Thank You for 2015

I went to Japan!

     Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would visit Japan... or any asian country. Anyone who knows me will tell you I don't eat Japanese, Chinese, or any other asian food. When I had the opportunity to visit some friends in Okinawa, Japan with my best friend, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and go. It was a trip of a lifetime. I had the best traveling companion. Catie and I travel well together. It was a VERY long journey. We left on a Friday morning and didn't arrive in Okinawa until Sunday morning. This included a 10 hour layover in Tokyo. Keep in mind Japan is a day ahead. We flew from Roanoke to DC to San Francisco to Tokyo and finally to Okinawa. I can now say I have seen an actual volcano. Mt Fuji is located just off the coast of Tokyo. It was pretty cool. I could actually see the smoke coming out of the top.
     The Japanese people are by far the friendliest people in the world. They try to be helpful and make you feel welcome. Everyone greets you with such warmth when you enter a store or restaurant. The island was small but filled with interesting things. Everything is small there. We couldn't find clothes or shoes to fit us. The vehicles were especially tiny. I couldn't stop staring at them. My favorite places were the beach and the bakery. The baked goods were so yummy. My favorite food was a toss up between the pancakes and the taco rice. The first place we went was Starbucks. Since Catie is a huge Starbucks fan, that wasn't such a huge surprise. They had an orange white mocha. OMG it was like a warm dreamsicle.  It was only for a limited time. I had as many as possible. I had to try out the McDonalds. They make a shrimp burger. It was good. The pineapple pies were better. Catie and I were so excited to have the chance to meet a couple of Japanese paramedics. Even though there was a huge language barrier, they made every effort to explain how their trucks worked. The ambulances were so tiny in comparison. We climbed all over their trucks comparing their equipment to ours back home. Other than trying different foods, I was able to get an amazing pedicure. Yep, it was like no other pedicure. They massage and are very familiar with pressure points. I have never been so relaxed. No one was surprised when I chose Mickey Mouse as my toe decoration. They hand painted each toe. These ladies were artists. Each design was perfect. We visited a brewery, pineapple farm, aquarium, and saw the cherry blossoms. I really wanted to snorkel there but it was too cold and we ran out of time. We did, however, spend a lot of time near the water.
     Now I can say I have walked on cooled lava, drank pineapple wine, toured a Japanese castle, and climbed to the top of a lighthouse. I went to Japan! Okinawa was amazing and I can't wait to find my next place to visit outside of my comfort zone.

Baby E

Meet baby E. She was quite the little angel. She seemed to enjoy having her pictures taken. Although she made her parents wait for her arrival, having her here makes the wait worth while.  Her hair was my favorite. It would not lay down. I had to make sure I captured that amazing mohawk. I'm excited to watch her grow in the arms of two parents who simply adore her.

Out takes and photo bomber award of 2014

When you take as many pictures as I do, you are bound to catch some funny ones. I can't possibly post all of them. Here are my favorite ones from 2014.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Good-bye 2014

As I look back over 2014 I smile at the fun moments. I am thankful for the opportunities I had to capture your family and events. Here are a few pictures to show the great year.

A beautiful wedding to be remembered

Eight years ago I met Collin when he joined the rescue squad. He was such a respectful young man who I immediately adored. He quickly became another one of my favorite rescue kids. I watched as he and Val fell in love while saving lives. She is a sweet soul who brightens a room when she enters. I was honored when they called to tell me they were getting married and wanted me to photograph the event. Today an intimate group of family and friends gathered to watch as two became one. The setting could not have been any more perfect. From the personalized place settings with a sweet message to each guest to the fun gift bags of the Mill Mountain Hokie blend coffee beans, each detail was carefully planned. The audible gasp as Val made her entrance expressed just how beautiful she looked. Collin couldn't take his eyes off his beautiful bride. As I looked around the room, eyes glistened with tears of joy and smiles were on every face. The love for this couple was clear. I have no doubt that every one in that room will make sure this couple understands the real meaning of love and will support their love for each other the rest of their lives. Congratulations Captain and Mrs. Collin Hu. I love you both very much. Thank you for allowing me to share in your beautiful day.

We are thankful for you!

Fall Mini Sessions!!!

My little model

My son is a great kid. He still kisses me in public. He doesn't shy away from holding my hand. He tells everyone who will listen that I am 21. The best part about him is he doesn't run away when I aim my camera toward him. I decided he needed his own photo shoot. He was only too willing to pose for me. Here are some of his shots.

Welcome baby Aria

I  am so happy to welcome baby Aria. Her parents, family, and friends have waited and prayed for her for a long time. She made her appearance several states away. It didn't matter how far away she was, they were ready to hop on the plane and go meet her. While they were gone, family and friends worked like crazy to get her new home ready for her. After several agonizing weeks the new family was finally able to come home. 

They were excited to see their fur babies and introduce Aria to her new home. We were all excited for the new family to see Aria's new room. 

Aria has no idea the amount of love surrounding her. She will grow up knowing that she is wanted and loved to the moon and back.

Boy? Girl?... Definitely A BOY

When I first met Leslie she was 16. She and her twin sister quickly grabbed my heart. I watched her grow as a healthcare provider and as a person. I was so happy when Shannon stole her heart.  It was only 2 years ago that we all gathered in excruciating heat to witness and celebrate their marriage. Tuesday a large group of family and friends gathered again to answer a very important question. Are we getting a baby boy or baby girl to fall in love with? I looked around the crowd and could literally see and feel the love everyone has for this happy couple. There were people on Skype and speaker phone waiting to find out. Here are a few moments that we were able to capture.

Baby Jacob

Jacob was a sweet heart. His big sister came along for Jacob's shoot to tell me all about him. She is just a doll. I can tell how much of a helper she is for her mommy. He is a great little snuggle bug. I can't wait to give them their pictures so I can have the chance to snuggle with him again.

One Perfect Baby Boy

This gorgeous couple produced an even more gorgeous baby. Erin and Mike brought this bundle of love over for his first photo shoot. He snuggled right up and went to sleep. I could not have asked for a more compliant baby. Cole was certainly ready for his close up. Here are a few pictures from our time together.

An incredibly Beautiful Wedding

I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding on a perfect spring day. I had an awesome team of photographers. Erin Harvey (Red Barn Photography) and Shuan Lacy were fantastic. We worked very well together to capture the fun and the love as these two families became one. We had some down time before the ceremony started. This seemed like the best time for a quick game of catch with the guys on the Drill Field in front of the Chapel on the beautiful Virginia Tech campus. The girls, however, hammed it up at the gorgeous Inn at Virginia Tech.

After the ceremony we enjoyed watching the newlyweds spend time together. I would love to know what Lars whispered in Anna's ear to make her laugh. Well... maybe I shouldn't know!

The details can speak volumes. We loved the rings this couple chose to seal their bond.

 Last, but certainly not least, the bridal party. Anna's brother appeared very honored to walk her down the aisle to give her away. The closeness amongst the party was clear in the smiles, giggles, and hugs.

Thank you Lars and Anna for allowing us to be apart of your very special day.

It's time to celebrate that special dad!

Baby Boy G

I would love to introduce you to baby boy Grayson. I could snuggle with him all day. He has the best parents and brothers any little boy could have. This little boy will grow up living the dream.

It's almost time for Valentine's cards

It is almost time for you to order your Valentine's cards. What do you want yours to say?

Mr. Levi

Catch me if you can

It is always so fun taking pictures of this family. Little K always starts out shy and quiet and her personality quickly comes out. We had a great time running all over the yard while she was being chased by mom and dad. Her smile is so contagious.