Wedding // Brad + Justine

Finally starting to blog again and it FEELS SO GOOD! Decided to start it off with these two sweet hearts.

It was a perfect summer day. Like amazingly perfect. I don’t do heat- I hate it. Or I guess I hate humidity? All I know is that I kinda tend to turn into a grumpy troll and one of the hardest things about shooting weddings is working in all kinds of weather. Freezing temps, rain, snow, frigid winds or humid hot days etc. However, Justine and Brad were blessed with a perfect summer day. Temps in the mid seventies, cute wispy clouds, sunshine and even a light breeze. It was heavenly and so different then the wedding we had the day after theirs, torrential rains, dark clouds and cold temps- welcome to NY weather!

But the Moyer Wedding was a wonderful outdoor wedding at one of my favorite venues EVER! It’s where my husband and I said our “I Do’s” back in 2014 and we have photographed almost 10 weddings there now. MKJ Farms is run by Jack who is AMAZING! If you are looking for a barn venue that is spacious, has a beautiful outdoor ceremony location, and an owner who bends over backwards to make your day the best it could possibly be then book at MKJ! It won’t disappoint.

Now back on track to Brad and Justine. ;) When you are around these two you are just relaxed. You feel comfortable and welcomed. You can see their friendship, their quiet love and the true respect they have for each other. We stepped out during golden hour (something I look to do with every bride and groom) and got some of my favorite photos from the 2018 season! What an all around beautiful day. A fun bridal party, a family oriented wedding, so much joy and a truly beautiful couple. It was such an honor to head back to the farm and capture the new Mr. + Mrs. Moyer’s Wedding Day. We love you guys and can’t wait to be neighbors!

Vendor Love:

Hair- Jamie's Salon Of Beauty
Make up- Michelle Brown Beauty https://www.facebook.com/michellebrownbeauty/
Flowers- Heather. https://www.heatherfloralstudio.com/
Cake- Kelly Banks
Cupcakes- Erin Davis
Venue- MKJ Farm http://mkjfarm.com/
Food- Wild Hogs BBQ

Anniversary// Dan + Dani

We pulled in and Danielle walked over to me with a stuffed monkey in hand. She smiled and I smiled and then my daughter smiled. It was the first stuffed animal she showed any interest in and its been one of her favorites since (scroll down to the end to see the monkey in action). That just tells who Dan and Danielle are. A truly kind, fun and loving couple. We met them this summer when we did their anniversary session and it was truly such a perfect hot summer day.

I think there is something just so special about anniversary sessions. No matter what year you are on its about taking the time to celebrate your love, accomplishments, the highs, the lows, your friendship and the craziness that is life. I have so many people say, “I haven’t gotten pictures with my husband since our wedding day,” and that truly makes me so sad! I believe it is so important to document your love, to get yearly family photos, bring your dog, create memories and embrace life. And that is exactly what Dan and Dani did. They brought their fur baby, they danced in a garden, kissed on bridges and took the time to create some memories that not only they can look back on and cherish but so will their kids and their kids kids. That is why photos are so important. Captured moments in time for you and your family to cherish forever.

Thanks Dan and Dani! We seriously LOVE you guys and your big hearts. Thank you for letting us create some magic with you two and again for Nattys monkey. She still loves it. :)

Engagement// Chris + Funmi

These two hold a special place in my heart and it was an absolute honor to photograph their engagement photos in Chris's hometown of Rochester, NY!

Chris and Funmi are college sweet hearts that are getting married next year in NYC! Not only are they having one wedding but TWO. Yes, that's right but before I explain let me tell you why they mean so much to me. ;)

Funmi and I went to college together and she was one of the only friends I had on campus. That sounds so pitiful but in all honesty I let my introverted side get the better of me during college. It was a difficult season for me with my parents divorce and missing all of my friends from my previous college. I didn't party, hated math and just dreamed of pretty much the life I have now. THANK GOD!

The first time I saw Funmi she was sitting in the sunshine with a group of people she probably had just met and was speaking Nigerian. I invited her to our local campus bible study group (100% out of my comfort zone I might add) and she instantly lite up and smiled. From then on out we went to church together, BASIC, and ate lunch together as much as our schedules allowed. She and her bff Vanessa became some of my favorite humans on the planet and in a very short time. We would sit and talk about our future weddings, husbands, Jesus, careers etc.

I remember one day in the cafeteria Funmi told me she would have a traditional Nigerian Wedding. Not only would she have an American Wedding but a Nigerian one as well and then she informed me that I would be the one to photograph it. I was thrilled have been praying and hoping Funmi would find her prince charming that not only respects her but her heritage as well! She found all of that in Chris.

