Kevin & Catania | Lynchburg Wedding Photographer

If the first wedding of my 2011 season is any indication of how this year is going to go, then I am REALLY excited about the rest of 2011! This past Saturday I kicked off my 2011 wedding season with the super sweet Kevin & Catania. Their ceremony was held at the TRBC Pate Chapel with a lovely reception at the Parlor Ballroom in downtown Lynchburg. Here are a few of my favorite shots from their day!

Check out their Sneak Peek Facebook Album to see even more pictures and become a fan to leave comments on their pictures!

kellen & ashley | fredericksburg engagement photographer

This is one of my favorite sessions from my session-marathon back in October. During that time, I had 17 sessions and two weddings all within 14 days. It was crazy... but crazy fun! These two finished off my two weeks of traveling with a fun-filled session. The rain had been threatening us all day so once again I had clients preparing for a session in the rain. And once again... the rain gave us a little break and even allowed a bit of sunshine in on this session. I was so grateful! I love the emotions captured in these pictures. Kellen & Ashley are So in love and have such great chemistry! I am super excited to photograph their wedding day next fall!

This Little Man | Fredericksburg Portrait Photographer

He has the cutest dimples

And the most charming smile.

He is the most laid-back child I have ever met.

He really only ever wants one thing:

To be held and cuddled each and every day.

He loves his momma

and trucks.

He is a loved little man.

The cutest, most loved little man on Downstream Court.

Andrew & Erin - Top Ten | Westmoreland Wedding Photographer

Ahhh... Every time I sit down to blog about a wedding my heart is flooded with happy, happy thoughts of the couple, their preparation for their wedding day, and the big day itself. I always want to start every wedding post with "I LOVE these two!" Because I really, really do. Watching each couple experience all the excitement leading up to their day and then seeing the pure joy on their faces the entire day through... it creates a very happy place in my heart. I love each couple I have the opportunity to work with, and that is the truth.

So these guys? Ahh I love them!!

Erin and I go WAY back... what, like 11-12y/o summer swim team age group? Maybe even before!  And Andrew and I brushed paths a few times in life, too. (One of his aunts was my kindergarten teacher and another one was my co-worker/supervisor at a previous job. His cousin married one of my best friends from college, and he went to high school with my brother. Hmmm... he has a big family! haha... I digress.) Watching them become husband and wife was an honor. Their wedding day was absolutely beautiful and I am very happy to share it with you through pictures. :)

I'll stop chatting now and get to the photos! I present to you...

Our Top Ten Favorite Things About Andrew & Erin's Big Day (and the day before :))

1. Their rehearsal dinner! A Crab Feast? Are you serious?! I grew up eating crabs every year for my summer birthday parties! When I found out Andrew & Erin were having a crab feast and they wanted us to be there to capture this event, I was sooo excited!

2. The rehearsal dinner cake. This cake was unreal. I'm kind of speechless about it. :) Everything except the "W" was edible!

3. Andrew and Erin requested a First Look. As a photographer, I can't help but think of the benefits of having a first look! It gave us plenty of time for portraits, including bridal party and family portraits. Because we were able to get a lot of portraits taken care of ahead of time, they were able to hop on the last trolley to their reception without making their guests wait!

Not to mention, the emotions during this moment are irreplaceable and I LOVE that we are able to capture them in such a private setting. It's a win/win!

4. Loved Erin's choice of shoe color!

5. It's not often we have the opportunity to take formal family portraits outdoors, but when we do, they turn out to be some of my favorites. I loved that Andrew & Erin had an outdoor ceremony which offered the opportunity for outdoor family portraits as well.

6. The reception venue and the team behind events at Ingleside Winery were ah-mazing to work with. Not only did Andrew & Erin have wonderful things to say about working with Jennifer and her team, but they were also pleasantly attentive to us as vendors. They were all so helpful and hospitable and the venue was beautiful.

7. We LOVED the beautiful little cottage on the water where Erin and her girls stayed the night before. They all got ready together in the morning and it was so perfect for them! The light was beautiful, the cottage was secluded, and the entire environment was so refreshing!

8. We thought it was really awesome that Erin had two Maids of Honor. I love it when brides aren't afraid to break the rules and do what they want to do. Erin couldn't choose between her two best friends, so she chose them both! And they both did a wonderful job being her right (and left) and hand ladies all day long!

9. Another one of our favorite things about their big day was the wine elements everywhere. Andrew and Erin chose to give personalized wine glasses as their favors, and each table was named after a bottle of wine. What a fun idea!

10. The country dance party! This was, by far, the most sing-a-long reception party we have ever witnessed... and it was So. Much. Fun!! The DJ played a lot of songs by request which meant there were a load of country songs playing all night. We loved that the party was so true to their personalities!

Here are a few more of our favorites from their big day:

Their wedding pictures have been posted. Please click here to access them.
If you do not know the passcode, you will need to contact the bride or groom for the information.

Fall Faces | Lynchburg Family Photographer

I am climbing out from under this pile of work today:

... to share with you some of the most beautiful kids in the world!

My Fall Mini Session Day on Sunday was a great success! The weather was absolutely perfect, the trees were so colorful, and each family was a breeze to photograph. When my morning started with little baby Jackson and his parents, I said "Wow I hope all sessions today go as smoothly as this one!" And they all totally did.

Here is a little peek into the beautiful kiddos I got to spend my day with:

And this adorable girl wasn't actually with me this Sunday, but rather last Sunday... but I cannot help to post a photo of her with this group. B-e-a-utiful!

I hope those precious faces brought a smile to your face today. They sure did mine! I'm off to keep trekking through my pile of work.

Happy Thursday, friends!