Something Magical happened in 2015

I've seen so many "year in review" blog posts or these amazing "best of" posts and I love to look through them and see everyones year, most of the time I do not follow anyone closely enough to see each wedding they shoot. Even photographer friends of mine I don't follow closely enough, not because I wouldn't love to but more so lack of time and commitment to doing so.  I however am not as create as some of these bloggers,  or I am basking in my off season of sweats and netflix binge-watching and just truthfully loving laziness right now. I know soon in a month or two things will really pick up for me and so I am taking this time off to do just about nothing but cuddle my babies and celebrate holidays with family.  

I am not doing a "best of" because I know I certainly can't choose a favorite.  But you are more than welcome to comment below if you do have a favorite couple or wedding! That being said, I LOVED...LOVED my 2015 wedding season. All 20 couples/ weddings were spectacular. I connected with everyone, I was happy to be at each and every wedding and looking back brings back all that happy and good and warm temps back in my life.  So I quickly ran through my files, I picked a color photo of each couple and I wanted to share them again here with you. I linked their wedding blog so you can relive the wedding in case you missed it or in case you loved it and want to see a preview again ;)  I may do specific categories and share more from each wedding at a later date, we will see how winter goes! Stay with me, Spring and new weddings and engagements will be living up the blog soon. 

 I had 20 weddings, 19 of which are featured here as one was an intimate elopement.  CHEERS to 2015 and what's to come in 2016!!!

Wedding # 2-  Sean and Kristy at The Enchanted Barn 

Wedding # 3- Doug and Elizabeth at Schusters Farm 

Wedding # 4- Jonathan and Melissa at Heritage Hill

Wedding # 5- Jordan and Destany at Home

Wedding # 6- Jake and Georgina at The Barnsite Retreat

Wedding # 7 Jordan and Amanda at The Waters

Wedding # 8  Magnus and Holly at Justin Trails Resort

Wedding # 9 Jake and Courtney at The Enchanted Barn

Wedding # 10 Dexter and Sarah at The Barn at Harvest Moon Pond

Wedding #11  Jake and Alicia at The Barn at Harvest Moon Pond

Wedding # 12 Travis and Laura at Mount Lacrosse

Wedding # 13 Joel and Karen at The Farm at Dover

Wedding # 14 Josh and Ashton at The Lagaret

Wedding # 15 Michael and Jess at The Enchanted Barn

Wedding #16 Ryan and Brianna at Century Barn

Wedding # 17 Steven and Erica at The Waterfront

Wedding #18 Tyler and Kara at The Lagaret

Wedding # 19  Adam and Hannah at The Waterfront

Wedding #20 Eric and Catie at Hope Glen Farm

Friday Frames // Show me the light

Well here we are, almost Memorial Weekend, let the  chaos commence up in here. I have been chatting with lots of brides about either their upcoming wedding or their upcoming engagement session and try to make it easy for them. I have done this hundreds of times but I know they haven't so it's important we have these talks. One big thing I talk about is light. While the couple is worried about location, I say "I will look for the best light".  Lighting is important for how your photos turn out, there will definitely be days where it's not sunny and perfect but that doesn't mean your photos won't be. It just means you won't get that warm sunny glow.  I always book sessions in the later afternoon/evening and steal away the couple after dinner to get a few glimpses of said light.  I have even shot a wedding in pouring rain and was ready to leave until the light appeared and I stayed 30 minutes longer to get the bride and groom in that yummy light.  So since wedding season is here (next week for me) and has already started for some I wanted to share some good lighting tips for your engagement photos or wedding day. 

#1 Get ready somewhere with a lot of natural light, think white or light walls, big windows, a clean open room. 

#2 If your having an outdoor wedding, think of where the light will be at the time of your ceremony. Will it be 4pm and your facing the sun so it's beating on your face? if so, turn around. Flip flop your ceremony so the sun is to your backs. 

#3 Schedule later afternoon/ evening photo sessions. That pretty light will be magical. 

#4 I know your dad/mom/grandma/ sister /friend found a perfect backdrop or thinks those flowers are really beautiful but follow your photographers instincts on where to shoot the photos if outdoors. 

#5 Look at the BIG picture. Wide open spaces are always gorgeous for lighting. 

#6 Make time for dusk photos in your day, not only is the light great but you can get away from everyone and smooch your groom.

#7 Reception photos- Turn off the crazy DJ lights and put up some cafe lights (not christmas lights) Your first dance will look dreamy. 

#8 You do not have to do family portraits inside the church, you can go outside they will be even better, promise. Church lighting is rarely good. 

#9 If the sun is low and strong, it takes time to get those great photos, so snuggle in and take your time while your photographer gets the light juuuuuust right.

#10 Most importantly, hire someone whose lighting/exposure you love and make sure it fits your day. If you hire me and say you love my natural light look but are getting married in a basement covered with dark wood panels, your ordering Mexican Food at a Chinese restaurant. 

Hopefully you can put some of these tips to use! Have a great weekend everyone!!

Love Wins // Friday Frames

Just wanted to say today, on Friday Frames Happy Valentines Day World! I know some people who really love this day, they give flowers and candies and cards and set fun dates and maybe even get engaged or make a commitment to each other. Others view it as a "Hallmark Holiday" and a waste of money, over priced gifts and roses seem silly to them.  

I say, buy your girl some flowers! It's one day, yes it's overpriced but who cares? Girls- take your guy to dinner and a movie. Spend some time together unplugged. So what if it's a made up holiday? What better reason to show each other your love?  Love wins folks. Go ahead and show it off!

But really, whatever your opinion and whatever you do, whoever your with, I hope it's a fun weekend and full of love and joy because love is for everyone!