I normally photograph couples who are in the engagement and wedding season of their life exclusively, with the occasional anniversary session (which I LOVE by the way). And I love getting to enter into such a pivotal season in their lives, while everything is both a beginning and an end. But every once in a while, there’s a convincing email that breaks me out of my norm. :]

Riley’s email a few weeks ago was one of those! It was a last minute request because she and her boyfriend were about to be separated by a whole country! Thousands and thousands of miles of distance and Brad was about to move to California and they had almost no pictures together. So of course I had to say yes! And after a couple reschedulings due to the enormous amount of rain a few weeks ago, we finally got to meet on a foggy Friday morning in Blacksburg. And I was SO glad I said yes. Brad and Riley are so sweet together. From hearing their story to hearing how they were going to continue to pursue each other and the Lord during their time a part, I just loved them.

We spent a lot of time strolling a few feet and chatting and laughing and then taking a quick break for photos and then stopping and chatting again. I got to hear about everything from Brad riding his bike through a rainstorm to finally ask Riley out (!!!!) to their love of Carol Lee Donuts, like any respectable Blacksburgian of course. Did I mention we laughed a lot? Because we totally did.

Brad and Riley, I’m so thankful to have met the two of you and I hope these images ease the distance between you when it gets difficult. Your relationship is one of a kind, and filled with so much pure joy and it was an honor to capture.

Sometimes you gotta make the fog go to work for you :]

Wahhhhh <3

One of my favorites for sure!

They’re fun!

SO. much. JOY.