Because of the much needed, but rainy weather we have been seeing in Richmond the last few days, Ainoy and I didn’t plan our location until the day of! It was a little nerve wracking because there was a 30% chance for showers, but we decided to go ahead and have an outdoor bridal session. I have been looking forward to working with Ainoy again just because we had so much fun during their engagement session.

Ainoy showed up with a gorgeous Monique Lhullier dress and weather.

First, check out the beautiful bouquet from the talented Pauline at Elations Designs. Brides-to-be, I highly recommend working with Pauline! She will make sure your wedding is spectacular:

And then to the beautiful bride-to-be. Nevermind that it was super humid, but the light and time was perfect:

I love how the dress bustles:

Stay tuned next week for the big day! Thanks Ainoy.

A quick session from today for Janet, who asked me to photograph a couple of head and body shots for her modeling portfolio. Even though it was raining all morning and cloudy in the afternoon, it sure did provide for some good light:

As a side note, I am enjoying the much cooler weather we have had the last couple of days, especially for August!

On Saturday, Brian and I headed out to Maryland’s Zahniser’s Yachting Center to spend the day with LuAnn and her family. We knew LuAnn through Andy and Ami (LuAnn’s daughter) because Brian plays flag football with Andy and I actually photographed their daughter’s newborn/family portraits.

LuAnn and her family were truly welcoming and the Yachting Center was a brilliant choice for their location. We started the morning on their boat (thankfully I didn’t get seasick with the combination of ginger pills that they provided me and the Dramamine) and then headed off to the playground, backfield, restaurant and pool. It was a bit humid and hot, but thankfully there was some cool breeze from the water.

Each child has their own pirate flag that grandpa helps them put up:

The whole family:

After the boat we split up for the 3 smaller groups of the family:

And this one totally cracks me up. The “original” family:

Thanks for the fun day and taking good care of us!

When we first met Mike and Cristin, we got along fabulously, so it was especially great when they hired us to photograph their wedding. During the course of our meeting, when Cristin learned what high school I went to, she asked if I knew Debbie. Of course I knew Debbie! It turned out that my high school friend Debbie was her roommate in college. It was kind of a neat connection to have with my bride…and it goes to show what a small world it can be.

But anyway, on Saturday Cristin and Mike had their ceremony at Jerusalem Baptist Church and their reception at Old Town Hall in Fairfax. It was great spending the day with this couple because they were so kind and welcoming. Here are some from the day:

I love Cristin’s dress; it’s vintage and modern at the same time:

Another semi-formal bridal party shot. They have amazing friends:

I really like this one:

And of course Debbie was there! So this was my second weekend in a row with another mini high school reunion:

Congratulations Cristin and Mike! We wish you nothing but love and happiness through the years!

On Saturday I headed out to the Petersburg Regional Arts Center to photograph April and Brian’s reception. It was kind of like a reunion for us both because April and I went to high school together! And even though quite a few years have passed, it was a nice time because we were comfortable working together (must be the memories of Spanish class!) and I was able to see some other former classmates as well (hi Brooke, Katie, and Whitney!).

Anyway, April and Brian married in Mexico last month, but they wanted to throw a reception here to celebrate with the family and friends who weren’t able to attend their wedding. Here are a few:

I overheard one of their guests mention that April photographs extremely well…and I must agree:

And let’s not forget Brian, who was just as friendly and kind:

I persuaded April and Brian to get a few Vera-esque photos to go with their Mexico photos…I really love how this one turned out:

Congratulations April and Brian! I wish you many happy years together.

Despite our 3 day age difference, Brian took advantage this weekend of heckling me and the extra year added to my age. Thankfully he can only do this for a few days before it is his birthday too! So today I want to wish my best friend and husband a happy birthday:

And I have to say I am so thankful that this guy is in my life.

Since today is my birthday, Brian snapped some pictures of me and to update our website a little bit:

I can pretty much understand why I am more comfortable BEHIND the camera and the one taking the photo! But on Monday it’ll be Brian’s birthday and I can turn the camera on him. I am a total cradle robber…my husband is 3 days younger than me.

Have a good one!