Jerod & Angela | engaged

"I knew when I met you, an adventure was going to happen." 
Winnie the Pooh

Jerod and Angela, where do I begin? They are truly themselves at all times, so easy to love, and seriously funny. The few hours we were together honestly felt more like just a few minutes! Their interactions were so sweet and natural, and you'll see a lot of them in this amazing pose they eased into on their own with zero instruction from me. 

I love stories. Every person has a story, every story has value and impact, and I love hearing all of the unique ways that people come together. Jerod and Angela's story resonates with me in a special way - a relationship that grew over time. Lots of time, through many different seasons, developing their friendship and refining their love for one another. The reason it resonates so well with me is because that's what marriage is. It's this incredibly world-changing, beautiful, difficult, rewarding, crazy, sort-of-weird-sometimes experience of two people choosing to grow together and love one another through every kind of season imaginable.

Most days I honestly can't believe I have the privilege of being able to play a small part in these stories and that is why I have no problem saying over and over again how much of an honor it is to be able to do what I do. I get to capture some of the most precious pieces of these stories, to witness their beginnings, and to build relationships with so many amazing people. 

Anyways, Jerod and Angela - my excitement for you both is overwhelming. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you together! 

Tim & Ema | married

It takes some very special people to take a rainy day and fill it with sunshine, even in the gloomiest weather. Tim and Ema are those people - taking every measure to be certain their guests were enjoying themselves and taken care of. They are selfless, sweet, and seriously two of the smartest people I know - fully equipped to weather all of life's storms. Literally. Also, they had sticky buns instead of cake!

Theirs is a story long in the making and it was such an honor to witness their union. 

A HUGE thanks to their families for making us feel at home with them, and a huge thanks to my incredible husband who was by my side the entire day. 

Kyle & Rachael | engaged

"What did my fingers do before they held him?
What did my heart do, with its love? "
Sylvia Plath

I've sat at my computer for about twenty minutes trying to capture these two with words and I kept coming up short. The only thing I can really think of to share is that I was so emotional as I went through their images, because the love they share is so sweet and genuine and it flows so obviously through everything they do. 

Here are some (actually, a LOT) of my favorites... 

Jordan & Jenna | engaged

"You have bewitched me, body and soul..." 
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Things I love about Jordan and Jenna + things I loved about their session: 

  1. Jordan and Jenna don't take themselves too seriously and it shows in the best way - their relationship has an ease to it that I absolutely adore. You'll see how it comes through even in photos. 
  2. The original plan for the session was to venture into Lancaster Central Park to a few specific locations along a stream that runs through the park. We arrived shortly after sunrise (but long enough that the park should have been open) and all of the entrances were still gated and locked. The park opens at sunrise, so it was pretty unusual for them to be closed at the time we arrived... but, as he always does, God provided something better for us - the most stunning and wonderful surprise location: the family farm of our mutual (and treasured/amazing/hilarious/beautiful) friend, Brianna. Not even 24 hours beforehand, we decided to have Brianna join us for the session to help out... and just because she's a joy to be with! I am SO thankful that we did! 
    I honestly loved that things didn't go according to our plan, because that's how life is. It can be tough and frustrating sometimes, but GOD SHOWS UP and he is FAITHFUL, even in the simplest and seemingly insignificant ways! 
  3. When we pulled up to the farm, the lane was surrounded by that hazy warm glow of the summer sun - annnd I felt like I was on the set of a movie. It was so beautiful, I had chills! If you've never seen Pride and Prejudice (circa 2005), CLICK HERE, watch three minutes of the movie, and you'll totally understand why. 
  4. They LOVE to sing and worship together, and decided to incorporate this part of their relationship into their session: they performed an AMAZING cover of "Yellow" by Coldplay, which just so happens to be one of my favorites. It was AMAZING ...yes, I know I said that already, but seriously. It was, and it added a personal element to the session that literally made me squeal with delight. On multiple occasions. 
  5. Jenna has the best laugh, she's not afraid to casually scarf down a cupcake in front of almost-strangers, and she is by far one of the most down to earth young women I've met. Jordan, on the other hand, is full of silly sarcasm (cue laughter from Jenna and everyone else around), is an incredible musician, and also has no problem scarfing down a cupcake in front of almost-strangers. On a more serious note, I love the way these two are SO seriously wild about each other and more importantly, their Savior. Also, did I mention they're both really talented musicians? This might as well have been a shoot for an album cover... 

    And on that note... enjoy some of my MANY favorites from this past Friday morning!