{and she said yes!} Charlottesville Engagement Photographer - Sweet Pea Photography

I revisited one of my favorite outdoor locations in Charlottesville yesterday and this time, I didn't run across a snake! Honestly, we couldn't have asked for better weather in July . . . partly cloudy, a little bit of a breeze, and just a tad humid -it could have been worse. This couple was a pleasure to work with - very carefree, loving, candid, and definitely into each other. Love that they brought a change of clothing for two different feels to the shoot - great idea! No two images were the same when I loaded up the photos onto my computer - love it! - that is what I strive for from each sessions . . . it means traditional has been thrown out the window and a more candid approach has taken its place. Picking out my favorites was a hard one, and I am sure once I look through the photos again I will find more that I love - but until then, here is a sneak peek for E & C - congrats on your October wedding guys and hope to work with you again in the future!

{babys got blue eyes} Charlottesville & Fluvanna Baby Photographer

I spent my Friday afternoon with this big blue eyed 13 week old - "Mr. S" what a little cutie! Thanks to a little "motherly touch" we got some big happy smiles from him. But oh my! how I LOVE the photo of him in the white knitted hat with the little smirk - looks just like a Gerber baby, huh?

{like two peas in a pod} Charlottesville Newborn Photographer

What a surprise it was when I arrived at yesterday's shoot and realized that my clients were actually wedding clients of mine from almost 4 years ago! I had no clue since Grandma to these cute 7 week old twins booked the session. I brought all my goodies along, hoping to use some of the new items I purchased but little "Ms. P" and "Mr. Z" had other ideas. 7 week olds don't sleep like 7 day olds! With a little comforting, a couple of feedings, and some patience I was able to get great shots of each baby sleeping. I know Grandma is anxious to see the photos so here is a little sneak peek of her sweet peas!

{family of 3} Charlottesville Family Photography

I spent a gorgeous Monday afternoon with 19 month old "Mr. S" and his parents, photographing them in a variety of locations along the UVA grounds. It has been awhile since I shot a session here but as soon as I stepped on the grounds, it felt like I was home. I just love the vibrant green colors and simplicity of the gardens along the Pavilions and it is extra quiet since the students are gone for the summer. I kicked off my shoes, made myself comfortable and started shooting away. We even got to meet "Noble" a sweet Collie in the upper garden of Pavilion Garden V that kept on nudging the garden door open to join in on the portrait. Mr. S was full of expressions and I was thrilled when I found out the key to make this little cutie smile . . . just slap my knee and laugh like a crazy woman!

{every dark cloud has a silver lining} Charlottesville Engagement Photographer

This is just one of those experiences I am glad I was a part of!



I spent my Wednesday afternoon at the amazing Veritas Vineyard and Winery in Afton, Va photographing a surprise {yes, SURPRISE!} engagement session for a couple. Their wonderful sister-in-law is a client of mine and weeks back asked me if I did this type of thing 1) engagement sessions 2) a surprise one for her brother-in-law and future sister-in-law. Of course - I was all for it! A location was picked, plans were made {a yummy picnic lunch was prepared for the couple by the sister-in-law} and the wine tasting began. That is where I came into the picture - well actually, the rain came first and then I showed up! Yes, the rain . . . . feels like this spring and summer has been nothing but afternoon showers. I was bummed . . . why did it have to rain when I was heading out to a location with beautiful views?! "A" and "R" were in the middle of their wine tasting when I showed up - SURPRISE! - "I am here to take your engagement portrait!" Thank goodness they were all for it {I was a little nervous they were going to be like "um no, we really don't want to do this"}. We worked with the uncooperative rain and found spots that worked so that we could stay dry. Enough was enough though, the sun came out {but the rain continued} and we all got antsy to get onto the grass and capture the great views in their portrait. We asked one of the visitors if he would be willing to hold an umbrella above my head {so that the camera didn't get wet} - but my couple was all for getting wet - how awesome! We found a spot by the vines and started shooting away . . . and then . . . it stopped raining and the sun came out! For the next half hour we took full advantage of the beautiful weather. Congrats "A" and "R" you are a sweet couple, full of life, and have this amazing connection with each other that is visible to everybody around you!

{baby blue eyes} Charlottesville Baby Photography

I met up with this sweet couple and their adorable, bright blue eyed 4 month old little boy this past weekend - weather was great but those darn ducks at Boar's Head Inn kept on wanting to join in on our session. I haven't figured out if they are just hungry or straight mean but they seem to have a complete new bad attitude this spring/summer. Little "J" gave me a tease of his adorable personality and smile when his parents came to visit me at the Babies R US event a month ago but there was way too much to take in with an outside session to hold his attention for too long this past weekend. Even though I didn't get smile after smile from him, I just love all of his little expressions - and I did get one great smile while he was playing with his daddy. Here is a little sneak peak for his parents - enjoy!

{busy as a bee!} Charlottesville Photographer - Sweet Pea Photography

Lots to blog about this afternoon! I have decided to combine three photo shoots into this blog entry so that I can share it all at once with you - so be prepared, it's going to be a long one. I have been completely slammed the past 2.5 weeks - photographing a total of 12 sessions! Lots going on and I love every second about it!!!

I spent my Saturday afternoon photographing the adorable 6 day old Miss "K" - what a sweetpea! She was amazing . . . she just slept and slept and slept some more! and let me mold and move her around without complaining. I was able to get creative with this session since nothing seemed to wake her up - I love the end results!









Little Miss "K" {yes another Miss "K" and in the same weekend!} didn't want to fall asleep as quickly but once she did, I was able to capture lots of dreamy smiles from her! Oh so cute - I love little baby smiles. Check out the cool fabric I was able to incorporate into the shoot as well . . . . I love photographing at my clients' homes, it makes each session so unique and personal.





I finished up my busy weekend by hanging out with Miss "H", a 16 month old who was seriously on the go! I was up and down, and up and down with this little cutie - she kept me on my toes and made me think outside of the box - which was wonderful! We even pulled out the inflatable pool, filled it up with water, and let Miss "H" play - very fun!