Smithville Mansion Children's Photographer: Blake is one!

Blake is turning one today, and to document this special time, we met at Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly to get some great shots of him and his awesome mommy and daddy. We had a great time exploring and finding fun spots to entertain a one-year-old. Blake is a totally happy, smiley guy- which makes my job easier! To make him the happiest little guy ever- we ended with a cake smash! Didn't his mommy do an awesome job coordinating his outfit and this adorable cake?! Happy Birthday, Blake! Keep smiling :)

Smithville Mansion Engagement: Kevin and Kelly

Kevin and Kelly got engaged just two short months ago at Kevin's 30th birthday celebration. Friends and family surrounded them, as everybody knew what was about to happen... except Kelly. During a German birthday tradition, Kevin got down on one knee and asked Kelly for her hand in marriage... Have goosebumps yet? Kudos to Kevin for the planning and bravery of such an amazing and memorable engagement! Kevin and Kelly have been in full-swing wedding mode since then choosing a super cute venue, picking colors, and even special wedding shoes for both bride and groom ;) We got together one evening at historic Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly for their engagement session. Smithville is a wonderful place to shoot because there is so much variety and its so quaint and quiet. Every time I'm there, I come across something new- it's like a little adventure. Anyway- Kevin and Kelly are one of those funny couples who love to joke around and just enjoy each other- did I mention this makes for fabulous engagement photographs? The proof is here! I cannot wait to document the best day of their lives next August!

Hair by Kate Spencer Hairstyling

Friday Bride Day: Who do I need to feed?

This week's question is a common one: Do I have to feed my vendors? It's a question every bride has to think about... do you feed your photographer, dj, musicians, etc?

A wedding day can be a very long day- especially for a photographer. The photographer is with you when you get into your dress until the last dance... of course we are having a blast, but we do get hungry too! I would suggest anyone who is going to be working at your wedding for four or more hours is probably worthy of a meal. I'm pretty sure it's a known fact- people that have full bellies are happier workers than hungry workers! If you aren't sure, just ask! Some vendors actually require meals or they may leave your wedding to get a meal- better to just ask before the big day so everyone is on the same page.

Cheers to delish wedding food and happy vendors <3

South Jersey Children Photographer: 9 Months Old

About one year ago, Lauren contacted me to take her maternity photographs. I was delighted- she was an absolutely stunning momma-to-be! Who would have thought that almost a year later I would be photographing her 9-month-old and I would be the pregnant one?! Oh the irony! Meet Autumn. She's nine months old and JUST as happy and smiley as her momma! She's a photographer's dream- happy and keeping constant eye contact with me- unheard of!

Seeing how adorable Lauren, Tony, and Autumn were made me sooooo excited for my little girl! What more could you want except a happy little family?

About one year ago....

This makes my heart melt

Friday Bride Day: To bring the pup or not?

This week's question is close to my heart: Can I bring our dog to our engagement session? You're getting married and the two of you are starting your own family. Well, maybe you already have another family member or two- pets! My last two engagement sessions included pups and to be honest... I LOVE it! How could I not? I have a little, furry man at home that stole my heart, Pixel. My husband and I included Pixel in our own engagement shoot.

I think the answer depends on your photographer. I always tell couples that I would love if their pet could join us at the beginning of the engagement session for about 20 minutes and that their pup comes accompanied by a handler that can take the pup home while we finish the engagement session.

My Pixel

Cooper River Two-Year-Old Session: Holden

Holden is turning two. Feels like just yesterday I was photographing his first birthday- turns out it was a year ago :) This year, he moves much faster, talks more, and is even more adorable with his cute little hairdo (if that's possible!). We met at Cooper River to have some fun, which included: playing with a trash truck, a soccer ball, a chalkboard, and let's not forget chasing me around like a dinosaur. In conclusion- a totally fun evening! Holden is a happy little guy and I think we totally captured that!

This is Holden last year- now look at him!

I'm not sure what was so funny- but this makes my heart smile!

This is what getting chased by a dinosaur looks like!

Such a cute & happy family!

New Jersey Children Photographer: Alaina is two!

On a Saturday morning, I went over to Alaina's house to capture her adorableness at two-years-old in her backyard. Alaina is a sweet little girl who loves her mama, pups, and playing with her dad. I'm so thankful for sweet little girls like her because it helps me imagine what my sweet pea could be like- and it's so comforting! We got some shots on a turquoise chair that Candice (Alaina's mom) thrifted and painted- absolutely adorable! We had fun blowing bubbles, playing with a chalkboard, and playing with the pups. Enjoy!