ENGAGEMENT | Israel & Brianna - A Winter Engagement session at Blackwater Creek Park

Brianna and Israel got engaged last Christmas and I have the privilege of meeting them and getting to know them through our church, Forest Community.  I was thrilled when they asked me to photograph their engagement session. 

Brianna currently lives in Richmond, Virginia where she is a nurse and Israel is living here in Lynchburg.  So we worked together to schedule their engagement session here as soon as Brianna could be in town as well!  We finally met in February!  Winter engagement sessions are fun to show off your winter weather sweaters and boots – even outerwear!  The weather was a little chilly and started to drizzle a little at the end but that didn’t dampen their spirits at all! 

The Blackwater Creek Trail and the Awareness Garden at the Ed Page Entrance was a beautiful backdrop for the session.  Although, I am not photographing their wedding I am thrilled I could capture their joy as they prepare for their day in October! 

PORTFOLIO | Jessica Mae Photography Workshop Fall 2013

I want to share about an opportunity I had this past November to attend my first photography workshop.   I am self taught so I wanted to attend a workshop to further my learning and education in photography.  It was put on by Jessica of Jessica Mae Photography who is based here in Lynchburg as well.  I have assisted her in the past at some previous weddings so it was great to learn more from her (here, here, here, and here).  

This was a perfect first workshop for me!  It was held at the Oakwood Country Club which is literally at the end of the street where I live and it was a small group of about 10 photographers.  We were able to speak comfortably to one another and I didn’t feel like I was lost in a sea of attendees.  There was also a styled shoot as part of the workshop.  This enabled us to see how Jessica works with her clients as well as allow us to gain some images for our portfolios.  There is more than just education to gain when attending a workshop.  Making connections in our industry is important to have someone to bounce ideas off of, encourage, and challenge on another.  I am thankful to have met them all!

I’m displaying some of my favorite images from the styled shoot here but be sure to also check out Jessica Mae Photography’s blog to see her images from that day and her other amazing work here!  There were a lot of fantastic vendors who provided items or services and you should check them out too!  See the list below:

http://jessicamaephotoblog.com/fall-workshop/

Photographer: Jessica Mae Photography | Venue: Oakwood Country Club | Hair and Makeup: Kathryn Miller | Dresses: Celebration Bridal and Church Street Bridal | Florals: Hannah Swanson | Styling: Andrea Pesce + Jessica Mae | Cake: Jessica Mae | Models: Brandon + Alex Wirth

PERSONAL | Vanessa's Bridal Shower

I have already blogged about my sister Vanessa's wedding and her bachelorette surprise overnight!  I haven't yet shared about her beautiful bridal shower at the Norwich Inn & Spa!

The Hunt Room at the Norwich Inn & Spa offered the perfect combination of both the rustic elements and touches of elegance that would also be present in her wedding decor.  Red plaid touches on the invitations and other paper goods, adorable birdhouse place card holders, and bunches of green hydrangeas adorned the tables in the room. It was a wonderful backdrop to the family and friends gathering to celebrate as Vanessa prepared to get married!