lAURA & MATTHEW

About two weeks ago I got one of the best phone calls ever. I know that’s a pretty big statement but this was some pretty big news. I got a call from Will, who was dating one of my closest, dearest and most treasured friends that I’ve known for a decade. Allie and I met during the summer before our freshman year. So we have literally known each other for 10 amazing years. Allie is one of those people that will change you and inspire you after just one conversation. She is a truly beautiful soul and I am telling you, one of the most genuine and loyal friends I have ever met. She will laugh with you, cry with you, just be with you. And when she began dating Will, I just KNEW that she had found her future husband. I literally have never seen Allie happier than when she is with Will. He is so perfect for her and I am very pleased that he is a fellow HUGE Disney fan! Do I anticipate Schaefer and Davis family trips to Disney World…yes I do!

If there was one place I’ve always said I want to retire, it’s the Carolinas. Talk about a beautiful place to live and so great for families! There are amazing parks, adorable neighborhoods, great local businesses, and just beautiful southern charm everywhere you look.

Gosh, this summer is just flying by. I think I say that every year but it’s true! Our June was filled with warm sunny days outside and vacation! I’d call that a good June!

ADVENTURE. If there was one word to describe Teresa and John’s relationship it would be adventure. Their relationship leading up to their wedding had been filled with travel and new experiences. And now that they are married, the adventure continues. They are going to start their married life in Abu Dhabi…how cool is that?!?

I met Annie just about a year ago, she was the maid of honor for DALTON’S WEDDING. I loved getting to know her throughout the wedding day so when she told me she was expecting a little baby boy and asked me to do her maternity photos, I was like “YESSS!!!!” For her session we met at Racoon Creek State Park outside of Pittsburgh, PA and we found some amazing locations along the lake

It’s always nice to see old, familiar faces. I went to college with Brianna and Joey and I hadn’t seen them since graduation! So I was super pumped when Bri contacted me about doing some family photos for them! She wanted to make sure we took them before Joey is deployed so she could send him with printed pictures of his family. I’m just floored by the sacrifice that military families make for our country! I am so thankful for their service and incredible sacrifice for our country and our freedom.

When you have a late June wedding, you know it could be a tad hot…maybe a bit humid and there may be a storm or two. In the days leading up to Katie and Jorge’s big day, my various weather apps could NOT decide what the weather was going to do on June 29th. So I left the house that morning with 16 clear umbrellas just in case the skies opened up! Luckily, the rain held off to the VERY end and Katie and Jorge had an absolutely beautiful day! It ended up being a hot and humid day which was the total opposite of the day we shot their engagement photos! But you forgot all about the heat and the pending storms when you saw the joy and love that was shared by all on their wedding day.

I was so excited to finally meet Bridget and Charlie. We had been communicating for months over email about their August wedding! Charlie and Bridget are such a sweet couple and they have such a deep, tangible love for each other. When Bridget got out of the car for their engagement session at Friendship Park in Smithfield, OH, I was blow away! She looked stunning! Her dress was just perfect!

Sooo …….sometimes life happens and you get behind. That’s what happened to me and my personal family photos. I had SO many sessions in April and May, family sessions, headshots, weddings, etc. that I couldn’t keep up with editing my own family photos. But now we have a bit of a lull and I’m caught up on editing! So I’m combining April and May into one blog post!

I met Caitlin at a mom’s night about a year ago. She’s got a magnetic personality and I loved getting to know her. So I was really excited when she messaged me about doing a family session with her husband’s family. She suggested we do the session at Friendship Park near Smithfield, Ohio. I had never been there before but I’m always looking for new and different locations for sessions.

GUYS. This may be my new favorite photo location!