Bridal sessions have quickly become one of my favorite types of sessions that I offer! I absolutely love that my brides get to dress up in their dresses, test out their wedding day makeup and hairstyles, and we get to create some beautiful portraits! When Morgan asked me if we could do a bridal session prior to her wedding day at her venue, The Lake House, I of course jumped at the opportunity! I was so excited to see what style of dress Morgan had chosen and to finally see their gorgeous venue!

Day-of timelines are pretty important for planning your wedding day, and that includes deciding on having a first look or a more traditional timeline. From a photographer’s perspective, and having been a bride myself, I am personally a huge fan of first looks! My husband and I decided to do a first look for our own wedding and it was the best decision. We have never regretted it! With wedding season around the corner, I thought I’d share my top 5 reasons to why you should consider having a first look on your wedding day!

Renita and Nate are getting married at one of my favorite venues in northeast Tennessee, The Millstone, this coming June and I couldn't be more excited about it! We chose to meet up at Grayson Highlands for their engagement session, on a gray, cloudy, Sunday afternoon in April. Nate had told me that he and his family had come to Grayson a few times while he was growing up, so it's a special place to him and Renita! These two were absolute troopers and stood like champs up on the high rocks as the wind whipped around us. We didn't get to see any ponies that trip, but the views were gorgeous and these two were so sweet. 

Matt and Bethany became husband and wife at the beautiful Mount Airy Mansion in Upper Marlboro, Maryland! Bethany is a friend and fellow wedding photographer, so it was an even more special day to be a part of! I loved all of their details of the day, from the bridesmaids' gemstone colored dresses, succulent centerpieces and their Rock, Paper, Scissors game during their ceremony!

I recently visited Staunton, Virginia to shoot Josh and Lyndsey's home engagement session and celebrate! Lyndsey is a dog trainer and photographer, so I thought it was fitting that we incorporate her pups Warden, Josie, and Dot in the photos! We had a great time shooting in Lyndsey's cute little house and chasing the sunset in her backyard! We hiked through a cow pasture where a ginormous tree provides shade and up the hills to a breathtaking view of the Virginia Blue Ridge.