stories, education, and inspiration
This blog is about honoring the people and details of our lives we hold most dear. Find stories and images of family in every stage of life, strategies for preserving and enjoying keepsakes, + heartfelt messages about savoring the small things in life.
I care about the stories we tell our children and the messages we put into the world. I want to help you stay true to yours, telling your story in a way that makes you stop and see beauty in the details, in your relationships, and in yourself. And more importantly, to keep that feeling close, savor it through the everyday, and pass it on.
Last quarter, I introduced a personal project called Women Making Waves with a mission to showcase women following their passions, serving others well both locally and around the world, and doing so with ambition, joy, and authenticity.
This quarter, I'd love to introduce you to Sera Snyder of Healing U.
Read MoreIf you're on the fence about booking a newborn session, you're probably worrying about things like what to wear, whether or not it's worth the money, the way your home will look, if it will be stressful to have a stranger there with a new baby...
Read MoreThe first time I met this family was just after their little girl turned 1 - we met downtown for a family shoot that showcased some Virginia character during their short but sweet time here while in medical school at UVA.
Read MoreJourney plans are my absolute favorite because over the course of a year+, I get to watch the progression of pregnancy through really coming into new roles and discovering the personality of this new little human!
Read MoreWhen a family writes to me about a family photo shoot and says, "we'd really just love to do it at our home, is that okay?" I basically feel like seting off fireworks.
Read MoreWe bonded over mutual boredom in computer class our senior year of high school, then became roommates our freshman year of college at JMU and best friends throughout the entirety of our time there.
Read MoreRemember this brave couple? We met on a 9 degree day in January for an outdoor maternity session by the lake to celebrate in preparation for their little girl. A few months later, I got to meet their oh so tiny and sweet daughter for the first time as we captured some of the softness in their new life together at home.
Read MoreYou never realize just how much you learned from your mom until you stop and realize she's pretty much the backbone of all your values, quirks, and habits. You also never realize just how little you can do to truly say 'thank you' enough for all the crap you put her through growing up.
Read MoreMy husband works really hard - he's passionate, creative, dedicated, and a true leader down to his core. Yet, he has always inspired me with the way he's about to "shut off" and create memorable experiences, wholly present and loving, whenever the opportunity arises.
Read MoreEarlier this year, I introduced the Kirkpatrick family and a little bit about their story through their documentary maternity session at the park and sharing family traditions on a chilly, winter morning.
Well the waiting finally came to fruition as they welcomed sweet baby Henry to the world a few weeks ago, and I was able to capture these proud older siblings meeting their newest addition for the very first time.
Read MoreLaurel Smith started her business after literally dreaming about it, left her full-time government job in DC where she worked yards away from her future husband, and started taking action on the purpose she felt called to pursue. 13 years later, she's married to that man, loving on two precious daughters, running her business, Laurel Denise, from the upstairs of her beautiful Charlottesville home, and consistently serving up joy, hope, and love around the world.
Read MoreThey met because of perfect timing. And while the joy of new life and news of cancer came for her all at once, their faithfulness in the continued purpose of God's timing is one of the most inspiring stories I've heard and had the honor to capture.
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