A couple of weeks ago I was able to help capture a milestone for Tom and his sweetie Yardley.  A little before the party started I got a few minutes with the two of them for a few images.  I know that they are anxiously awaiting these pics so lets jump straight to the pics:)

Tom & Yardley – Thanks for inviting me in!  Hope that your 40th year is amazing Tom:)

♥ Heather

This couple is amazing.  I have been friends with them for almost three years now after meeting them at our church, DC Metro.    Some of you might remember them from this shoot that we did almost a year ago.  It has been such a joy to watch this couple prepare for this little one’s birth.  They have such a deep, deep love for her already and it shows in everything they do.  They have personally challenged me very much as well.  As a family, they have taken huge steps of faith that although might not make sense to the people around them, they followed God.  They trust that while this pregnancy caught them by surprise a little, they knew full well that God had a plan.  They have been blessed so many times over because of walking in faith that God has got their back.

Ray & Summer – Thank you for being an example to so many others around you.  You have amazing hearts and I know that this little girl will be so blessed to call you Daddy & Mommy.  I can not wait to meet her (& find out the secret name:) ).

♥ Heather

Ray’s only request with the maternity pictures was that some of the pictures reflect where they currently live.  As most people in the DC area they do not expect to live here their entire life so he really wanted to remember this time in the nation’s capitol.  So, we started at the Lincoln Memorial.

Memorial bridge in the background…

Doesn’t Summer look amazing???

Almost exactly a year ago we took this image……

So I thought it would be fun to take a similar one now!  Oh how a year can change your life…

Then it was off to the Capitol….and I promise that the sky did really look like that!

At this point we were all so hungry that we forgot to get any bare belly shots.  Summer really had wanted some, so we met up the other night to make sure to capture the belly before she delivers (she is due 7/5/10).  When we were talking I had a vision of what I wanted.  So I asked Summer if she was up for and thankfully she was.  I can not even begin to express how happy I am with these images.  As I was processing them today tears started rolling down my cheeks before I even realized it.  For an artist, to create something that moves you like that is priceless.  Thank you Summer – you are truely beautiful.

Just taking a moment out from processing an amazing maternity shoot to share an image that I grabbed while on that shoot.  I have now lived in the DC area for almost 3 years (wow time flies!!!) and I am not sure if I will ever get used to seeing our nations monuments on a regular basis.  When I started shooting professionally so many years ago now I never imagined that I would be doing a maternity or wedding photos on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, a baby shoot at the Jefferson Memorial, and so many more.  Will I ever get used to seeing these landmarks???  I hope not.  When I see them I think of my dad (who passed away a few years ago from cancer) and how he and so many other have served our country.  I want to remember that it is by God’s grace that I was born into this country of freedom.  So I hope that they still make me pause when I see them….

On my way out the door, but I had to get these images up for Crystal & Jeffery.  They will be getting married next spring in Jamaica!!  How awesome is that?   Almost every shoot I start out asking the couple what is that one image that they want to leave the shoot with – Crystal & Jeffery wanted more of the romantic fun images where they were interacting as a couple, with a little traditional thrown in.  That made my day – I love cuddling & kissing pictures:)

Crystal & Jeffery – I had a blast with you and am so thankful God held the rain off so I could capture your love.  Thanks for allowing me a window in:)

♥ Heather

I LOVED the steps of the National Archives!!!!

We had to get the Capital in there!

In Jeffery’s words here, “She looks like a model!” – I have to say I agree:)

Probably my fave image from the day…

At the end of the shoot we ended up at the Washington Monument for a few pics.  As I was shooting I noticed that there were a crowd of teenagers forming off to my left.  They were all whispering about how cute Crystal & Jeffery were and then one of the girls starting posing her friend in the same positions.  When they saw we noticed they started walking away and Crystal & Jeffery got several ” you guys are SOoooo cute!” followed by giggles.  It was cute;)

Early this morning I met up with Crystal and Jeffery for their engagement shoot.  We had a great time making our way around the National Mall and got some great shots.  More to come from this shoot!

Crystal & Jeffery – a little sneak peak for you:)  Enjoy your engagement party tonight!!!!

