Erika & Jason : Married | Intimate, Virginia Wedding

“...I’m gonna love you ‘til
My lungs give out
I promise ‘til death we part like in our vows.”

— Song by: James Arthur "Say You Won't Let Go"

Erika had us deliver him a love note with his mug, and he had one waiting for her as well. It was completely unplanned- totally sweet. Queue first tears of the day. When she read her note, you could see her nerves evaporate in that moment.

I played photographer and big sister of the bride for this special day. Erika and Jason’s wedding ceremony was perfectly intimate, completed by the tiniest bridal party- their identical twin girls. The food, the atmosphere, and every tiny detail was the perfect mix of American, country charm and classic elegance. From the lace and florals to the bbq, pecan pie and sweet iced tea every lil’ bit was perfection.

They sang. They danced. They got a little crazy, and they lived happily ever after…

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Mawyer!

Choosing Joy | Stay at home Mom | Catonsville Portrait Photographer | Lifestyle Photographer

Who here has had a bad day?  How about a bad month...year?  Who has wanted to completely shut down and give up?  I bet you have a million reasons why you can't accomplish what you want to or it just won't work.  Guess what!  You're human.  You're not alone at all!  But, you know what?  Your ONE reason to keep going has to be your focus.  You may trip and fall, but your willingness to get back up is what is going to determine whether or not you get to where you're going.  Everyone is on their own unique journey.  Some are longer and slow than others, but the speed of something isn't what makes it meaningful.  Anything worth doing is going to have obstacles, but those tests are the things you have to go through to show yourself that what you are working towards is worth it!

I am an over-thinker in the most extreme sense.  I am an empath, a giver, and an introvert.  Days like these make me want to curl up into a ball and give up, but its the way we respond to days like these that defines us.  Happiness is a choice.  I started to just sit and feel sorry for myself, but what would come of that?  We have to choose joy!

So, here is a little trick.  This is what I do when I start feeling sorry for myself, and it works!

Ready?

Count your blessings!

YES, I'm serious.  It sounds cliche, but gratitude is the secret to a joyful life.  If we shift our minds to see the good in every situation, we invite so much peace into our life.  

Here is my list today!

Both of my kids have the flu, strain A.  Strain A is the milder strain.  I am blessed to be a stay at home mom and to be able to give them the time and attention they need.  I am thankful that they need me, want me.  I'm soaking in every second I get to love on them.  

My house is under construction right now. I am so blessed to have a hard-working husband who is willing to spend every waking hour trying to make our lives better.  I am thankful for our home. 

I have to go outside and through our garage to get to the washer and dryer.  I am SO blessed to have a laundry room, running water, electricity, clothes for my family.  We lack nothing.  What a ridiculous thing for me to complain about, right?

My sister had to cancel her visit to come see me because the kids are sick.  I'm blessed that she is flexible, and we will get together eventually.  We didn't spread the flu to her family.

The dust barricade came open twice, and my entire upstairs was covered in sheetrock and plaster dust.   I am so blessed that I had extra motivation to get my spring cleaning done early, and scrub away some of the ick that has undoubtedly come into our home with this sickness.  Im tired, but my house is clean!  Worth it.

I had an opportunity to second shoot at OBX, and I wasn't able to confirm quickly enough and lost my opportunity.  This was straw that broke the camel's back today.  The moment I found out my pitiful, feverish daughter crawled into my lap crying and told me she "felt like frow up" with her red cheeks and bloodshot eyes, and I cried with her!   I was blessed to be considered.  This wasn't my first opportunity, and it won't be my last.  Its a bummer, but its not a big deal. Im thankful that its ok to cry!  Sometimes you have to let it out!

When I write it all out, it seems so trivial and temporary.  I am SO fortunate.  Today, I choose joy!  I challenge you to do the same.  Odds are the good in your life drastically outweighs the bad.  Be blessed, friends!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28 NIV

Growing Pains | Catonsville Lifestyle and Portrait Photographer

Life has a strange way of sneaking up on you.  You blink and your newborn is in kindergarten.  Your determined, twenty-something self with her degree and head full of dreams is about to turn 30 and those dreams are still only half realized.  Then, you wake up!

I have had the privilege of being a stay at home mama, and I have also been a full time sitter for my sweet friend's two beautiful children for the past few years.  They have grown up with my babies, and I love them like my own.  It is not lost on me how blessed I have been, how blessed I still am.  I would be lying, though if I said I didn't still have a strong desire to pursue my ambitions as a photographer.  Life for me and my business is about to shift in a drastic and wonderful way.  I will no longer be babysitting.  That part is very bittersweet.  However, I will still be a stay at home mom and professional photographer.  

My son and I had almost two years to ourselves- two years of wonderful chunky baby bliss.  Then, my daughter came along.  She has always had to share my attention.  Now my son is in school during the day, and I only have one more year until she is off on her own kindergarten adventure.  I will not get this time back, and I don't want her to have to share me anymore.  I want slow mornings with cuddles and coffee and her crazy, curly bed head all to myself.  I want to be present for her, because she deserves it.

I am thrilled, terrified, heartbroken, and ecstatic.  I am a ball of emotions, but I am ready.  Too often I let fear and uncertainty steer my compass.  I push all of my goals and aspirations into the "one of these days" column and continue to just exist and daydream.  One of these days has finally come, and I'm excited to say that I will be available for regular bookings beginning in March 2018.  With that, I would like to share a few photos of what has been my life these past few years.  

I love you Emery and Mason, always.

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park, Fall Family Portrait Session | Catonsville, Maryland Portrait Photographer | Cassetta Family

I get so excited when families are happy and relaxed from the start of a session!  There was no warm up period for these guys.  They showed up smiling, and I knew we were in for a good time.  The big girls confirmed my suspicion that they were actual models right away, and the littlest miss was all about it once she knew I had gummy bears hiding in my bag.  Mom and dad weren't afraid to be playful, and it made for beautiful, natural shots.  I was able to capture their family authentically through all of the tickles and giggles, and I love the way these photos turned out.

Catonsville Maternity and Newborn Lifestyle Session | Sweet Baby James

I have the special privilege of being long-time friends with James' parents.  I have photographed this family before little James came around, and it has been amazing to watch their precious family grow over the years.  Watching families grow and evolve over time is one of my favorite experiences as a photographer.  Documenting that journey is so fulfilling.

Although I have photographed this family for many years, this was their first lifestyle session.  I am in love with the nautical theme they chose for their nursery.  The flags spell out James IV.  They are so unique and the nursery turned out so minimal and elegant!

 There is something so intimate and natural about lifestyle portraiture.  To photograph new parents in their element-in their personal space is so special.  After a moment, you just become the furniture, and you can just stand back and watch the natural, tender moments unfold that are only possible at home.  All at once, its just mama, daddy, and baby snuggling and falling in love with each other all over again.