Photography that expresses the profound nature of the present. There is no such thing as mundane, only magic.

Gillette Family Session

January 18, 2015

Every now and then there are instances that I’m convinced that heaven is touching earth. I had one of those moments during this family session. There was this room with magical light pouring through the window and streaming into the next room. I was literally jumping up and down, giddy with excitement (I’m a little nerdy when it comes to light). But it could not have been more reflective of this family. Their love streams from one heart to another, just as bright as that room I discovered. Every interaction was such a celebration of life and of the vast love they shared.

This session took place in Wintergreen Virginia at a gorgeous cabin on top of a mountain. The air was incredibly crisp and the sky was clear blue. It could not have been a more perfect day or a more perfect family. I feel incredibly blessed to have been witness to such beautiful love.

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Amanda – To The Moon & Back

January 16, 2015

It was the perfect way to welcome the first day of the new year with one of my closest friends during a golden sunlit session. This was such an incredible time playing with light from within and without. Amanda left me speechless with every gust of wind in her hair, her stunning smile and golden glow behind her.

This country girl is full of Sass and I can also say with certainty that she is good through and through. She has a heart of solid gold that always finds its way to shine from her heart every day. I feel incredibly blessed to know her and call her my friend. “I love you to the moon and back” is a very special phrase for Amanda. She shares it with her best friend that lives half way across the country. Even with the distance there is always the moon, the same moon to gaze at and feel close. It’s such a truth for many of us that are separated from family and friends – The only distance we suffer is the road. Otherwise our love, memories & warmth are always present and need only be reminded by a glance of the same moon and starlit night.

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Nicole + Joe’s Engagement Session

January 1, 2015

Monticello Trail in Charlottesville, VA was bright and beautiful during Nicole and Joe’s festive Winter engagement shoot. We took a fun little walk up the trail and enjoyed talking over future wedding plans for October 10th 2015 at Lydia Mountain Lodge. These two are as sweet as they come, and every look is deep with adoration for each other. I loved every moment capturing Nicole’s bubbly laugh and Joe’s tender glances at his future wife. My favorite kind of shoot is one where I capture love in its natural element. I felt that during this session, as if I were simply an observer with a camera. Congratulations, Nicole and Joe! You are incredibly beautiful together. I can’t wait to capture your love again next year!

This session was shot both in Digital and on 160 Portra film. Big thanks to The FIND Lab for your amazing processing!

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April BennettAmazing and beautiful, as always, Bethany. Yay for film, and for your awesome processing that makes it hard to tell which is which!!ReplyCancel

Teresa + Zach Blenheim Vineyards Wedding

December 13, 2014

What an incredible wedding to wrap up the 2014 season with. Zach and Teresa brought all of their love on their wedding day and were surrounded by incredible support from their friends and family. These two are adored by those around them, and for good reason. They’re about the most creative, talented, hilarious and full of heart people I’ve ever met. It was such an honor to take part in their day and to witness their love manifest moment after moment.

Their proposal story is one of the most unique and awesome proposal stories I’ve ever heard! I have to share : Zach proposed outside of Target, Teresa’s favorite store, or at least that is what Teresa initially thought. Zach put a QR code in the ring box, which led Teresa to a video he had made giving her a clue to another location. Teresa then went on a treasure hunt around Charlottesville finding hidden ring boxes in different locations where Zach would make a proposal at each location. The hunt led Teresa back to their house where more puzzles were hidden. The final proposal came in the basement where Zach had created a hidden object game of several drawings that captured the history of their 6 year relationship. Isn’t that just amazing? Teresa, you got a keeper! See their Engagement Photos here : Zach + Teresa’s Engagement Photos.

Teresa got ready in the Bridal Sweet at the gorgeous, historic Blenheim Vinyards and traveled to St. Peter and Paul Catholic church to have their traditional ceremony. After a stunning ceremony rich with promise and authentic connection they departed in a cloud of bubbles created by their guests and traveled back to Blenheim Vineyards to finish off the night. Blenheim Vineyards completely astonished me with the incredible historical buildings, rich with character and filled with classy touches every where you turn. They had a lively Reception ; complete with breakdancing, soul trains, heartfelt speeches and energetic dancing. I couldn’t help but join in for a bit with my dorky camera belt and all. There were so many enchanting details every where I looked that were perfect for the harvest season ; apples, cinnamon sticks, a trick-or-treating table and S’mores as favors with a matchbook designed by the bride! Every single element to this wedding was so unique and personal.

I had so much fun witnessing the genuine romance that is so intertwined in every glance between Zach and Teresa. I am so excited to share these photos with you at all. I hope they are able to convey the enchanting day I experienced and the deep connection I saw at every turn. Congratulations you two!

The AMAZING vendors I got to work with :

Borai Photography – Second Photographer

St. Peter and Paul Catholic church – Ceremony Venue

Blenheim Vinyards – Getting Ready and Reception Venue

Em Devaud Events – Wedding/Event Planner

Josh Hall Media – Videographer

DJ : Tucker MacDonald

Kitchen Catering – Caterer

Hot Cakes – Baker

Potomac Flowers – Wholesale Flowers (Bouquets put together by bridal party).

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Kierra + Christine

December 4, 2014

Kierra & Christina are two unbelievably gorgeous newlyweds who are so deeply in love for each other that it simply cannot be hidden! We headed over to the historic Barboursville Vineyards for their portraits. The historic ruins at this Vineyard are remarkable. The remnants of brick and columns tell such an interesting story of what once stood there many years ago, and was destroyed by fire on Christmas day in 1884. We were also met with some absolutely stunning golden sun as the day passed. Christina and her love were so elegant in the waning light. This unique mix of lovely beauty and edgy brick and rubble was such fun to capture.

Congratulations you two for your happy life together! It was such a gift to witness your depth of love for each other.

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