Mike and Mandi could seriously have a Hallmark movie made about how they met! It all started in a family restaurant. Him being the owner’s grandson, her being the new waitress, and an older lady frequently suggesting they make plans to see each other outside of work. I can just imagine the playful banter in the kitchen and the deeper, getting-to-know-each-other conversations while cleaning and closing the dining area. Slowly becoming friends and then all of a sudden wanting to be more than friends… and five years later finally getting engaged. ;-)

Getting to meet and photograph my brides + grooms ahead of time for their engagement session makes wedding season so much sweeter! I met up with Tyler + Jessica the other night in Deadwood for some photos and some back-story. For example, can you believe they grew up only a half hour away from each other but didn’t meet until they were both working in DC? Small world, right?! Another fun fact: they make walking look good. :-)

And snuggling… okay pretty much the whole time we were taking photos, I was getting warm fuzzy feelings from these two. :-)

It only took a year of motherhood for me to realize that morning’s aren’t all that bad, and that sunrises are pretty darn beautiful. So when Aubrey + Mary agreed to meet me at sunrise for their engagement session, I was thrilled to see a familiar location in a brand new way. And even more thrilled to hang out with Aubrey + Mary for a little bit. Obviously. These two are so sweet and SO in love and only have a few months left until their wedding day!!!

Aubrey + Mary – thanks again for meeting me at dawn for photos!! I can’t wait for your wedding day – May can’t get here soon enough!! :-)

It’s January, which means it’s time to say ‘thank you’ to all that happened in 2015 and ‘welcome’ to what 2016 has to offer! So ‘thank you’ to all these couples featured below, for taking time out of your busy wedding-planning schedule to snuggle and play in front of my camera. Some of you have already celebrated your big day, and others still have a few months left on the countdown, but I hope all of you have the best 2016 ever!

Here we go, the annual ‘best of ENGAGEMENTS.’ Stay tuned for WEDDINGS and MOMENTS!! :-)