginia Photographer

I was asked to come to the Belle Grove Plantation's Annual Civil War Weekend to photograph a special Antebellum themed vow renewal for the wonderful owners, Michelle and Brett.  I first met Michelle and Brett while planning my wedding and discovering the amazing Belle Grove Plantation (birthplace of President James Madison) on a tour of potential venues.  Just driving up the drive lined with trees and seeing the riverfront plantation house was enough....decision made.  While planning the wedding as odds would have it we also ended up buying a house right next to the plantation.  So by the time our wedding was here we were literally getting married at the neighbors.  If you ever have the oppurtunity to stay at Belle Grove you have to do it.  The house is as beautiful, if not more beautiful, than the grounds.  The rooms are stunning and oh my gosh the bathrooms...clawfoot tubs ladies, clawfoot tubs.  Did I mention that Michelle is an accomplished chef as well.  She makes some seriously amazing breakfasts and you will feel so at home, you don't want to go home.

Anyways let me say what an honor this was to photograph Michelle and Brett's vow renewal.  They are the nicest people and it was just so full circle.  The maid of honor was even the officiant at my own wedding.  Such a cool thing to get to now play a role in their own ceremony.  So without further ado...the photos....