Tara and Jay, Fredericksburg VA Engagement Photographer

Tara and Jay's Engagement Session

University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg Virginia

My time with Tara and Jay was nothing short of AWESOME!  I cannot wait to share these images and the stories behind them.  Stolen bikes (well not really), eating bugs and illegal parking, oh my!

One of my concerns at our session was parking.  It’s always nice to put your best foot forward when meeting a new client.  If the first thing they saw was my attempt at parallel parking, I knew I was in big trouble.  My driving instructor actually let me skip this part on my DMV test.  He was really sweet and I will remember him for the rest of my life, because now....... I CAN’T PARALLEL PARK!!!   The good news is, that when I confessed this to Tara, she admitted she wasn’t that great at it either.   Who knows, maybe she was just trying to make me feel better. Because when we returned to the cars, mine was the only one that looked like someone was already pulling out into the road.

Most engagement sessions, I work on posing and guide the client into how to place themselves and interact with each other.  It wasn't a moment before I looked through the viewfinder to see Jay doing everything I was going to ask of him, without even asking.  I thought to myself that maybe it was a fluke and he was just cuddling up to Tara in the moment.  But it wasn't, it was just the way the two of them interacted. 



I quickly realized I had struck gold with these two.  He would pose, look at Tara and she would naturally just start laughing.  Are you serious?!  This is too easy.  I normally have to work hard to get a shot like this.  What magic tricks did Jay have up his sleeve?  What was so funny?  Oh, who cares?  I'm rolling with it.

In fact, now that I'm looking back at these, what were they laughing at?! ;)

Jay and Tara were fun and easy going.  They made me comfortable and comfortable enough to ask them to be really silly!  We continued our walk from the campus bell tower.  

That's when I spotted it... the cutest bike! I just loved it. The basket, the cheesy 70's sea foam green and the cute black and white damask covered seat. Someone put a lot of work into this bike and it was a dream bike for an engagement session.  Can I use it please??   I looked around to see if the owner was anywhere to be found.  I wanted to ask if we could borrow it for a few shots.  I looked but there was no one in sight.  That's when I turned and looked at them with mild disappointment.  "What do you think? Could we use it for one photo? Do you think they would get mad?"  Jay answered with, "Well, it's been sitting here the whole time and no one has been around it."  It's like leaving an adorable puppy tied up all alone.  You just have to give it attention.  That was my cue, "Hurry, quick!  Jump on the bike! I want to get your picture on it!"  And jump they did.  We got the photo and off we went.  To take more pictures, not to ride the bike. 

These bike pictures had great potential...but we took what we could get and it was fun.

Jay and Tara met at the University of Mary Washington. Because they knew the places that were special to them, I employed Jay to be our tour guide. It was fun getting to hear their story and learn a little more about them.

I've been to UMW many times, photographed several bridal parties and couples here.  Something about the tour with Jay and Tara was different.  Jay had an eye for architecture.  It was as if he'd envisioned being in each place with Tara.  He had pictured the images before they had even selected me to take them.  Sometimes I wonder why I'm so blessed.  Why I love my job so much and then get to share these moments with really great people.

Our next stop was a bridge. The sun was shining through the leaves and it was beautiful.

The only problem was the tiny little gnats flying around.  Hundreds of them. They were everywhere. It wasn't long before one flew right into Jay's eye.

It wasn't as bad as what happened next.  Yes, one flew right into my mouth.  I started choking and trying not to eat it.  Tara was a lifesaver.  Seriously!  If she had not had water with her, I might have had a very unpleasant dinner.  Thank you Tara! 

She wore some great boots that have had me wanting to add a pair to my fall wardrobe.

I had to have a little fun and mess with them.  Give them a little "bad photographer" moment.  I had them walking down this path, asked them to do it again and again and again....  I had gotten the shot the first time.  Then let them know I was only kidding about doing it over and over.   The photo on the right is the moment I told them that I had been pulling their leg.

The lighting was amazing for our session.  I couldn't have asked for a better day.

I was having so much fun and luck with these two that we wrapped things up on campus and headed to a few spots in downtown Fredericksburg.  Oh dear...more parking.

One of our stops was Hyperion Espresso.  It was so gorgeous out.  A lot of people were taking advantage of the beautiful day.  This all translated to no parking.  I finally found a spot that said, 'For farm vehicles only'.  Hum..what constitutes a farm vehicle and why would anyone be driving them downtown?  Well, it was my only choice.  I pulled in the space and got out to find Jay and Tara.  As soon as I shut my door I heard sirens blaring.  Oh man, are you serious?  Really?  I'm in trouble now!  Oh whew....it was only a fire engine speeding by.  I quickly made my way to the coffee shop.  We decided it was a good time for a quick drink and break.  I snapped a few shots and we made plans for our next location.

 

They were great with allowing me to try a new location.  It's a mosaic in downtown Fredericksburg by MOREart.  I didn't know exactly where it was but with a little patience and keeping my eyes opened, we found it very quickly.  Thank you Jay and Tara for being great sports and giving so much of your time in our session.

I loved the mural.  I even went back the next day, took some time to look at all the pieces and really enjoy it.  It's colorful, vibrant and was created for a good cause.  I think it adds something different to the session and I really like it.  It inspires me want to create my own work of art.  Before I had to work for a living, I painted and sketched a lot.  I miss it and would love to make a little time in my life to get back to it.

