Author Archives: Sam

April & David | Blacksburg, VA Engagement Photographer

When April contacted us a few weeks back and asked if we could shoot her and David’s engagement session I was super excited. Some may recognize April from Christie & Jayson’s wedding last May. Originally we were going to do their session in early November but the day turned out to be bitterly cold and wet so we postponed it for a later weekend. I was a little nervous that we would just end up with similar weather but luckily the weather gods were looking out for us and the weather was perfect.

We met April & David at their home to utilize some of the cool land & structure that surrounds them. I am so glad they suggested it. There was so many different things around that we didn’t even know where to start. What better place than a lovely mossy fence.:)

Ben’s view

 

My view. A bit into our session David pulled out his guitar so we could incorporate it into some of the photos. April is a photography lover and said she has been meaning to get a picture of her ring in his guitar. I was happy to oblige!

David teaching April some chords. He made up a song just for us about “taking pictures in the yard”. Love it!!

We couldn’t forget about their adorable dog, Zoey! She was such a ham. I love how she begs for her treats. She seriously would stay like this until they gave the treat to her. It was great.

This is one of my favorite photos from the day. I love how natural it is.

After we put Zoey back inside, we wandered down the lane some to their neighbor’s property which had a bunch of old cars on it. April had asked for their permission to take pictures here and they were happy to allow us to use them; though the neighbor did say “I don’t know why you would want to”. Well, this is why….

and this one….

and, of course, this one! We loooooved the old cars and could have stayed there forever taking photos. Plus, the soft light didn’t hurt.

A little serenade.

We stopped by the chicken coop before a quick wardrobe change and then it was off to Heritage Park.

Heritage Park is one of our favorite spots to shoot and on this day we got there right when the light was perfect. The left image is another one of my favorites and I almost forgot to include it in this post! ek!

Hello! You two are adorable together!

I adore the way she is looking at him.

What did I tell you about that light. Ack! Add in some haybales and we are all set. One of Ben’s favorites on the right.

I think this is my top contender for a canvas. Such a sweet, quiet moment together.

LOVE THIS! April had mentioned that she loves photos of just feet with their heads cut off and I couldn’t agree more. Plus, I am in love with her boots! Another contender for a canvas.

I’ll be honest when we set David & April in this patch of grass I was not inspired by it but I love that Ben was able to make it work. Just one of the reasons why I love working with him! <3

Ben’s favorite! A great way to end our session with the sun setting and some relaxing time.

April & David – thanks for being fantastic to work with! You came ready to bring it and it was brought.:)Best wishes to you both!

Kimber & Ben | Hummelstown, PA Wedding Photographer

We had the pleasure of traveling up to PA a few weeks ago to shoot the wedding of Kimber & Ben. Kimber is the sister of a former client of ours, Kemer of Kemer & Erica fame. Remember their beautiful Brooklyn wedding we shot a few months ago? Anyhow, when Kimber contacted us and asked if we would do her wedding we jumped at the chance. No brainer! Doesn’t hurt that Kimber & Ben are just awesome people in general.

They were married on the coveted 11.11.11 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Hummelstown. Kimber is super crafty and did all of the floral arrangements herself.

Ben was as cool as a cucumber. He took a break while writing his vows to squeeze in a little tic-tac-toe.

They had a special guest join them for their wedding. Holiday Snoopy was there. There is some inside joke between Ben & his family. I am not even sure of the whole story but it was pretty amusing.

Kimber was radiant walking down the aisle. LOVE! 

I always say there seems to be one small mishap at every wedding and usually these things are more humorous than event changing. This was Kimber & Ben’s humorous mishap. The unity candle took a little bit of coaxing before it lit. But it finally did and now they have a funny story from it.

One of my favorite moments are those first few steps back down the aisle as husband and wife. Precious.

The required crazy bridal party shot. You would never know it was FREEZING that day.

We sent the bridal party inside to get warmed up while Kimber & Ben decided to make the most of it and not let the cold get in the way of some AWESOME couples shots.  Ben’s view and his favorite.

My view. It was easy to get these two to laugh together. They are constantly cracking each other up. Love that. And hello, gorgeous fall tree lined drive.

See I told you – Ben hamming it up – we sent them walking down the path and out of nowhere, Ben breaks out a heel click – talent!  Every now and then the sun would break through the clouds.  Not only did it instantly get 20 degrees warmer, but it made for some amazing shots:)

Kimber – you are GORGEOUS!!!! Ack!

