Friday, May 31, 2013

The Latter is Better

I've been thinking a lot lately. I've been thinking about how when I was in ninth grade, I had no inkling of an idea of what I wanted to do with my life. I was going through a rough time and I was in the dark, confused about what I would do in the future. Thinking about the future terrified me and I actually refused to talk about it because I was so afraid. I hate that I lived most of my early high school life that way because I wasted so much time fearing when I should have been trusting and living in peace. But finally, it's all so clear. I'm overwhelmed thinking about how I've grown spiritually, emotionally, and in every other way you can possibly grow the past four years. If there's anything I can say I've gotten good at, it's trusting the Lord. After enduring a horrible tragedy my ninth grade year, I realized my life is in God's hands and if I don't live for him and put every ounce of my being into him, I'm not fully living. I can't be who God wants me to be if I don't trust him.

When I first discovered photography, it took me about a year to even think about it possibly being a career because I was so insecure. I never felt like I was good enough, I never felt creative, I never felt like I could direct people, I never thought I'd understand light, I never thought I'd have enough money to buy my dream camera... But now, after telling God every night that I want him to take my life and put me right where he wants me, I see the product of that. I see the product of literally giving him everything. I was so lost during that time in my life four years ago that that's the only thing I could do. Still, every day is a battle but I finally feel like I'm fighting the battle, rather than losing the battle.

I'm simply blessed. I know I say that all the time but I don't even understand how I got to this point. I'm a 19-year-old who gets to take pictures of beautiful, happy people. I get to do something I love. I could not be more thankful. I don't know if God intends for me to be a photographer for the rest of my life but I do know he has a plan, one that I would be crazy not to trust in, especially considering what he's done so far this year. So today I challenge you to ask yourself if you're planning your life or if God is, because I can tell you one thing, the latter is better.





Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Lisa + Jonathan | Middlebrook, Virginia Engagement Photographer

If there's one couple in this world that has a neat story, it's Lisa and Jonathan. I'm going to save sharing the whole story until their wedding post but for now, I'll share about their sweet love for each other. When I arrived on Lisa's grandparent's beautiful farm in Middlebrook, Lisa and Jonathan came out right away and I got so excited as I glanced left and right on the gorgeous piece of land. It had just stopped raining so the sun was out but dark clouds hovered over the field of cows. We started on a bench and I knew immediately that Lisa and Jonathan were going to be a fun couple because every time Lisa and Jonathan looked at each other, they seemed to laugh. I loved that. Maybe it was that bit of awkwardness at the beginning, getting used to having a camera in your face, but either way, it made me happy. The two of them are such a playful, sweet couple. Hearing Jonathan say they might as well get married right then and there with Lisa in her white dress and watching Jonathan grab Lisa up in his arms right after I finished saying, "Okay, now I want you to pick her up," told me exactly what I wanted to know. They are in love and are so excited to be getting married this July! :) So Lisa and Jonathan, thank you for letting me photograph you! I cannot wait to spend a whole day with you out on the farm for your wedding!













Monday, May 27, 2013

Sarah | Charlottesville, Virginia Portrait Photographer

Sarah and I have been friends for a long time! She's that girl who can always make you laugh, no matter the circumstance. She's just a fun person to be around and not to mention, gorgeous! She was actually the very first person I went on a photoshoot with when I got my first DSLR. As a matter of fact, she was the first person I blogged about. I knew I loved photography but that day on the train tracks is when I discovered shooting people was what interested me. That was about three years ago and now, Sarah has finished her freshman year at UVA! I'd say that calls for a celebration.

Sarah's family wanted some portraits of her on the campus, so we went over there last week and had such a good time. Put Sarah and I together and things like putting a ten dollar bill in a parking garage machine that doesn't give back change happen. Hahaha. Besides losing some money, changing in a doorway, and me making Sarah spin around on the Lawn, I'd say our shoot was totally normal. :) Haha! I'm so thankful to be doing what I'm doing and shooting stunning people like Sarah makes me love it all the more. Sarah, thanks for letting me photograph you! I hope you love these shots!





















Friday, May 24, 2013

Anne Curtis + Brian | Keswick, Virginia Wedding Photographer

They met through Young Life at JMU as freshmen and the story began there. Anne Curtis and Brian became best friends throughout the next couple years and little did they know that their friendship would turn into so much more. As they both realized maybe their special relationship could take them somewhere, Brian asked Anne Curtis out on a date their senior year. Over the next year, they were officially a couple and things just fell into place. Brian graduated a semester before Anne Curtis so things were long distance for about six months as they were on opposite ends of the country. Brian was involved in helping a church get its feet off the ground in San Francisco but as soon as Anne Curtis graduated, she was on her way to San Fransisco to be with her love.

Not long before Christmas of 2012, Anne Curtis had planned a trip for her family to fly from Virginia to San Francisco so she could show them around and have it be less foreign when they would come to visit in the future. Knowing Anne Curtis's family would be there, Brian made the choice to propose. He took Anne Curtis to a beautiful, scenic overlook of San Fran and got down on one knee to surprise his best friend with the question we all fantasize about. Her answer was 'yes,' of course, and on Saturday, I had the honor of photographing their beautiful, dream-like wedding at Keswick Vineyards. The mist enveloped the property of Keswick and created the perfect backdrop to unite the couple. I honestly couldn't have pictured a more perfect day. Anne Curtis and Brian's love for each other truly radiates and I am so happy for them! They are incredible people and I cannot wait to see where God leads them, even if it is all the way across the country! Thank you two so very much for allowing me to be part of your day!




















The guys were hilarious. Obviously.





















Thank you for this next shot, Rachel! Loved your angle!



























Florals | Petals and Bows
Catering | Barbeque Exchange
Invitations | Invitation to Party
Bridesmaids Dresses | J.Crew
Second Shooter | Rachel Lynn Creative