Lara & Sarah; June 18th, 2011 Westwood Country Club

the happy couple

Lara and I recently reconnected in the wonderful world of Facebook.  She was my best friend from childhood; you know the one, the one who you’ve spent countless nights in sleepovers with, endless hours at the mall and dare I say it rocked out to Madonna with (yes it was the 80′s).   We starting going our separate ways in Jr. high and went to different high schools.  Our lives moved on but I would never forget the great times we had.

We became “friends” again on Facebook and I was excited to hear from her that she would be marrying her partner Sarah.   As a friend I was thrilled for her, as a wedding photographer I was hoping they would pick me (Lux Photography) to photograph their wedding.  We met up to go over the packages my company offers and hit it off.  I could see myself photographing their special day.  It was during that meeting that I first saw the bond that Lara and Sarah had.  Throughout their wedding Brandy (second photographer) and I had a chance to capture that bond on film.  Those intimate looks filled with love done not for anyone else but for each other.  When Lara emailed me to let me know they had chosen me I was so excited.

The celebrations began with their rehearsal dinner that I photographed.  The dinner was a wonderful celebration with friends and family.  Much to my dismay her mom had found an old photograph from one of our “slumber parties”  had loaded it onto her I-phone and was happy to share the PJ clad photograph of Lara and I to everyone .

Everything took place at Westwood Country Club in Vienna Virginia.  Everything was perfect, the food wonderful the cake divine and of course the love…

from their "first look" to the end of the night a handful of those "looks" that Brandy & I saw all day.

Joanna rocks her dress – with a little help from Morgan

Joanna called me to schedule her Rock the Dress session way before her wedding.  Although I wasn’t doing her wedding photography she had met me and seen my work at a bridal show and really wanted to work with me.  How could I say no to that .   To make it even sweeter for her she won a free engagement session from us (Lux Photography)  and I was happy to exchange that for a Rock the Dress session.  We scheduled her session for the Wednesday after her wedding.

It was an incredible May day, perfectly sunny with that beautiful spring green I fall in love with over and over again every spring because of how amazing it looks it photographs.  We met at and explored Blandy Farm in Winchester VA; in our explorations we found a field filled with yellow buttercups. Just looking at the field made me smiles and remember my childhood when we used to hold the buttercups under our chins to see if we “liked” butter.

Morgan her new husband came along for fun and he became the official “dress helper” as Joanna had a gorgeous dress with a  very full and long train.  We even snuck him into a few photographs as well.  Enjoy!

Lauren & Jakub; April 23, 2011 George Washington River Farm

Pulling into George Washington River Farm on April 23rd was like arriving at a photographers dream.  It had been years since I had photographed there and as the manor house pulled into view I could feel my excitement mounting.  It was one of those spring days that we look forward to all winter long; warm but not too hot and blue skies.  I was greeted by a sign pointing me in the direction of the celebrations.  Lauren and Jakub had attended to all those little details that makes a wedding unique and person.

Upon entering the brides room I saw the purple shoes.  Vibrant, royal and fun… Those that know me know I have a passion for all things purple.  Not so much light purple but what I like to call “royple”  royal purple, that dark blue purple that seems to be one of the seasons hottest wedding colors.   She paired it up with the contrasting color yellow for pop.  I fell in love with the yellow and purple shoes and probably took more photographs of the shoes then one ever should.  I was just having that much fun.

My fun with the couple continued and included a fast red car,  enough sweets to satisfy any sweet tooth ( I will not eat another Peeps for a long time…), hula dancing and more.   I hope you enjoy the images from this wonderful spring wedding! ~ Amanda

Elsy and Manuel

I can’t believe how quickly time is flying by.  As a new mom which I might add is a full time job in and of itself and a small business owner I am constantly wondering where the time goes.  I am eternally grateful to my end of August and September clients for their patience in getting all their photographs.  I was placed on strict bed rest due to complications with my pregnancy unexpectedly and all those weddings I had scheduled to be completed before baby Jacobs arrival got postponed and then backlogged as associate photographers were continuing to photograph.  One of the great things about our couples is how cool they are, always friendly and fun to work with.  Manuel and Elsy were no exception, with lots of family and friends in attendance Brandy and I with the help of Rebecca photographed their August 29th wedding.   Following their ceremony we headed over to the Fairview Park Marriott for some fun outdoor photographs.  After pictures came the party;  Manuel, Elsy their family friends showed us what it means to them to party.  The dance floor was full with everyone celebrating in style.  I hope you enjoy their sneak peak, it is a little longer then others as I wanted to give them a great sneak peak.   Check back at our  website next week to see their entire collection.