♥ Heather

This past Saturday Beth & Mike met me down in Georgetown to get some engagement shots.  Not long after we started shooting it started raining:(  So, we grabbed as many shots as we could and then we headed out to their home to get some more.  Both are really into sports so we borrowed a tennis court for some shots as well!  These two are getting married later this year in Cancun, Mexico.  Jealous much?   Beth – want a destination photographer to go with your destination wedding?….you could pack me right next to the sunscreen:)

Beth & Mike – Thanks for allowing me to capture you both!  Have fun planning your destination wedding!

♥ Heather

LOVE this one!

Some major bling bling:)

After their engagement shoot I could not wait to shoot Genna & Kenny’s wedding.  Genna is the total diva and Kenny adores her.  He smiles all the time and they both are full of laughter.  The wedding proved to be full of love & laughter.

I know Genna is patiently waiting for these pics so I will keep it short and move on to the pics:)

Genna & Kenny – Thank you for allowing me to document your first day as Mr. & Mrs. Hamilton.  I hope you enjoy your pics.

♥ Heather

Mrs. Genna getting ready….

Her dress was amazing!!!  I have never seen pleats in a wedding dress before and I must say they looked so awesome!

These flowers were so unique.  These flowers are made out of paper.  What a neat element!!  Check out the designer for more information.

Check these shoes out!!!

The bride & groom’s first look…

I don’t normally post many “formals” on the blog but these two cuties with Genna are the couple’s little ones.  Both escaped me the majority of the day, but I think we have a cute one here

Genna – you are hottttt!!!

The below pic has a funny story behind it…..Genna & Kenny had wanted to take some pics at the Lincoln before the ceremony, so we headed over there.  It was crazy busy that day, but I thought we could get some shots (which we did!).  People tend to move out of the shot when they see you are taking more formal pics and all.  We had done some shots of just Genna & a handful of the two of them.  I wanted to try, just try for one shot of the bridal party.  Well, as soon as I got them situated I knew it was not going to happen without the tourists in the background.  The reason I still kept the shot though is the  security guards in the background (man in white with the yellow stripe and his buddy).  Who knew that you are supposed to have a permit to take pics there….not me;)  I am pretty sure they were writing me a ticket, but quickly left right after this shot:)

The guys…

The gals…..

The flowers at reception were so incredible.  The theme was cherry blossoms & orchids (flowers were done by Tierra Floral & the reception was held at The Westin Grand in Georgetown).

From the couple’s first dance..

I normally would not save this pic since it is technically lacking (ie: my hand shook taking it), but there is no way I could delete it.  The look on both Genna & her father’s face is priceless.

Night;)

Off to make dinner but had to get this sneak peak up for Mrs Genna.  She knows how to work it for my camera:)  More to come soon…..now off to conquer dinner!

It was an early morning when I met up with Genna & Kenny for their engagement pictures.  They had picked Georgetown for their background and we wanted to get our pictures done before the city really woke up….of course the morning sunrise light was amazing as well:)

They are also getting married in Georgetown in just 2 weeks!!!  I can’t wait for their wedding, it is going to be so great!

Genna & Kenny -  Thank you for all the laughter!!!  Your shoot was so much fun (even if we all were still fully waking up!).  I hope that you enjoy your pics and cannot wait for your day!

♥ Heather

I seriously love morning light……it is so flattering to everyone!

They are always laughing!

LOVE this pic with the Kennedy Center in the background!

See guys – laying in the middle of the road and risking getting run over was so worth it!:)

Seriously Genna???  Wow….

Last but not least….I cannot resist a red door:)

A few weeks ago I met Troy & Mary @ the World War II memorial for a last minute Christmas shoot.  This was my last shoot of the year and it was a great one (well, once we found parking!).  We couldn’t have picked a better day for it though.  It was a rare November day @ 70 degrees.

Troy & Mary – I had a blast getting to know you guys and capturing years of love.  Enjoy the pics:)

♥ Heather

Well, it is getting late and deadlines are getting closer, so on to the pics!

I love the sweet nature of this one!

So many years of marriage wisdom here…

As we wrapped up the shoot and I was headed back to my car, I shot this image.  What a great way to end 2009!