These two ooze joy, confidence, and compassion. They fit like a glove, and both love Jesus sooo much! Funmi has this zeal for life that is infectious and Chris has a genuinely kind soul. I am so beyond thrilled they found each other and are giving Davy and I the honor to capture their weddings! I LOVE photographing friends weddings- it means the word to me because it gives me moments that no other guest gets.

THANK YOU both for letting me bring my daughter (so happy you and Vanessa got to meet her Funmi) and my Grandma and Dad along to help. And thank you Funmi for being such an amazing light in my life, I cherish your friendship. You two are my people and I am over the moon excited for this next chapter in your love story.

Newborn// Oliver Family

Okay I'm going to be honest. Newborn sessions use to terrify me. I'm not a studio photographer, the babies are wiggly, and so much work goes into making sure they are fed, happy and comfy. I was tempted to completely quit newborn sessions and just say it's not my thing. I AM SO GLAD I DIDN'T!  Newborn sessions are truly some of the most magical moments you can ever have the honor of capturing. I've found my own niche and style- and I am loving it. :)

THANK YOU to the Oliver Family for welcoming me in to your beautiful home to meet your most precious treasure. Mckenna is a little love, with the best head of hair around. Seriously her hair is fantastic! She was so alert and although she and Marley (fur baby) look scared- they already are the best of friends. ;) Nicole and Josh, you two are already amazing parents and trust me- it only gets better. Soon you will be like me missing when my own babe was a wee little thing. It flies by and I hope you cherish these captured magic moments forever and ever. <3

Engagement//Seth + Nicole

Meet Seth + Nicole!

I love when I photograph a couple that are all smiles, holding hands and whispered giggles. That was Nicole and Seth- their smiles were contagious and their love for each other so evident.

They currently are located in Virgina- but drove up for their engagement photos and bridal shower to have in Nicole's hometown of Little Falls. Such a cute and historic little place- my husband and I loved it! Nicole specifically requested some photos on swings! She said it was something she always dreamed about having and it instantly set the mood for the rest of the shoot. Fun, relaxed and care free! We even ended the session with some ice cream- proof these two are my kinda people! ;)

These two are so comfortable together and their friendship was a blessing to photograph.We are so excited for their wedding this August! Thanks you two for giving us the beautiful honor of capturing all these lovely moments. We love it and loveeee you two! :)

PROM//David + Kierston

That handsome guy in the suit is my baby brother! I had the joy of photographing his prom photos as well as his super sweet girlfriend Kierston. :)

David is truly the best little brother. He is kind, patient, loving  and brings my heart so much joy. He is faithful and remains strong despite all life has thrown at him already. Its obvious I am proud of him and a pretty big fan. Blessed to capture these moments for him and watch him be Prom Prince!

Kierston is a beauty and although she is quite- she is also a bit of a goof. She asked/trusted me to do her prom make up which was soooo fun! I haven't done someones makeup for a wedding or prom in years. Thanks for trusting me girl- you are stunning!

Thanks David for letting your big awkward sister be there and sob all over you. Can't believe how old and big you are- love you always.

Couple GIVEAWAY// Drew + Jessica

In February we (my husband and I- hes my second shooter, my business partner <3 ) decided to hold a free couples give away. It was all to honor love and we wanted to choose people who truly wanted to celebrate their love story. Part of the entry process was to message me how you met and fell in love. We smiled the entire time during Jessica and Andrew's story that we knew they had to be in the final drawing and when they won we were so THRILLED it was them!

Here is their story:

"I'd love to win the couples photo shoot for my husband Andrew and I! We met 5 years ago when we both worked at Lowes! I was working there part time finishing college and he absolutely swept my off my feet. He was such a sweet sweet guy, that I almost put him in the friend zone because he took so long to make a move boys right?! Haha! He asked me to marry him a year later when we were fishing.. he had a fishing lure that said that I was the catch of his life.. it took us a while to plan and save the $, but We got married on my Grandpas farm in June of 2016, and welcomed our daughter Emily in December. Drew, makes me a better me. He leads me through each obstacle we face, and he helps encourage and strengthen my walk with the Lord.. I'm so blessed for this life I have."

Isn't that just the cutest?! They were so happy to win they even gave us a dunkin doughnuts gift card (SIDE NOTE- we will never ever turn away gifts- especially when doughnuts are involved). I don't say this to toot my own horn but they left away feeling so refreshed. Jessica messaged me- saying it was so nice to have a date again and focus on their love for each other for an evening. When couples leave feeling more in love then you know you did your job. <3

THANK YOU for sharing your story with me Drew and Jess. You have a beautiful little family and we hope to meet Emily someday. But it was such a delight to know we were blessing your friendship, your marriage and giving you photos you can cherish forever.