Tara & Bryan

I promised myself that I would not start another blog entry with some bit about it being a while since I last blogged.  So I won’t say it… The past months a lot has happened and changed in my personal life that has impacted my professional life as well.  My husband and I were expecting our first child, a baby boy.   I being  the work-a-holic kept photographing up until the doctor said no more and put me on bed rest due to complications.  Having just finished our busiest summer ever the bed rest back logged me on editing jobs.  I am so grateful to my clients who were all understanding and remain to be as I work hard at getting everything done.

Jacob Tyler Godlove made his entrance via c-section a little early on October 4, 2010 at 5 pounds 12 ounces.  He was and is to this day the epitome of tiny perfection.  Following a long weekend of rest I made my way back to the computer on Tuesday and began the process of catching up.  Jacob is so good and not fussy at all, although I confess he does like to be held or close to mom.  That’s me I can’t believe even when I hold him that I am a mom!   My husband came home one evening to find me typing away with Jacob held close and propped on my arm/ desk/ body.  It’s hard to describe but he is happy there and sleeps like (as the saying goes) a baby.  I was so happy I pointed out to my husband “look I can hold him and still work on the computer”.  My husband dryly  exclaimed that “there is a useful skill”.  I responded that it is and not to knock it or I will go into the questionable benefits of him holding the baby while playing his beloved X-Box.  Adding a baby into the mix doesn’t change who we are, it only increases the joy and pleasure we get out of our daily lives.

I will definitely continue to blog about our newest addition but want to share with you some images from Tara & Bryan’s wedding at Ceresville Mansion on August 20.  Tara and Bryan’s photography experience got off to a rough start when the photographers they originally booked canceled on them the Monday before their Friday wedding.   Every brides nightmare is that a vendor will not show up, second on the list of nightmares (I remember from my 2007 wedding) is that someone will cancel at the last minute.  Bryan who contacted me had one of the nicest, most sincere personalities.  After speaking with him and creating a custom package to meet their needs I hoped they would choose me;  I wanted to help this groom who was on a mission to make his bride happy again.  I was excited when Bryan contacted me back the next day to book me.  As we discussed what they were looking for in their photography it became apparent to me that we would be a good fit.  Although at the time I think Bryan and Tara were really looking at the best “fit” as someone being available .  Self described as easy going, laid back, not really particular just looking for the memories to be captured I made it my mission to exceed their expectations.  Unfortunately shortly after photographing this wedding I was placed on bed rest delaying getting their images to them by a few weeks.  Ever the nice couple they have been super understanding and I hope they and you enjoy this sneak peak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite images to photograph at Ceresville Mansion

 

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Welcoming Baby Bella!

For those loyal blog followers who remember Candice and Nick’s snowmaggedon wedding I am excited to introduce to you the newest member of their family, Bella.   I have had the pleasure of photographing Candice and Nick on their wedding day, a few weeks before Bella made her appearance and now Bella’s solo act.  With a reschedule due to the appearance of a stomach bug at my household I was anxious to meet Bella and see if she was as photogenic as mom and dad.   Having had to reschedule she was a little over a month when we first met.  I now believe that photographers can experience love at first sight…

A very alert and awake Bella and mom met me at their house.  Trying to catch Bella asleep was going to be the challenge of the day.  When photographing newborns there is only one thing to expect, the unexpected.  Bella who I was told had been one sleepy little bear for the past few weeks had within the past few days decided that she did not want to miss anything and sleep.  She had very definite opinions of what she would and would not tolerate.  No sleeping unless a bottle was present, no snuggling up on her stomach,  and no staying still.  Screams were on the ok list as was the use of them to manipulate both adults in the room to do her bidding.  We spent several hours trying to convince her that she wanted to participate in the photography session; I don’t think she agreed.

A little bit of patience and some quick “draws” of the bottle allowed me to get the photographs you see below.  At one point as she was drifting off into sleep she smiled this smile that would melt hearts.  It was so peaceful, full of innocent and unspoken joy that I almost cried as I watched her.  And yes I did remember to push the button and get a shot of that fleeting expression.

