Falling in Love in Virginia...
One of the things I really love about my job is being able to work with people. I live in a small community and I am often blessed with working with people I have known for a while, people that are really special to me. The passion I have for love - witnessing it, experiencing it, encouraging it, spreading it….love is the most powerful thing in the world. How lucky am I that I get to surround myself with it every day in its many forms? To get to spend time with two people totally in love and beginning their life together or continuing their story is the greatest gift, one which I do not take lightly. When Cathy and Kevin got engaged, I saw the post on Facebook and my heart jumped. Cathy is someone I have known since I was a kid. We met in the 6th grade at Frederick County Middle School and got along right away. I was always drawn to her bubbly personality, her hilarious sense of humor, and her cunning sense of “don’t mess with me.” From the first time we hung out, I looked up to her, and not just because she’s taller than me!! Her light spreads far and wide and brightens up the world around her. If you know her, you know exactly what I mean and it’s wonderful. Of course Kevin fell in love with her and put a ring on it! Being around the two of them together will make any day better.
Cathy and Kevin met me in the parking lot of the State Arboretum of Virginia on a chilly yet gorgeous fall evening. In tow was their delight of a dog, Marvel. No family or engagement session are complete without the dog! Also along to help us with an extra set of hands for the dog was Cathy’s friend, Jessica! We got to meet Jessica in the months leading up to her wedding, and then we were given the honor of photographing her big day. It was great spending this afternoon with friends and pup!
As we approached the path that would lead us to the center of the park, we stopped by a tree that Jessica described perfectly as “on fire.” It was a great way to begin an autumn engagement session. Watching the gorgeous couple fall immediately into their natural state of giggling together, I felt a wave of gratitude. This job I get to do is something really special, and the people I get to work with are truly the best. We walked through the park, scoping out the best spots and having a great time playing with the dog! The deep reds and oranges of late fall lingered on the trees around us as the sun went down behind them and sprayed us with the most magical light. We followed the light as the sun went down, and were given the most beautiful fiery sky to enjoy as our backdrop.. As the sun set for good and we ran out of light, we said our goodbyes and I couldn’t wait to get the images home! Working through the images and seeing them again as I post this entry, my heart feels full and I feel super excited for not only their wedding day, but watching their story continue and grow <3