We hit up the railroad station and then the docks down by the river. 

This is where it gets good!  I know, right?  How could it possibly get any better?  It did!  I adjusted my camera settings,  look up at them and they are dancing.  The river boat pulled up just as we were finishing the shoot and was playing rap music.  It was hilarious.  Is this really my life?  Oh yeah, it's my life.  I wish everyday was the party that this photo shoot was.  But don't we all?! 

Until we meet again, Jay and Tara, thank you for a day that I will never forget.  I still sing this song in my head when I see the photos.  Come on, you know you do too!


Thank you!

P.S. Look at that moon.  The stars are aligned for you two!

Leah and Eric's Wedding, Stafford Virginia Wedding Photographer

The Uninvited Guest

Leah and Eric Lewis - August 27, 2011

 

Maybe our photography consultation was an omen to what was going to happen.   To the guest we never wanted to see.  To the guest no one wanted to see.  Hurricane Irene.

Our attempts at the photography consultation were a whirlwind, so to speak.  First we rescheduled, almost rescheduled again, then on a whim, met up outdoors for our consultation.  That was a first for me.  Sample wedding albums in tow, we finally connected at Gari Melcher's Belmont.  I knew immediately after hearing the details of the wedding that I wanted to shoot this event.  It was going to be awesome and awesome it was!

Leah planned each detail to be unique and gorgeous.  I wanted to be there and see it all.  From the Maggie-Sottero dress, lily of the valley boutonniere, beautiful floral accents, to the cheese smorgasbord, this wedding was unique.  That’s not even taking into account the hurricane!

Although some things did not go as planned, it all turned out beautiful.  I count the blessings.  There were couples whose weddings had to be cancelled altogether.  The venue locations were evacuated.  I cannot even imagine that scenario but fortunately, we only had to change our plans from outdoor photos to indoor photos (well....sort of).  There was a little excitement at the reception but we will get to that later.

Leah and Eric chose to do a "first look," which is when the bride and groom see each other prior to the ceremony.  This moment is done with just the two of them.  We planned to photograph it outside at Gari Melcher's Belmont, where the reception was being held.  With Irene making waves that was not going to happen.  Leah was able to arrange usage of The Kenmore Inn for portraits.  Thank goodness!

I admire Leah's appreciation of history and culture.  At every reception table she used a piece of artwork painted by Gari Melcher.  

Leah is a specialty cheese buyer. She gets paid to travel to Europe, taste and purchase some of the finest cheese. Naturally, she opted for a fruit and cheese cocktail hour like none I've ever seen.

At this point is where things got interesting....  The power went out.  

Richard from Richard Green Entertainment approached me to say hello.  I've worked several events with Richard and think he is a great disc jockey; professional, fun and just all around excellent at the job.  We were hopeful the electricity was going to come right back on.  Then that sinking feeling started to settle in.  It's was out for the night.  Introductions into the reception had not even started.  I could still take pictures but playing music without power was not exactly an option.  I think I was still in disbelief when he was making calls and talking to venue managers.  Fortunately, Richard has a voice that carries.  He proceeded with introductions and you barely noticed there wasn't a microphone. 

Just when I thought that the electricity would put a damper on the entertainment, I realized there needed to be power for the dinner service.  Oh no...things did not look good. I felt terrible for Leah and Eric's dream of their perfect reception. And for her mother, whose heart looked broken.  Was this really happening???  I wanted the best for them, for their day. 

Then the clouds parted and the sun shined!  Well, not outside but on the dance floor!!!  Richard had done some magic and gotten a portable generator.  Lights beamed on the dance floor, greetings were made and music played.  I breathed a sigh of relief.  Whew...!!!

Now onto the dinner issue.  Anne from R & R Catering seemed like everything was just fine and it was!  The meals were prepared just prior to the power outage and if they served them up promptly, dinner would be great.  I couldn't believe it.  Leah was fortunate to hire such an amazing catering staff.  The wait staff had to go up and down a flight of stairs with flashlights to see their way.  No one noticed or even knew how challenging the task of dinner service had become. 

The cake was gorgeous and made at The Icing in Stafford.  I don't see the cake vendors often but kudos to them for getting the cake to the reception in the wind and pouring rain!

I was so pleased by how well the vendors were handling the challenges of the hurricane.  Seeing it all come together really gave me a great feeling.  I was so excited that not even a hurricane was going to ruin this day for them.  I know that everyone says, it's not about the wedding itself but about the couple getting married.  While this is true, the couple who have dreamt of their celebration and made the financial investment want it to be perfect.  They want to have fun!

To Leah and Eric, may this be the biggest hurricane life brings your way and if it's not, then may you handle it with the same grace, dignity and determination that you did this one.   If I could go back and change anything about this wedding, I wouldn't!  It was one of the most amazing, happy, exciting events and I wouldn't have missed it for the world.  Thank you for letting me be a part of this unforgettable day.  Best of wishes to you both!

A very special thank you to Karin Griffin of Red Chestnut Photography for 2nd shooting this wedding with me. She sewed up a ripped brides maids dress, captured some of the only cake cutting images and best of all....grabbed the camera that I had left behind. You were a tremendous support and I was so happy to have you with me on this day. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!