The cake topper was Kimber’s parents from their wedding. I love that they used it and I also love the people’s hair! ha!

First dance!

Followed by hilarious toasts.

These were the lights used for the up-lighting around the room. I love finding clever spots for ring shots.

 

My favorite – I love the father-daughter dance at weddings. They always make me a little teary eyed. This one was no exception.

The lone guy who was brave enough to get up and dance to The Sugarhill Gang’s Apache.  “If I get up and make a fool of myself, surely everyone will follow…” :(

Ben (my Ben) warned Kimber ahead of time to not throw her bouquet to high because of the light hanging above. Kimber barely missed it.:)

The reception went way past the flower girl and ring bearers nap time so they decided to make good use of the comfy couches that were set up around the hall.

Congratulations Kimber & Ben!!!! My Ben & I wish you so many beautiful years of nuzzlin’ together. <3

ReBooth | Portable OpenFrame Photobooth

Some may have noticed that we have been a bit behind on keeping this blog up to date recently. Well it is because we have been working on some personal things and some new exciting product offerings for 2012. The first one we would like to introduce is our new openframe portable photobooth – ReBooth! This is not your grandparents photobooth. It is an openframe structure so there is no curtains to hide behind – everyone can see what fun your guests are having at the booth. It can accomodate several guests at one time.

Because several people can participate at once this eliminates long lines that take your guest away from the party.

ReBooth offers another level of excitement and entertainment to your wedding. Your guests will be talking about the fun they had in the booth for months after your wedding! All ReBooth packages come with an online gallery of EVERY SINGLE PICTURE TAKEN! We don’t edit out anything.

All of the photos will be uploaded quickly to your online gallery where you, friends and family can order prints directly from the site. Plus, all of the images will be delivered on a DVD along side your other delivered wedding images so you can enjoy them for years to come!

The booth is “guest-run” so our coverage of your wedding won’t be interrupted. You get hi-res images that you can print out as many times as you like and as big or small as you ever wanted. These aren’t some dinky little 8×2 film strips that get tossed aside or lost in an album somewhere. They are uploaded to our gallery for everyone to see and you can even share certain images on facebook so you can tag your friends in it.

A ReBooth package includes:
An online gallery with print ordering options
A DVD of all delivered images included with your wedding dvd
And a choice of one product:
- digital proof book of all your images
- 9 of your favorite 4×6 images in a collage frame
- $100 Print credit

All of this for only $495!!

The photo booth is available for rent with all of our wedding packages even out of town weddings!
It is also available for private parties and corporate events in the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, and Roanoke Valley areas.

 

Allen Family | Blacksburg, VA Family Portrait Photographer

Alex and Ryan told us ahead of time that the boys always get up reaaally early and that a morning session would be the best. We met them at 800 am on a Saturday morning and we were so excited when we got to the location – the sunlight and the morning mist were AMAZING!

Ben’s first favorite.

It was a little chilly in the morning so Ryan helped Cooper put his hands in his pockets to keep them warm. Cooper was so excited about being just like dad and strutted down to show Mom. Adorable!

My favorite. Definitely a canvas contender for Parker’s nursery. Such a sweet moment.

Ryan & Cooper ventured down to the creek to watch the water flow.  It is neat to see kids being so enthralled by the littlest things. We all could learn something from their curiosity.

Love Parker’s crazy baby hair. He is such a ham.

Cooper giving sloppy kisses.

Doesn’t the photo on the right make you want to be a kid again just so your dad can throw you up high. Don’t worry no babies were hurt in the making of this photo.;)

Cooper with this firetruck lunchbox. And nothing like an upside down dad to make a baby smile from ear to ear.

Another favorite! Parker cuddling with his dad. Canvas contender #2.

Cooper trying to blow bubbles. He doesn’t quite get the hang of it yet but he tried!

We were taking some family shots when I saw that there was a bubble still suspended in the grass.  Cooper was on it!  Let’s just say that bubble didn’t last for long:)

Nap time in the park!  Alex and Ryan told us that Cooper loves nothing more than being wrapped up in a big, warm blanket.  (I hear ya’ Cooper!)

Near the end of the session when the boys were getting a bit restless we decided to give them a break and do a few shots of just mom and dad.

Ben’s second favorite. And, canvas contender #3.

Thanks Allens for being awesome to work with. We can’t wait to do more sessions with you in the future!

 

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