Oh the beauty found out at First Landing State Park. I was so honored to photograph Kate and Brian's intimate wedding in Virginia Beach, VA. They included just family members and two friends to help them celebrate their big but small wedding day. With so much love it was hard to hold back tears for them as I seen the happiness engulf them. Their beach wedding was absolutley perfect. First landing state park is full of magical trees, campground areas, yurts and a beautiful coast. These two picked the perfect place to exchange vows. April 20th 2024 served the perfect weather for their eternal bond to begin. I was able to also create a highlight video of their wedding. I am so honored to capture the perfect days like these for amazing and adventurous people! 

|BURNING TREE|
I have been putting this off for a while. I didn't want to ask for permisssion to photograph here, even after almost 16 years I still get nervous about things like that. I put off me being in front of the camera eventhough I try to be at least twice a year.
When I arrived on location and asked permission, I then knew I would have to photograph directly in front of a family in the water and be completely vulnerable ( you can't see them because I edited them out , however I am grateful for their understanding)
I knew this set I wanted to shoot directly in the suns harshest light in front of this tree that has withstood the winds, the hurricanes and tides of time. I wanted to be in the most delicate dress laced with butterfly applique's and to convey both the delicate and strong sides of the location, and a representation of me. Although I gave myself about 100 reasons to not end up doing this set it burned deep within me that I must act on my vision. It is a form of how I heal, reset, and connect with myself to create more. Some of those ugly "reasons" held me back for so long. The dress really doesn't fit me properly, the location is private, What if someone see's me photographing myself? What will people think of me taking self portraits? Many times I doubted why I should photograph myself.
And after all the doubt, that time that passed pushing this project off I ended up having to face all the "reasons" and fears all in one. I did it anyway. I knew just like this tree who has stood against all odds that I can too. I must face all that burns within me to create, to explore and to love like fire. I am not to stop, question, or doubt what is given to me but to take it, multiply it and restore it back to the Earth. My passion to see the beauty and hold it in my memories and on my cameras, computers, and within my heart is what makes me who I am and without doubt I stand firm like the burning tree.
This next chapter is one I have doubted for a while, let's see how she writes herself


Somewhere in Virginia! 

The best way to start a New Year is with a new chapter and these two done just that. The rainy overcast, January, winter day did not stop nothing from being magical on Tyler and Megan's big day. I literally could feel their butterflies being around them during their portraits. I watched the way they looked at each other and moved at the same time as if they were made with one another in mind. 
I am so grateful to have known Megan for a couple decades now and she never stops amazing me. I knew she had her head on right from the get go but watching her wait patiently for the man of her dreams was hard but I knew she would never settle. Tyler swooned her dainty heart and took her love for all its worth and married her on the sixth day of 2024. I am so excited for their new adventure and all that will come from this day on. I am honored to have captured their big day ( Finally). Big place in my heart for Megan and Tyler


SPECIAL THANKS TO 
​CEREMONY VENUE: DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL https://duncanmemorialchapel.com/
RECEPTION VENUE: HUTING CREEK COUNTRY CLUBhttps://www.huntingcreekcc.com/
FLORIST: SARAH NINER and OBERER'S
HAIR AND MAKEUP: JENNIFER HARDESTY 
DJ: MIKE BALLARD, LIGHTWAVE 
CAKE AND COOKIES: KIND CAKES 

Consider this my diary entry for this blog post. Consider this a part of me that needed to be essential. To be a non essential worker in this day means you basically have no dire need for existence for the world. As a photographer to feel the word NON followed by ESSENTIAL run through your body, hurts to the core. I am flooded with emotions knowing that the thing that fuels me most is to seek moments, to provide memories, to capture our very breath in an image is so essential to me. This is the one and only thing we are seeking in this moment is the memories of how we survived this covid19, to seek the moments we created in this quarantined environment. I know that to save lives we must limit our contact to be able to exist together in lighter world when this ends. Life is happening still, the trees still move when the wind blows, the grass is still ever growing lush and green, and you still breathe, we still breathe.

As a photographer life is essential, to capture is essential, I cannot wait to for memories we get to create running through open fields and chasing light. Though I cannot wait, I beg of you to still see the good as the sun has risen to shine on you more during this time, I want you to feel the sun and the wind greet you as if it was or may be the hand of God himself letting you know this too shall pass. There is no greater safe haven than to feel the hope for tomorrow. The hope of a bright new day to carry out whatever your heart desires ( quarantined of course) non essential doesn't mean you do not have a place it means you are saved for a better place. You are to fill the lives with blessings, to fill the void where the heart yearned for more. Desire and love for more when this is over means you are finding out what is truly important to you and what matters most. Everyone out there who wishes they could dine in a place, everyone who wishes they could go shopping, go to the park, they are yearning for a privilege but of basic human rights. For those who just want to get back to their routine of work are yearning for a better tomorrow. 

To be non essential is a strange way of waiting but knowing there is a place saved for us when we can commute side by side and shake hands once again is a promise I can't wait to keep. Non-Essential = Saved for a better place 


To live is the rarest thing in the world, Most people just exist.- Oscar Wilde. 

Do this and that and come back and do it again. What is it all for? What are you doing to yourself? What are you doing for yourself? I make a to do list nearly every day of the things that need to be done and boy does it feel good to take a pen and scratch the heck out of the task I just completed. I set minute goals so not only to I feel a sense of accomplishment but to set realistic goals that I can focus my undivided attention to. At the end of the day that piece of paper with goals and tasks all scratched out makes me feel on top of the world. Here are 5 things that you need on your to do list every day to feel more successful. 

