“What a perfect moment when the stars aligned
when you put your hand in mine
and every day of my life has led me to
that perfect moment with you.”
– Darden Smith

I’ve got a fun one for you today! Jonathan called me a few months ago wanting to plan the perfect way to propose to his girlfriend, Sarah. She had just graduated with her masters, and because of covid she wasn’t really able to celebrate the accomplishment in any of the typical ways. No ceremony, no parties, and she deserved to have something fun to mark the occasion. He wanted to surprise her with a graduation portrait session, to get some updated portraits and some in her cap and gown. We chose one of their favorite spots, Stone Tower Winery, and we knew it would be the perfect backdrop for the surprise! So she got all dolled up, and we met up for some special graduation portraits… with a fun surprise! :)  she and I had talked about “I mean, maybe we can include him in a few photos… like 25% or less” :) little did she know!  also a big thanks to Melissa Franklin for doing a stunning job on her makeup, and Jenny’s Salon for styling her hair for the occasion!  You see those two teeny tiny white spots in the far right middle of the frame?! That’s where they were busy setting up for the proposal while we were doing portraits! :) sneaky sneaky! a quick change of clothes, and I told them I’d meet them by the stone wall to continue the session. This is what was waiting for them: thankfully, she said yes :)  I thiiiiink he was just a little excited :)

Congratulations again!! xo!

“for here you are, standing there, loving me…”
– the sound of music As much as I hate that covid has forced so many couples to alter their wedding day plans, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for these micro weddings! I’ve always said that I’d want to elope one day if I ever got married, so these small, intimate days feel so so special to me. It’s the biggest privilege to get to be a part of them! I loved Adam and Monica as soon as I got on the phone with them to hear about their relationship and they day they were planning, and their ceremony was just as beautiful as I knew it would be. Hearing their vows to each other left me with tears in my eyes, and seeing how they care for one another made me fall in love with my job all over again.

Thank you again for letting me be a small part of your day! Congratulations to you both! why do pockets make a dress so much more fun?! :)

“Of all the people on the planet
If I had my choice I couldn’t have planned it better than this
It doesn’t get better than this.”
– Cathy Heller
After 6 months of craziness, Kevin and Brianna were able to stick with their original wedding date and celebrate with so many of their favorite people at the Oak Barn at Loyalty! I truly can’t believe how perfectly everything came together thanks to Lauren Harbin and her incredible team coordinating and designing so much of the event from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day!
how stunning is her bouquet?! I loved all the different texture and shades of pink!Kevin’s dad brought his gorgeous car, and was gracious enough to let us use it for a few photos!they even surprised everyone with a fun visitor during cocktail hour! Congratulations again!! xo!

Wedding Venue- Oak Barn at Loyalty
Wedding Dress- Essence of Australia
Florist- Creations in Bloom
Hair Stylist- Devon Baltimore
Makeup- Laura Henderson
Wedding Coordinator- Lauren Harbin with Chancey Charm
DJ- Jake Ritchie
Cake- Amphora Bakery
Catering- Old Blue BBQ
Bridesmaids Dresses- Azazie
Invitations- Etsy: Dusty Lilac Paperie
Photographer- Jessica Smith Photography
Engagement Portraits

“I held my breath as we do sometimes to stop time when something wonderful has touched us…”
– Mary Oliver That precious smile!! He dished out so many! The sweetest :) 

“The baby years are short, kind of like five minutes… it doesn’t seem like it, but he will go on to kindergarten then read the harry potter series then join the ‘ninja club’ in middle school then play high school soccer and rent his first tux for prom and run over a fence in his truck. You will hit your knees and than God that you got to parent this kid, that he was yours. My gosh… what a gift.”
– Jen Hatmakerremember this handsome little man from his newborn portrait session? Look how big he’s gotten! and that scrunchy nose smile is just the greatest! we just so happened to do this session on their 2nd wedding anniversary, so we made sure to snap a few portraits of Roberto and Carissa as well!