More than 10 years ago my then boyfriend’s (now my husband) best friend and his girlfriend let me take their pictures so that I could build up my portfolio some more. I remember my images being a little dark and I had forgotten to set my ISO correctly so they were all a little grainy. Flash forward and these two are my dear friends and they have one of those images framed in their home and find it to be one of their favorites. It’s been 10 years since they got married and we met at the Boston Seaport for our session. It isn’t often I get to do portraits in the city these days so it was a special treat.

A few weeks back our friend Delon contacted us about helping out with proposing to his girlfriend Jenni while they were out here visiting during Thanksgiving. What better way to help out than to suggest a photoshoot turned engagement session at Sam’s Point in the Hudson Valley? It was so cold up top but we snuck away in the short pines for some images where the wind wasn’t as harsh before going to the edge of the cliffs for the surprise! I love finding color when all the leaves have fallen for the winter.

My parents. Two people who met at the age of 16 and have been together ever since. I always admired their story but never really felt like it could be my own since, well, I still thought I was too young to be married at the age of 20 as when they were. If you need an example of two people who stick by each other no matter what, these are they. I know that I have a personality that leans toward loyalty and dedication, but I think I got some of that from my parents.

Moving here to Philadelphia wasn't the easiest thing. Yes, it was an adventure to move away from family and step into the unknown as a couple. The reality of it all just sunk in when we realized that we hardly knew anyone and that we didn't have a close church family to see each week. But God is awesome. He found us a church where we could make many new friends. One friendship that because really dear to me and will always work hard to maintain, is with Emily.

Now Jay and Suellen have been married for 5 years and their is love stronger than ever. We met at Moore State Park in Paxton, MA and had a lovely time capturing memories.

A few weeks ago, my friend AJ, of AJ Pastor Productions, invited me to come along and second shoot friends of his for their anniversary. We also had the opportunity to go to Longwood Gardens, which is one of the most beautiful places and so enormous! Kara and Jeremy were so pleasant to meet and I enjoyed getting to know them and helping AJ with random stuff.

With spring in the air, the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations are starting to unfold. During the winter, we spend our time working to stay warm and happy through the cold dark days. I, on the other hand, try to find opportunities to still get out there and photograph people despite the gloom. I look for ways to bring color and life to the otherwise gray. These two made it easy for me bring life to winter.

Being a photographer has been an extreme blessing for me. Yes I get to be creative and draw your attention to beautiful things, but that is only a portion of what really brings me joy. This past Sunday I trekked out to Harvard Square in Boston Massachusetts to photograph a couple I met through my church, REACH Philadelphia. I briefly became acquainted with Anika before she headed off to New England to finish her residency, so it was a pleasure to get know both her and Bryant during this time.

Wow you guys, I am beside myself about what I have to show you. I often get anxiety about making sure that those I photograph are best portrayed the way they actually are. I wonder about my angles, framing, editing, you name it. Even though my style should take on a certain feel and consistency, I still want to show everyone the truth in front of my lens, not just behind.