SENIORS | John, Class of 2013

One August four years ago, John traveled from Connecticut with his family to start his freshman year at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.  I remember because John was one of the first students to attend from Groton Bible Chapel (the church my family attended while I was in college.)  Several other attendees have followed and have maintained their friendships here at college.  In fact, I had the opportunity to photograph this group before they attended Liberty University's Junior Senior banquet this year.  Check out their pictures on my Facebook page!  It's been wonderful to watch them grow in Christ over the last four years as they pursue their educations.

John is an aviation major and in just three short weeks, he will walk across a stage at Liberty University and receive his Bachelor's degree.  In November, I photographed John and his girlfriend Bridget for my portfolio and also individually for senior portrait sessions (You can see Bridget's here!).  He was a pleasure to work with and I hope you enjoy this session!

So, here's to John, his hard work, and the achievements of the Class of 2013!  Congratulations on your graduation!

SENIORS | Bridget, Class of 2013

About six months ago, I had the opportunity to photograph this blonde haired beauty and her boyfriend in downtown Lynchburg to work on my posing with couples.   Since both she and John are graduating college seniors this year I took some senior portraits of them in trade!   

Please allow me to introduce you all to - Bridget!   Bridget hails from Vermont originally (I do love my fellow New Englanders!).  She's also a senior in the Nursing program at Liberty University.  Being accepted into the nursing program is tough enough, it's a very selective program.  But being an LU nursing student means 4 years of hard studying and determination!  This girl has finished her college race well! 

It's hard to believe that we took theses pictures in November (which seems a lifetime ago!) and now Commencement is just a mere four weeks away! The Lord has big plans for Bridget and will do great things through her and her chosen profession!

Congratulations to Bridget and the rest of the Liberty University Class of 2013!

CHEER | Liberty University vs Stony Brook - November 10, 2012

It was a gorgeous fall day in November for the Military Appreciation Day football game of 2012.  My dad came up to visit from North Carolina for the weekend and attended with us!  My dad served in the Air Force and it's such a proud moment for me to see him as well as all the other men and women who have served our country be recognized for their sacrifices.  My husband assisted the Liberty University Police Department in the 21 gun salute during halfway time as well!  So lots of family pride going around that day!  Not to mention that the Heisman trophy was on display for that game as well - which my dad and brother in law, Tim, had to check out!  The 2012-2013 Liberty University cheerleading squad also was demonstrating their crowd leading and stunting skills for the duration of the game while we squared off against Stony Brook University and won 28-14!

COUPLES | John & Bridget

Just like any other skill or learned ability, the more time I spend behind the camera the more I can improve my craft.   It's challenging and fun to work with new people, try new techniques, or carry out a creative vision for a session.   John and Bridget were available this past November and gave me the perfect opportunity to work on my posing.  

John was one of several friends my younger siblings met at Groton Bible Chapel, where my family attended while I was in college.  There are a group of friends from that church in Connecticut that began attending Liberty University about the same time.  My husband and I hosted many a bonfire and even a few sleepovers with all of them!  Sleeping 10 extra kids in our less than 1000 sq foot two bedroom, 1 bath apartment was a feat in itself - but you don't know how much Bryce and I utterly delight in the kids and the chaos!  So, it seemed logical that when John and Bridget met in the summer of 2012 that Bridget would visit our home too! 

Working with these two during the session was a breeze!  It's a beautiful thing to see when a couple has sense of peace and contentment in their relationship.  I would say that John and Bridget have that!  Also, they can and did laugh with each other and at themselves, something a relationship always needs. 

Many thanks to Bridget and John for modeling for me!  Also, a big congratulations to both of them!  As part of this session, I shot some senior portraits for them too!  They are both Liberty University seniors (Bridget in Nursing, John in Aviation) and are graduating in just a few short weeks with the rest of the Class of 2013! 

FAMILIES | Carpenter Family Maternity Session

Back when I was a Resident Assistant at Liberty University, my partner, Amber and I, remember interviewing Anna for our Spiritual Life Director position and thinking - THIS IS THE GIRL FOR US!  We were on pins and needles waiting to see if she felt the same way about us and our hall!  It turns our she did and Anna has been a blessing to me ever since!

Anna was a perfect fit for our leadership team and it was during those late nights on the hall that Anna first shared about this guy she had met, Jason.  They both had paths the Lord wanted them to walk but when He finally brought the two of them together, they fell in love and were married last year!  I coordinated their big day and my husband even took some pictures of their ceremony.  You can check out some of the images on my Facebook page! 

Anna has a graceful strength she has always worn with quiet confidence.  She knew that she belonged to the Lord and found her worth in Him.  It is that knowledge that has enabled her strength and her ability to be an amazing wife to Jason and I know will carry her through the joys and trials of motherhood.  

WEDDINGS | Scott & Lindsey - a windy November wedding with purple accents

Jessica of Jessica Mae Photography asked me to be the official second shooter for this day and I was blessed to have that privilege!  Lindsey and Scott were so excited to get married, the air was just full of anticipation!  Their day did not disappoint!  They chose to do a first look and their bridal party joined them shortly after for all their portraits!  They were such troopers - it was a really blustery day!

Their ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt.  They were married at their church and held the reception in the hall downstairs.  They had beautifully decorated the room and had mood lighting in the purple hue of their wedding colors!  When the sun sank a little lower, Jessica stole Lindsey and Scott away for some portraits during the sunset.  We had previously scouted a small field on a ridge near the church.  The light was fantastic and the portraits came out gorgeous!  So many family members and friends danced the night away alongside them and then saw them off to their honeymoon!

Here are some of my favorite images from their wedding!