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!

We met them first at Mabry Mill – it is close to Primland Resort, where they are getting married – and Charlie’s family is related to the Mabry’s – too perfect! There were all kinds of neat places to shoot. It was a GORGEOUS day in late March, we couldn’t have asked for more comfortable weather to do an engagement session in!

On the property there was this cute little stone and plank cabin – we took advantage of the great light spilling all around it to get some shots.

Heather & Charlie were troopers and were up for anything. This haystack may have been slightly damp. 

Heather’s ring was simply AMAZING.  Nice job Charlie…

We then headed over to Primland Resort. This is the coolest place ever. First of all, you have to drive so high up in the montains to get there, you begin to wonder if an oxygen tank will be necessary. Second of all, there was no one there. Not a single guest to be seen! The staff (who were super friendly and helpful) explained that they get really busy on the weekends and during the summer. We had the entire place to ourselves to shoot the session. Third, the architecture is just breathtaking – imagine a giant 42 room hunting lodge on top of a mountain which mixes a traditional stone and timber construction with all kinds of modern design flair. Ben and I spent the first 5 minutes walking around the lobby and staring…mouths open.

Admit it, you get this happy when you drink coffee too (especially if it is with your sweetheart, right?)

Love.

Oh my! Heather, you are beautiful. This is both Ben and my favorite.

H&C, I expect you both to print these photos out and keep the other’s photo in your wallet.

They had these wood carvings made from an Etsy shop. We were determined to make sure we incorporated them. Love it when people bring props.

Part of the resort is this little Observatory on the top floor - its a round room with a near 360 degree view of the surrounding mountain tops.  It also has a really comfy leather couch. I tested it out.

Another wood carvings from Etsy. I love the quote. Wouldn’t you say your love story is a fairytale too?

Heather and Charlie, it was a blast to spend an afternoon with you!  We are beyond excited for your wedding in October! Much love! – S&B

Sam is such a ham! He was all over the place during our shoot. I love it. When we can get kids just being kids that is just a good day to me.

Ack! How stinkin’ cute are Jenn & Mark together?! So sweet.

Seriously Jenn?! You are killing me here. Beautiful.

At the edge of the property are these gorgeous stone columns that Jenn’s grandfather put in.  Although they can’t take the columns with them when the house sells they at least have a family picture with them that they can cherish forever. I love Ben’s angle in the photo on the right. Perfect.

And you know I had to get a ring shot on them.

Mark just got a new car so we had to get this sexy shot of them leaning against it. HOT!!

After leaving the house we wandered around downtown Roanoke.

Hold yourself back ladies – he is a soon to be married man! LOVE everything about this photo – the light, the guy, the blazer and the bridge. Totally awesome.

Oh there is that gorgeous light again. I am pretty sure I high fived Ben after I took this shot. Yeah, that happened.

Meanwhile, Ben was taking the shot on the left. HELLO! And how could we leave downtown Roanoke without getting some shots of the historic signs.

Congratulations on your engagement! We can’t wait for your wedding in a few weeks.

We headed out to Bissett Park & RU’s campus for their session. It was a perfect fall day.

Reva – you are one hot tamale! One of my favorite photos from the session.

One of our favorite things about Bissett Park is that the river runs run by it.  Seriously gorgeous light.  Aren’t these two so sweet together?

Ok, so my new favorite spot to shoot is by this tree trunk.  Dramatic framing!  And how about Chris on the left = STUD! He felt natural in front of the camera and he so looks natural. So key.

They are getting married next fall. Won’t this ring shot be a perfect fit into their fall themed wedding? Such vibrant color!

Ben convinced them to have a leaf fight. They happily obliged!! I like Chris’ Matrix moves here.

Ah, bliss. Reva & Chris – Congratulations on your engagement! Hopefully we can work together again soon!

Seriously Amber! You are killing me! How incredible are her eyes? They just pierce right through you.

Hello gorgeous light! We love shooting early in the am and you can see why. Gorgeous light and gorgeous people = SCORE!

I just love how casual they are both here. They are both full of smiles and so relaxed. This is the BEST part of the “After the Wedding” Session. You don’t have to worry about getting anywhere or about your dress getting a bit dirty. It can be just about the both of you! MARRIED!

We love people in love. AND we love capturing that love. See exhibit A below.

I seriously could have photographed their rings all day. I got way too many good ones. It was hard to decide which to feature. Love ring shots!

After the park in Hershey we wandered over to Hummelstown for a bit and took a tour of main street. The historic Warwick hotel & restaurant.

A perfect fit!

We love shooting in urban settings especially when the first part of the day is spent in nature. Such a great juxtaposition between the pretty and the gritty. Plus fire escapes are just fun to hang out on.

Thanks Amber & Tim! We had a fantastic time with you. Congratulations on your wedding!

Doesn’t Jessica look fierce?! Work it girl!

The shot on the left took some time to get since we were shooting on a surprisingly busy road. I took watch for cars as Ben shot and every time a car came by we had to move out of the way and then go right back into it. While it was a slight ordeal, I just love how it came out. Perfect!

Ben & I were excited to see that the VT Solar Decathlon Lumenhaus was on display on the drillfield. We took advantage of the great light peeking out behind it to get some different shots than we usually do on campus. We love mixing it up!

These next two are my favorites!!!! Jessica & Peter look so darn good with each other!

Hello delicious light.

Can’t leave Tech’s campus without getting some shots with the Hokie Stone!

Thanks Peter & Jessica for a great time. Have a fantastic wedding!