Laura’s first words to Thomas? “I love you.” No, really! They were at their college ministry and Laura was looking for someone with a truck and ta-daaaa – enter Thomas. Cue “Oh my gosh, I love you!” But for a good while, they were just buddies. But it all changed on a Cru Big Break trip. A four hour talk on the beach is where it really started. Laura says she unashamedly tried to get to know Thomas. Their friendship continued to form up until Thomas asked her to Virginia Tech’s ring dance…and more importantly, to be his girlfriend just a few days later.

Not too long after, Laura went down to Orlando to work for Cru and they were separated by lots and lots of distance. But by the grace of God, they made it work. They visited each other as often as they could. And eventually, Thomas proposed! Laura went back to Blacksburg to visit him and he sneakily flew her best friend out to be there. He employed her help in kicking off a scavenger hunt that ended in Heritage Park where he was waiting to pop the question. And of course, she said yes! Funnily enough, that spring break mission trip spot where they started out ended up being significant in more ways than one. It’s where Laura’s relationship with Jesus, it’s where her and Thomas really began a year later, and…it’s where she broke her foot just a few days shy of the pandemic and shut downs.

It’s safe to say that they’ve been through it all together! They survived long distance during an injury, engagement during a pandemic, and best of all, a little outdoor wedding in June. Because there was no way they were going to put their lives on hold with each other! They were wed in a little backyard with family present and they’ll be doing the big day all over again and BIG in 2021. We’re so excited to celebrate with them!

Thomas and Laura are funny and genuine and we had the absolute best time with them. We played at a Christmas Tree Farm and danced around Reston Town Center. What a dream! Hope you enjoy their newlywed session! (also their couple name is La-mas aka llamas and it’s perfect)

The sweetest Christmas tree farm and the sweetest newlyweds!

So llamas are their thing and these sweaters were a first Christmas gift between the two of them. Such a fun and funny element to their session!

I mean, I just can’t get enough of their smiles!

It was the end of November, but we still found some Fall color :]

They may have taken a tumble :]

The second half of the session was straight up winter city vibes and I was in loooove.

Thank you Reston Town Center for twinkle lights EVERYWHERE!

A super favorite. The first year of marriage is just so magical <3

Y’all, I had to sit on the ground in the middle of Reston Town Center to make these shots happen and I’d do it 100x more!

Laura, you’re so beautiful!

Also obsessed with this one!

Ultimate favorite! Can’t wait to see them get married AGAIN!