SHELLEY AND IAN.

1 Photographer + 1 cute assistant + 1 couple + 3 wardrobe changes + 30 minutes = a photoshoot that ends with ice cream. Yesssssssssssss!

I believe life photos should happen authentically and often. Moments go by so fast whether you're 5, 15, 25 or 90 and I don't think you need a reason or justification to have some lifestyle photos taken of you at any one stage, to hold and charish as memories forever.

This is Shelley and Ian right now. Pre marriage, pre children, pre ruling the world or whatever it is they decide to do in their years to come.

This is who they are. Today.

Ian's got all the great facial expressions...

and Shelley's got all the fancy moves...

babes.

I think this one photo captures their whole relationship. Shelley is a light hearted silly clown, while Ian indulges in current global affairs. Perfect.

DAYDREAMING.

I hear the faint melody of a whimsical french accordion and the scent of sweet pastries are in the air. Im daydreaming today as I often do when Im alone under a pile of work which requires my undivided attention. I think it's safe to say I can only be focused for so long before I drift away on a cloud of imaginary delight. It's really not my fault. My imagination is controlling.

Sean and I have decided that after our own wedding next year we will honeymoon somewhere in Europe. France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, England, Ireland, Switzerland..... oh the possibilities. Food, fashion, architecture, history, culture, language, photo op's, little green mopeds....aaaaaand I'm drooling. Constantly I find myself fantasizing over the incredible honeymoon destination more so then our actual wedding. Not that I'm not excited for that day too, but in my mind Europeans know how to live. They eat fresh and hearty food, they dress for every occasion, they take their days a little slower, they vacation for months at a time, they appreciate and create beauty from nature all around them. Sean will definitely have his hands full trying to get me to board the return flight out of there.

I guess these roses in my bedroom sum up how Im feeling today. Im feeling like a pale pink rose in bloom near a window sill. (Just smile and nod in agreement)

LISA AND MIKE: A ROYAL ASHBURN WEDDING

While they are off cruising around the Mediterranean on their honeymoon (jeeeeaaaalousssss), I want to share with you Lisa and Mike's recent Royal Ashburn Golf and Country Club wedding.

First of all, let it be known that the first half of the day was dark and raining as hard as it possibly could. Im pretty sure an ark cruised by Lisa's parents home where she was getting ready. Seriously. But it let up after a traditional Catholic ceremony and the party began celebrating this sweet couple. It was evident by the company that attended their soiree, Mike and Lisa are loved very much by family and a large circle of friends who've become extended family. As the night drifted on through courses of dinner and wine, toasts and roasts were in full swing. As Sean and I made our exit for the evening I got to thinking Lisa and Mike's embrace reminded me of a soft blanket; warm, inviting and always has your back when you need it.

A lovely couple and a lovely day...

...a little something blue...

While we moved around the barn property on the side of the road, Mike couldn't resist posing as a hitchhiking groom. He was not picked up.

One of the best qualities Lisa and Mike share is a vibrant sense of humor. Mike had a sleeve full of gags and tricks that kept Lisa giggling the whole day. I love it.

A highlight of the day for sure was the entrance of the bride and groom into their dinner party. Rocking a sweeeeeeeeeeeet mullet wig, Mike lead Lisa to the head table while showcasing his amazing hair band moves. Im pretty sure he parked his yellow 1983 Pontiac Fiero out front.

LAKE COUTURE.

As yesterday's rain turned to a perfect stormy, overcast sky I sat in my office engulfed in a pile of wedding editing and files to be organized. Every half hour or so I would peek over my computer screen and imagine a photo shoot in my mind. The outdoor light was peeeeerrrrrrrrrfect. Finally at 4pm I couldn't resist any longer. I made a few calls and by 7pm I was down at the lake with Sean by my side, shooting a young girl who was born to model.

Kristyn, is probably the most stunning 15 year old girl I have ever seen. As an aspiring model, she has everything going for her including being able to take direction and improvise on her own. I wanted to try out a few ideas that I've kept simmering on my brain's back burner and our session went a little something like this...

I brought along the lens I used in this post to deliver something a little different than our usual portraits.

When I shoot, I will always prefer pretty natural light. Always. Hands down. It's how I roll and its the style I'm most attracted to. But... since this shoot was completely up to my discretion and I didn't have to worry about time constraints or trying new things and having them be a huge flop... I asked Sean to help me with our external flash and soft box. This allowed me to expose for the stormy sky and still have Kristyn lit beautifully. I will admit I love the way the following water shots turned out. It's nice to show some variety and range even though natural light will always own my heart.