Tiny toes and little bums how could I resist…

Bella takes a break...

Samantha & Starling Engaged!

June 10th was one of those pleasant June days, not one of the baking hot I don’t want to move much less photograph days.  To make it even nicer I had an engagement session scheduled with Samantha and Starling at Meadowlark Gardens.  For my loyal blog followers you will know I often photograph couples, families and weddings there.  I even had my wedding reception in the atrium overlooking the expansive gardens.  One of my favorite things about Meadowlark is that while the backgrounds are beautiful and plentiful they serve a greater purpose allowing my couples and families personalities to shine through and not overshadow them.    It was the perfect choice for Samantha and Starling.  Samantha had very definite ideas about what she was looking for: fun, laughter, spontaneity and natural expressions.  They wanted their personalities, who they were as a couple to be the focus.  While we got  few  requisite classic poses for mom including “the proposal” re-staged; our focus was on being ourselves.  All three of us; while I am not in the photograph as a subject, who I am, my style, what I like about the people I am photographing, my likes and dislikes to some degree are all reflected in the images I create.  Often times it is these things why brides, couples and families select myself and the Lux Photographers to photograph their portraits or special events.

Focusing on fun and laughter we set out to have a good time.  It was readily apparent that Samantha was a believer in fun, with a myriad of expressions to reflect her moods.  Starling the good sport that he is warmed up quickly to Samantha’s antics to get him to laugh and be himself.  It is this part of photographing that I love best, the chance to be an observer and catch my couples in the moment, just enjoying each others company.   With only a little guidance from me Samantha and Starling interacted, created natural poses/ expressions and were just plain awesome!  I hope you enjoy the sneak peak into their collection as much as I enjoyed the time I spent with them.  Stop by our website where their entire collection will be posted soon.    If you like what you see stop by our Facebook page and become a fan!

I love Samantha's expression and her intensity in this one!

Rachel & Mark Engaged!

Yet again I find myself starting a blog entry with I have been remiss in keeping regular blog entries.  One thing I have found in my defense is that when we (Lux Photography)  hits the peak season blogging while frequently on my mind takes a backseat to photographing and editing.  This season has been a little more “challenging” to those of you who speak what I affectionately call corporate America; or as I would say darn tough… All for good reason in May this year I personally photographed 8 weddings  3 engagement sessions, 1 bridal portrait session, 1 day after session and one family portrait session and a partridge in a pear tree…ok that last one was to see if you were really reading or just skimming to get to the good stuff, the pictures…

Rachel and Mark were really looking for a weekend slot which in May can be hard to come by, we found Mothers day May 9th available and scheduled their session for then.  The couple came back for their evening session from spending the day in Philadelphia with “mom”.  For two people who just spent hours traveling they looked great.

I love it when couples choose locations that are unique and person to them.  Even in this case when it meant making a trip into DC…We started at the National Zoo where Rachel works as a volunteer.  With great landscaping even in the “people” zones we had a lot of choices for locations.   I found that Rachel is a very down to earth, easy going person that is quick to laugh.  Mark is very much the same with one very important goal it seemed, to make Rachel happy .    Engagement sessions are always fun in that I am reminded of the time when I was engaged and the hope for the future my now husband and I had then.  We still have that enthusiasm and hope however sometimes it is tempered by “life”.  These sessions remind me to focus on the basics of what my husband and I have, love, respect, friendship and a desire to work together to make our future together the best it can be.  Thank you to all  my couples for reminding me of these basics when “life” doesn’t seem to be working out as planned.

The next stop on our photo expedition  had us back in my car and me driving in DC (not a good thing…ever…) and off to a great park.  It amazes me how in the middle of a bustling metropolis there are these oasis’s of calm.  Beautiful gardens and friendly dogs, this park had it all.  We ended the evening back where it all began so to speak; at the park bench where Mark and Rachel sat on their first date.  The timing could not have been more perfect, the sun was going down casting a golden light on everything, the pick up Caribbean inspired metal drummers were playing and everything seemed just right in the world, at least for that moment.

I hope you enjoy this sneak peak and stop by our website to see their complete collection when it is done and other engagement sessions.

Hanging at the zoo by the otters.

Check out that sparkle...

I love ths series. Rachel & Mark ordered a custom guest sign in book and I hope to use this series of images in one of the page designs.

Where it all began... The bench where Rachel & Mark sat on their first date as they got to know each other.