There is no doubt we all could be a little more active and jumpstarting any day with a little cardio or weight training will help center your mind and body for success. The day depends on your first actions and for me getting a good start on the day is with a workout. It doesn't have to be super long just a good jump to get your juices going! 

SO what do you gotta do? like take out the trash, Start the laundry, pick up things for work...... WELL put it all on your list. The more items you have that are smaller the more often you get to go back to your list and mark it off. Each little task is important and imperative to your daily grind and marking it off feels so good. 

Are you treating yourself? Do you write in time for your hair appointment, nails done? Are you going out for a coffee if you finish your list? Or maybe you go have a cheat meal and get yourself a donut?  Write it in, Schedule it in, YOU DESERVE IT. That list is full of the mundane tasks and you know you have kicked butt working on completing it. You do you girl! ( or boy)

This one I have a SUPER HARD time following but more so lately it is important and becoming more important for me to stop doing it all. Your downtime isn't as big as your uptime but just like you working or getting things done it is just as important for you to realign your priorities and to reset for your next long to do list. Downtime you need to literally sit on that couch and stop, Play a game on your phone, read a book, take a nap. NO ONE can judge you for your down time when you are busting that to do list up! 

Goodness am I learning this one more than I ever thought I could. I am learning that there are things you DON'T need to do. You don't need negativity. Cut that out right now. Write it everywhere. Put this tidbit in your planner, your to do list, a post-it note by your mirror. Literally everywhere!  Keep away from a negative mind and put bad things and thoughts as a to don't. More to don'ts can be things that we can all work on, Don't listen to respond, Don't give to receive, Don't let your emotions carry you away, Don't stew over mistakes or undone tasks, And DON'T be perfect!  

No doubt this is a given, somebody at sometime during the day will spill the tears! 

Lots of kisses on the wedding day and you will need some lip coverage 

Yeah, just don't forget it 

Tampons, panty liners, pads etc. Stress and other life factors can bring Aunt Flow at the most inopportune times, Make sure you are prepared 

There are spills, accidents and this pen isn't just for the bride but anyone who has something drop on them during the day. 

Your big day is happening and you are just about to put on that dress and OOPS, I forgot to shave my pits! Or something ... A razor in your pack will save the day! 

I get it girl, those shoes are amazing, they stun for sure but you will not be able to walk the next day much less dance later in the evening if you have been strutting all day in your pumps. 

You may have your makeup covered by an artist or already have it done but touch ups may be required if you cry, Mom kisses her lipstick on you and you have to rub off your foundation etc. 

again your hair girl just left and the wind is picking up, Make sure you have a can of spray to keep everyone in the bridal party looking like a queen! 

Speaking of hair and keeping it in place, You may need a little extra help in keeping the fly aways down. 

Snagged nails or pesky tags on your dress. Either way you need something to get the job done without ripping your skin or your dress. 

So much is going on during the day forgetting to eat is NOT an option. 

Messages, phone calls, texts, posts etc You have a lot going on and your point of contact should not go down. Charge it up! 

Remaining payments to vendors, Tips for vendors or Hell even a soda for a pick me up at a nearby vending machine. It doesn't matter but don't forget to have something on you for the big day. 

whether or not you are following tradition your must haves or keepsakes that are part of your day shouldn't be left at home. This includes your jewelry or personal items that will complete you on your wedding day. 

You DO NOT want thirsty hands and legs on your big day, No ashy skin or any other type of dry skin. You want to look flawless! 

Again with the stress, the possible untimely womanhood, or your bachelorette party sneaking up on you, This is not the day for a headache. 

This includes a comfy bra too! Make sure you have something you feel more comfortable in. Your dress may be the most amazing thing you have ever purchased but they can be heavy or itchy or down right breath constricting. Be comfy at the end of the day! 

The last thing you want is to have some foul breath as you practically run to your groom! 

Feel Free to add any of your lifesaving items in the comments! 

I hope you have THE PERFECT wedding day! 

I love Summer, I really truly do but there is something about the crisp mornings and the smell of the leaves and Earth as they meet. Something about gearing up to settle in for a long Winter. ( I almost hate winter)  I think we all look forward to Fall, people tend to start slowing down a little, the grass stops growing so dang fast and the Sun gets tired a little earlier, The trees sway with a song. Fall I look forward to most of all because of the sessions I begin to shoot and the natural warm tone that is in an unedited photo. I love the cozy sweaters in the some days we get to wear them in Kentucky. Don't get me stared on leggings ( God's gift, I swear) 


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October 5th   Our Fall Campfire Minis  Get them here: squareup.com/store/dynamite-image/item/fall-campground

October 26th Our Fall Family Mini sessions These sessions almost always automatically sell out when they are posted because Fall is a magical time for Family photos! 

Gearing up for Christmas we will have Multiple Christmas options for Minis as well, Our Pajama themed Christmas Slumber is Novemeber 22nd Get them Here: squareup.com/store/dynamite-image/item/christmas-slumber 
November 23rd is our Vintage Truck Christmas minis which sold out rather quickly as well. I love the Family love in our Minis!! 

Heading into December our Grinch Themed Christmas sessions are exciting and I can't wait for them 
 December 7th Merry Grinchmas  Get them Here: squareup.com/store/dynamite-image/item/merry-grinchmas



I hope you and your family come join us at some point during our Fall adventures! I am so super excited