Ross + Keely :: Fredericksburg Engagement

After any given shoot I walk in the door, upload images from my cards to an external hard drive, and open the files in Lightroom. I'll spend a few solid hours sorting the session's photos into different categories before selecting the images that will be used on the blog. For a typical session I like to find anywhere from 30 to 50 images to edit and prepare for the internet while another large selection of photos are to be used for the final edits. But every once and awhile I come across one of those couples.  The type of couple where just moments into my editing routine I can tell that the afternoon will look different than most. Instead of completing the usually quick process of choosing my favorite images for the blog, I'll likely be spending a few solid hours in a heated staring contest with my computer screen. I'll beg for Lightroom to flap its decisive wings and choose the best images to be showcased. Instead she'll just stare back with the dreaded smirk she all too often gives, bat her false eyelashes a few painfully exaggerated times, and smile as if to say 'Sorry, Sweetness, but this decision is allll yawrs'.

In other news, my computer speaks with a southern accent. Clearly.

And so it was with Ross and Keely. On one hand I owe them a personal note of gratitude for being exceptionally comfortable  and at ease in front of my camera. They were the type of couple who was constantly laughing, ever smiling, and incredibly happy. Their joyful natures made them a blast to photograph and even more fun to be around. My only complaint is that they made it insanely difficult to narrow down my selection of images for the blog. It's just that they were all so good! (And before you think I'm absurdly self-saturated, their goodness had nothing to do with me).

Ross and Keely, thank you for being so flexible this week as we scheduled, re-scheduled, and re-re-scheduled your shoot due to fierce rain storms, late carpet cleaners, and unexplained acts of God. Colton and I had a blast roaming the streets of Fredericksburg with you {and Danny - my new favorite Old English Sheep Dog} and we could not have been more honored to capture this exciting and beautiful time in your lives. Loads and loads and loads of thanks {and best wishes with the move to California}.

- Michelle.

This is Danny the {best} old english sheepdog.

You two are adorable. Sickeningly so at times, but adorable nonetheless.

Keely, your smile is contagious. And beautiful.

And I'll end the post with these pictures. They're fun, and funny, and make me want to be a part of Ross and Keely's world. I can't help but think it looks like a pretty wonderful place to be.

Happy Day,

Michelle

Crystal :: Quantico Virginia Portrait Photography

Meet Crystal. She's sweet and funny and cannot be found without a smile on her face. Crystal is finishing up her time in the Marine Corps and asked me to take a few last photos of her in her uniform while she still has the chance to wear it. Crystal was even happy to brave a brisk (and early) Virginian morning to catch these shots near her home at Quantico Marine Corps Base. And me? I think it was all worth it! A beautiful girl, some gorgeous morning light, and a patriotic flare make one fabulous combination. Enjoy.

This is Dave, Crystal's hubby. Crystal and Dave have a seriously fun relationship and it shows in their interaction with one another. It was only fitting that their photos showed this fun loving nature.

This sweeter-than-honey light made the 6am wake up call completely worth it.

And the picture on the right makes me happy. It also makes me want to hang out with Crystal and Dave. ...on a bi-daily basis.

Happy Tuesday!

Michelle

Adam and Karin :: Marterella Winery + Vineyard

The truth of the matter is that my husband has noticeably handsome friends. And these handsome friends of his happen to choose absolutely stunning girls to spend the rest of their lives with. When Adam and Karin asked about the possibility of doing a day after session I distinctly remember appearing overtly eager for their business as I leaped across couches and ran through living rooms to brainstorm ideas with Karin. People, I do crazy things when I get excited about taking pictures. Crazy, crazy things. We spent our afternoon at Marterella Winery + Vineyard in Warrenton and I could not have been more excited about the location. It's always a little risky committing to a venue before seeing it, but Marterella exceeded every hope and expectation we had. The rolling hills of grape vines, the flawless afternoon light, the intriguingly beautiful couple. It's almost as if it was all a dream. A dream I'd rather not wake up from.

I'll be honest, these pictures were really, really easy to take.

Sweetness...

Karin, something about your expression says that you're safe in Adam's arms. And happy there, as well.

I almost feel as though I shouldn't have interrupted this moment with a picture. But then again I think this is a perfect moment to be able to remember forever.

Alright, I take back everything I've said thus far. Karin, you're too gorgeous for anyone's good and I'm kinda sick with jealousy. I'm sorry but we can't be friends anymore.

Friends, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Jerry {you're gonna love him}. Jerry is the owner of the Marterella winery and he is just as wonderful as these pictures imply. After nearly a million unfruitful calls to local vineyards, Jerry was more than happy to let us traipse around his property all afternoon. During our phone conversation he even told me {and I quote}, "Why, we just love supporting newlyweds and wedding photographers!". Oh, Jerry, you're the best.

Happy Wednesday, Y'all,

Michelle