Oh 2013. You were too good to me.

2013 brought so much change and so many unexpected blessings, especially for this little business. Sitting down and looking through these portrait sessions was like hitting a rewind button on the year. I feel like I’ve learned and grown so much and can’t believe the vast difference in my work even in the last year.

I can’t explain how thankful I am for my clients who took a chance on me! In a world flooded with young female photographers right now, I can’t express how grateful I am that I got to be a part of your journey. No matter what milestone it was, thank you for letting me help you celebrate LIFE. I love that I got to be there for so many old friends and new friends best days and precious memories this year. I hold these images close to my heart, not only because they are mine, but because they capture something much more significant….joy and life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

And now, taking a page out of Abby Grace’s book, (she blogged her 2013 recap today too!) I’d love to tell you a bit about why I picked these favorites :]

Ashley (now) Herrinton’s bridal session was a game changer. My first sunrise session and first bridal session. It was so FUN and it reaffirmed how much I love shooting portraits for women.

My sister and I got to do a practice portrait session and it was such a blessing to be able to spend time together. I love this image because it reminds me how she has come into her own this last year, and is figuring out what life is supposed to look like.

Ahhh, my sweet friend Emily’s senior session. Running around Georgetown with her in the sweltering heat only made for sweeter memories.

And THIS is where my love affair with the 50mm 1.2 began. Matt and Becca were gracious enough to lend me their time so I could practice with my new gear for an upcoming wedding and I fell in love. With them and I started to have this idea of what I wanted my style to be like. This is still my favorite from their session because it’s warm and genuine. Oh and also because of bokeh :]

Jonathan and Nikki’s wedding was a dream. Never have I gotten to be around so many people who love Jesus so much and in turn love each other recklessly. At the end of this day I remember thinking that I would cherish being a part of a husband and wife’s favorite day.

Another game changer. Holly’s bridal session was the result of a late night text and a lot of spontaneity. Holly! Thank you for indulging my craziness and being absolutely gorgeous inside and out!

Another four images of some of my incredible friends. Further encouraging my love of the craft even in exhaustion.

Tabitha! My first time back to the venue where David and I got married. Tabitha’s sweet DIY spirit and cute cowboy boots blew my mind and brought out the sun.

First family session EVER! Melanie and Landon and Noah made me realize what a privilege it is to see a family interact with each other and to see how sweet new life can strengthen a beautiful marriage.

These sweet children. I can’t. The Edwards family welcomed me and showed me a family that honestly loved each other.

The Reppert/Bush family photo shoot gave me an opportunity with mini shoots and to once again see the love between a husband and a wife and a Mom and her kids and their kids. A family who has fun together is the best kind.

My sweet friends Maddy and Mark allowed me a chance to try out maternity photography! I LOVE them and I loved frolicking through VA Beach at dawn and at dusk with the most daring of friends.

Eek! Kristen and her new little family were an honor to work with and taught me a little more about sweet southern light.

First anniversary session with the Burnettes reminded me that love at any point is something to be celebrated! Walking around Radford with these two was a dream and I laughed so hard my stomach hurt :]

Joanna and Nathan brought life to my soul. Between literally running through the city of Blacksburg, chasing the light, old parking garages, and their unique love story I was reliving this day over and over.

Sarah and Kyle’s anniversary session was perfect. Warm sunlight by the lake and a lacy wedding dress added to a couple who are totally wrapped up in each other and can’t stop laughing makes for amazing images.

Paul and Kristen had me laughing all afternoon long! They make me smile and I cannot wait for their wedding next month!

Okay this one is obvious. Mark and Maddy’s little Ezra is amazing and as soon as I took this image I knew I’d love it for eternity.

Rylan has the biggest personality! Thomas and Danni and their little one were so much fun to spend time with!

Brian and Caitlin ran with me through the corn maize, laid in a field, and zoomed all around the NRV and it gave me an indescribable joy to want to fast forward to their wedding day in June and do it all over again.

First time shooting in Richmond. Jonathan and Cary are sweethearts. They were up for anything and the gorgeous Richmond sights only added to their captivating personalities.

Ahhhh. Kyle and Sara Beth stuck with me for a chilly morning in Harrisonburg and they were super cool the whole time. I loved getting to walk around with them and talk marriage, life, and ministry and how that all works together.

Justin and Sydney are the most courageous and positive people ever! In 20 degree weather we managed to have a blast while their love kept them warm.

And if I may say so…the best way to end 2013 was with a proposal! Jonathan and Lily! THANK YOU! I am so glad I got to be there to capture your love in the pretty winter light.

2014, bring it on.