Seniors, Already!?

I confess, these photos are from two years ago, but I just felt like I had to post them!  Much of my family lives in western, MD and one spring break when I went out to visit, my Aunt asked if I wouldn’t mind taking a few photos of my cousin for his senior pictures.  She said they had the traditional pictures done and they just didn’t feel like him.  Thinking back, does anybody really look like themselves in that awkward black drape thing (if you’re a girl) or a tux (if you’re a guy)?  I mean, I personally don’t know any high school seniors that would say those photos are a reflection of their personality…. so of course I said yes!  We went around the Savage Mountain, and also along some overlooks.  Later that day, a friend of his chimed in and asked for a little sessions too. Why not?  He lives by an amazing overlook onto some mountains.  Now, of course the Moms chose which one they thought captured their son best, and of course the guys chose opposite pictures, but here are the top couple from each.  We were all satisfied with the way my lens captured their personalities.

Mindy & John : A Capitol Engagement

I met Mindy about four years ago while I was babysitting for the Washington Nationals during home games.  She had met this guy John.  They were dating, he seemed like the real deal and it turns out he is!  Mindy and I talked and I offered to do a quick engagement shoot for them here in Washington, DC.  Since politics is a major part of their lives, why not at the Capitol?  They are getting married in Iowa, where Mindy is from but they live and work here in DC so clearly, they wanted photos that captured both their wedding but also their life in DC.  We headed down to the Capitol early one morning before all the tourists came out, then went back to their neighborhood so their darling dog, Rocky, could get in on some of the photo action!  Mindy must have told me a thousand times, “just to warn you, we really aren’t a couple that photographs well” and I continuously assured her “yes you do!”.   Well, the lens sees and tells all, and from the photos below I’d say they are quite the photogenic couple!

Congratulations to Mindy and Jon!  I am so excited for you two and wish you the best on your big day!

I can’t wait to see the photos from your special day through the lens of Iowa!

La Malinche, Savory Tapas

A dear friend and coworker’s family opened up a Spanish and Mexican tapas restaurant in Silver Spring, MD a year or two ago and asked me if I would mind taking some photos of their menu items.  Of course, running through my head was “food? photography? delicious sangria? YES PLEASE!”.  I got to the restaurant just before the lunch rush and was able to photograph (and eat) some of their main menu items.  If you’re hungry, I wouldn’t suggest ready this entry because it will make your mouth water!  Check out some of the savory and delicious dishes of La Malinche. 

Now and Then, Baby Ezra

I had the honor of meeting Monica through a babysitting company I worked for two years ago.  When I met her she was about six months pregnant and had lost her husband to cancer.  She is one of the strongest women I have ever met, and when she asked me to capture her family and friends at the baby shower, I said yes without hesitation.  Her family is so warm, and welcoming, crowd and her friends are hilarious and so relaxed.  It was such a joy to capture this moment for Monica and her family.  Take a look through the lens a year ago, then continue on to see Ezra’s first birthday party from this year!

The picture above is of Monica and Taylor.  Monica and her family thanked everyone for coming to such an important and emotional celebration that day.  Her Mom and Dad called Taylor up, and explained that after the loss of her husband, the only person who could get words out or get her moving, was Taylor.  What an amazing, dedicated man.

So, a year has gone by, and Monica invited me back to capture Ezra’s first birthday.  It was at the same venue, and of course I said yes!  There were lots of little ones crawling around, and many of the same supportive and wonderful family and friends of Monica and Taylor.  It is amazing to see how strong they remain through both wonderful and challenging times.  Take a peek through the lens one year later…. I can’t get enough of this little girl!

Hope you enjoyed these!  It was so hard to choose just a few for this post!!

Meet the Sipes

Stephanie and Garrett came into my life when I entered college in Pittsburgh.  I was so blessed to meet them at Church of the Ascension where I participated in Bible study, and taught toddlers Sunday School.  I got to know Stephanie very well during the Parish retreat when we braved the wild one night and camped.  We did not camp the second night, but at least we tried it!  It was my Junior year of college and Steph and Garrett made a comment to me like, “oh hey, when we get married, if it were in Pittsburgh…would you…want to do the photos?”.  I answered YES, and OF COURSE!  Now, little did I know this would actually happen but the year after I graduated, I got a call.  The date was set.  The church was booked.  The dress was chosen.  And, well, the rest is history.  Here is a tiny glimpse into their big day

Now, of course there were millions of more photos of all the amazing events of the day, and future posts will go into those details!  Stay tuned for another look through the lens!

Sweet Baby Klein

I remember like it was yesterday when Liz and Michael asked me to take some maternity photos.  They lived here in Washington, DC but knew they would eventually be settling down in California.  Washington, DC has been such a large part of their lives and so they wanted to always remember their first pregnancy here in Washington, DC.  I was thrilled but nervous as I had really never done maternity photos before, but sure enough I got up early one morning to get to the monuments before the tourists came out for the day.  Liz and Michael were wonderful to focus on and Liz was just radiant and glowing.  The love they share is one which I am happy to know and see.  Here’s just a glimpse into our day.

Stay tuned towards the beginning of April for photos of this baby when I travel to California to visit sweet little Sara Klein and little brother Chris!