Not your mothers bridal portraits!

At my studio we have said good bye to the days of the stiff formal portrait of brides in front of the bland blue or grey backdrop and hello to the world around us.  Bridal portraits today may reference the classic poses of the past yet they bring the flair for fun and brides desire for personality.  That is not to say there won’t be the few traditional poses that mom is looking for; I always do some in keeping with our balance of styles.  However the focus of the session is on letting the bride be herself, show off why she picked “her” dress and shine.  I recently traveled four hours to Farmville VA to do a bridal portrait session with Katie and we had a blast.  By her own admission Katie is not a wake up spend hours making sure her hair is perfectly coiffed, make-up expertly applied kind of girl.  I can relate, I break out the makeup for the “professional look” when consulting with clients or photographing, other then that I work with what I was given.

Even though I had met with Katie somewhat recently had it not been for the veil trailing behind her as she approached the church where we were meeting I would have walked right by her.  She looked amazing!  I couldn’t wait to get her behind the camera and “expressing herself”.  During our pre-portrait consultation she wanted to focus on the fun, creative contemporary photographs I love to take.  She was willing to grab up her dress, splash in the fountain, run through the grass, lean on the brick wall etc… whatever it took to get the photographs.  I loved her laid back approach.

An unexpected visitor had staked out the blue bench before we arrived.

We began the session with her personal entourage of assistants, mom, mom by proxy, grandma and her aunt.  What a great crowd to have… Sometimes it takes a bit to warm up and we started with the more classic poses as I got a better feel for Katie and her family.  Shortly the crowd was down to two personal assistants as we began walking to more locations that I had found in my drive around town.  I arrived early to scout out potential locations and our next stop was this bright blue bench complete with visiting beautiful blue butterfly.

Following that we now had to find the two other locations that I had seen based solely on my description and vague directions.  Those that have ever tried to pry directions out of an artist often find themselves frustrated.  Who reads street signs?  The turn is past the yellow & orange building or next to the store with the big mirror and red lettering.  Mom who offered to drive that afternoon had a “run down white building with a bluish door” to find. It was “on the same street just past the PURE gas station” the other building I wanted to go to was on the same street (thank goodness this was a small town with really only one main street/ entrance to the town) “red brick, with a staircase on the side and a gravel spot where we could park”.  I have to give her kudos she was patient and drove while I looked for visual clues to get me where I wanted to go.  We found the spots and hit the last one just as the sun was making a beeline for the horizon.  I love the dramatic light and how it played off the building.  One of the best things from the day aside from the laughter and fun was Katie’s mom looking at the run down building with vines growing and saying “I’ve lived here for years and never “saw” this building.  I would have never thought of it as a background but these are my favorite so far. ”   This reminded me of why I do what I do, I like to see the beauty and fun in things that most people when taking portraits shy away from or never “see”.  My job is to see differently and produce images with that vision.  I hope you enjoy these and please stop Lux Photography to see more of my and my associate photographers visions.

Two different visions for this image. I couldn't decide which I liked best.

Jessica & Jason Engaged!

I really enjoy photographing engagement sessions and getting to know our couples.  I love watching their personalities emerge as we go through the session.  A little reserved at first after a few photos and minutes we’re having fun and enjoying the photography process.  I met up with Jessica and Jason at Meadowlark Gardens one of my go to spots for engagement sessions because of all the variety the park offers.  Even having been there before each session is different as no two couples are the same.  This one of those spring days you hope for not too hot and not to cold, blue sky’s with white puffy clouds that offered some relief when our eyes could take no more sun they darted out kindly and diffused the light.   The session started out with Jessica pulling out her way hot, hot pink heels which offered a great contrast to the greenery and natural colors the park was full of.   You can tell a lot from a woman about her shoes and these screamed fun.  I knew it was going to be a great day.  The groom did not disappoint either with his antics.   I was trying diligently not to anger the geese which have been known to be not so friendly when they learn you do not have any bread when Jason decided to try and “catch” a goose for the photograph.  Apparently there is a way if you grab them correctly you can hold onto them without getting hurt.  I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure this was a good idea…I had to snap a photograph as Jason took off after the geese.  Lucky for the geese they were ready for a swim and Jason was not and they escaped into the water.  We finished up the day as the sun was finishing the golden hour and the air was beginning to cool.  Here is a sneak peak of their images.

Fun feet!