Packing and Beach Houses :: Personal

We’re moving. Technically we’re supposed to be moving but the thought of packing up my entire life and watching it drive away in a 16ft. trailer sounds slightly morbid. I’ll be the first to say that my methods of handling stress aren’t the most efficient. I first noticed it in college when instead of, say, studying for the final that would constitute three quarters of my overall grade, I would stop, everything. I would leave my desk and all of its study materials and run for the living room where I watched marathons of Law and Order, HGTV, and Shake Weight infomercials. Anything, really, to avoid the nauseating emotions associated with my impending test.

And quite frankly, not much has changed. We’ve known about this move for almost a month but for some reason we’ve gone to great lengths to avoid buying boxes, taking down curtains, or even accomplishing the little details like finding a new place to live. Which is why this week we’ve decided to change our plans. Instead of watching our lives drive away in a big yellow Penske truck, we will instead be throwing everything we own into the storage unit down the road. We’ve rented a beach house and we’re planning on living out of a suitcase for the next six months. Six months. One suitcase.

But we’re living in a beach house!!!

I realize that someday, most likely sooner than later, I will need to adjust my stress management skills. But this time it seems to have worked out for us and in honor of this good news I’m going to continue to avoid packing just like I avoided studying for important Biomechanics finals in college. By doing completely ridiculous things like having my change jar counted at the bank.

Happy Monday!

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

Kenny and Brittany :: Richmond Wedding Photography

The rolling hills, the golden leaves, and the perfectly groomed horses all vied for our attention as Jessie and I shot Kenny and Brittany's gorgeous Richmond wedding on Saturday. While the Virginian fall weather was noticeably hard to beat, it was the newly married couple who really stole the show. Kenny and Brittany (and, as always, Jessie) thank you for letting me join you on such a truly beautiful day. From the endless detail to the stunning bride and groom, photographing this wedding was, well, an easy job.

I'm in love with these bridesmaids' bouquets. They were both simple and dramatic and had the most wonderfully fragrant smell of mint to them.

Virginia, you are too good to me.

Please, by all means, why don't you two just stand there and laugh and look amazing doing it.

The reception was held at Richmond's lovely Rolling Run Farm and the natural detail found in the stables was a photographer's dream.

I'm now convinced that every wedding reception should have heart shaped sparklers.

I.Love.The.South.

A first dance in perfectly dewy sunset light...

This may be one of my more favorite reception photos. Ever.

Have a wonderful Tuesday,

Michelle