If you had told me I would be shooting in a dense fog— a literal minimal visibility misty cloud— I probably would’ve canceled. When I had called the state park office, the ranger described the weather as “misting” but there was zero chance of precipitation and the forecast was calling for mostly cloudy.But when I stepped out of my vehicle, traversed the sand dunes & approached the raging waters, I discovered the most epic, picturesque scene I could’ve only dreamed for. The absence of sunshine,a gentle breeze,and a thick fog lingering over the foaming ocean. In my mind, absolutely MAGICAL for the clients I was about to photograph.A husband and wife who— because of COVID— were forced to cancel their Hawaiian wedding back in March. So instead, she hoped to document their marriage here in NJ, where they first met. And the outcome was straight of a storybook.Unable to see more than 200 feet in the distance, we were enshrouded by a steamy haze. And as the wind blew, the family pulled each other close, instinctively clinging to one another for warmth.While I can sit all day, planning these sessions from start to finish, what I CANNOT do is control the weather conditions or the attitude of my clients. But this family remained positive, loving and affectionate, despite the fact we did not have a golden glowing sunset. Together we embraced the chilly fog and together we made magic. (6/10/20)
Category: Couples
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{Danielle & Josh | Anniversary Portraits | Las Vegas, NV | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
More images from my epic anniversary session in the Nevada desert!
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{Chase & Mindy | Pregnancy Announcement | McGuire AFB, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Military wives are some of the strongest women I’ve ever met. Facing unforeseen absences, deployments–along with stressful, unpredictable moves, they trudge forward, doing whatever is asked of them, standing stoically amidst uncertainty. And then there’s pregnancy in the thick of all that. The SWEETEST blessing, but sometimes endured alone while her spouse is gone for months at a time, serving their country.
I’ll never cease admiring the strength of these women… or these families who sacrifice so much.
Here is a joyful announcement session I captured on the flight line at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. This pair is expecting their first child this June and I couldn’t be happier for them. God bless them both!
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{Danielle & Josh | Las Vegas, NV | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Very few friends qualify into the “best” category, but this girl certainly does.
After forming a strong connection during my freshman year at Penn State, we’ve stayed close for over 15 years.Almost every place I’ve lived since college, she’s visited me— from Alabama to Japan to Florida to here in New Jersey— she’s traveled far to be by my side on my wedding day, flying in to be with me during deployments and she’s even helped babysit my kids on countless occasions (she spoils them rotten😂). Favorite memories together include tailgating at PSU; road tripping to Niagara Falls, Canada; humpback whale watching in Okinawa, Japan and squeezing into the busiest pub in Dublin, Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day. With her, it’s always an adventure.
So when she asked me if I’d be interested in photographing her and her husband for their two-year anniversary, I was stoked! First of all, they’re both gorgeous & have the best sense of style. Second, they’re absolutely in love so I knew the images would be genuine. Also— when we realized we’d both be in Vegas the SAME exact weekend, it was FATE.
Thanks to my photographer friend Essie, we discovered this breathtaking location just outside the city. Just south of the Valley of Fire, the Redstone Petrified Sand Dunes are a majestic burnt orange haven in the middle of the desert.
And with the sun setting below the Nevada horizon, our evening together couldn’t have been more perfect. Here’s a small preview of my very favorites. LOTS more to come soon😍 (12.01.19) -
{Tory & Brian | Engagement | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
As most of you know, the majority of my work involves capturing families and their little ones👩👩👧👦Very rarely do I photograph engaged couples, but recently I’ve had quite a few sessions where they’ve been my sole subjects💏💕 And can I tell you how refreshing and BEAUTIFUL it’s been to switch gears and document the anticipation and excitement of being engaged?! The new, young love that prefaces a lifetime of marriage together? The kisses, the tenderness, the CHEMISTRY?! There’s nothing like it.✨ Tory reached out to me months ago saying she had seen my work on a friend’s page and
1) asked me if I’d be interested in photographing her wedding
2) if I did engagements.
And while I hated declining the wedding, unfortunately I have NO IDEA where we will be living next summer (thanks to my husband’s job in the military) and would hate to commit to that and end up somewhere far away in Asia🤣 Also, I’ve decided weddings will not be a focus for me until later down the road when my kids are older and my weekends aren’t so sacred. But after chatting with her on the phone, I knew we’d be a good fit for her engagement session😍Tory & her fiancé Brian currently live in NYC but grew up in South Jersey—attending the same high school but not falling in love until years later🥰. She chose historic Smithville Mansion near Mt Holly for their location and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Between the rustic brick buildings and vast grassy fields— coupled with the most epic sunset sky— it was the most romantic evening.
These two complement each other so well; witnessing their strong connection and listening to them tell one another their hopes and dreams for the future warmed my heart— and reminded me of my own love for my husband and the feelings I felt during our engagement.
Thank you, Brian & Tory, for asking me to do this! Wishing you all the best as you prepare to become husband & wife♥️♥️♥️ (11.06.19)
