As some of you may already know, I am a huge supporter of our US Military service men & women. My husband was former US Army, my brother-in-law US Navy, and my three cousins – current/ former US Army & US Navy. (I seriously need to get to a Army/Navy football game to see both branches battle it out on the field!) Oh and let’s not forget my father, father-in-law, uncles, and aunts who also served in the military I am so proud to be associated with these brave men and women.  When I discovered the organization, Operation Love Reunited, I knew I wanted to get involved and give back to our military families in one form or another. It was a perfect fit. OpLove enabled me to give back through my photography work.

I met Jessica and Dan a few months ago through OpLove. Dan’s Homecoming was an emotional one and I was honored that Jessica contacted me to help capture that intimate moment in time. You can see photos from their emotional reunion here.

For those who know me, you know I have a hell of a sweet tooth. A few weeks ago I received a DELICIOUS surprise from Dan & Jessica! My stomach is grumbling just looking at the photos! These were hand delivered fresh and straight from Charm City Cupcakes located in Baltimore! Yes- these delicious morsels were from THE “ACE” of Cakes! Mmmmmm….

I couldn’t help but tear up when I saw the little note that came with the package.

Thank-you so much Dan & Jessica for the heart-warming and deliciously SWEET gift! Wishing you both all the best!

I love exploring new vendors, especially if it means offering my clients something new, different, and of course top quality. In my research I stumbled upon The Dream Album Company. What I liked about this company was 1.) High quality hand crafted albums 2.) Supporting small business  3.) Local (they are based in good old Maryland!).  The ordering process took sometime but that’s just because the company wanted to make sure the end product was perfect and helped me fix any possible issues such as alignment, resolution, and bleeds. Thank-you Dream Team! I was so excited when the package finally arrived. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning!

Here’s a peek at Lieu & Adam’s DREAM wedding album.

Dream Albums are available with my premium wedding packages and also offered for my portrait sessions.

I recently got back from the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana. Just in time to witness Mariecel’s & Michael’s marriage!

Mariecel & Michael have two weddings planned,  a small Catholic church wedding and a larger wedding at a beautiful mansion in Virginia later in September. I was honored when they asked me to photograph their church wedding. The guest count was kept to immediate family and it was the perfect intimate church wedding. The weather was perfect, the church was beautiful, and the couple was glowing.

This brooch is from Mariecel’s good friend Holly. Mariecel, Holly, and I used to work together as designers in the corporate world. Holly has been living and working in Korea for the past two years. She’s also quite the B-girl. When Mariecel went back to the Phillipines to get her wedding dress designed, Holly took a trip to Manilla to visit her. She gave Mariecel two beautiful brooches from Korea. This is just one of them. Love how well it worked with Mariecel’s church day gown.

Mariecel has two wedding dresses. She selected a beautiful lace for the church wedding gown. So delicately detailed.

Mariecel is a shoe connoisseur so it was only appropriate that these were her something blue.

Mariecel is a very talented designer. She designed the invitations and everything down to the last detail on the big wedding day. The middle diamond on her ring is her grandmother’s. This is her beautiful something old, yet new at the same time!

The beautiful church. Love the natural lighting and the high ceilings. And ofcourse, the bride and groom in the middle of it all.

We headed to Old Town Alexandria for a few post wedding photos.

Back to the house for some delicious cake! Cake by Fluffy Thoughts

Just got back from the Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Had to post a quick sneak peek from Yung & Brad’s wedding!
Love you guys and thank-you for letting me share in your special day!

Amy & Dave’s wedding took place this past Saturday at the Gibson Island Club, a beautiful and picturesque setting surrounded by the Magothy River and Chesapeake Bay. Saturday’s weather couldn’t be more perfect. Partly sunny skies, cool breeze, a beautiful bride, a handsome groom, and wedding guests that sure know how to party!

Amy, you are an absolutely stunning bride. You made the job easy.

The handkerchief and ring are near and dear to Amy’s heart. They both belonged to her grandmother who recently passed away. I believe our loved ones who pass are always around us and I’m sure Amy’s grandmother was there to share in the joy of the day.

The handsome groom and the glowing bride

A beautiful and emotional moment between Amy and her dad before they walked down the isle (captured by my sister).

My heart smiles every time I see two people so in love.

Seriously, the Irish know how to rock it. Live music was provided by the Black Tie band, as well as, Amy’s three brothers who had many fans in the crowd. Both bands were so great the crowd never left the dance floor…not even for cake!

Venue: Gibson Island Club
Flowers: Pat Stringer
Cake: Graul’s Market
Band: Washington Talent Agency- Black Tie Band

I had a great family session with the D family this past weekend. It’s been so hot lately, way too hot for the little ones to be out so long, so mom and I decided to schedule an early morning session at the Cylburn Arboretum.  Cylburn Arboretum is like a hidden gem located in Baltimore City. It’s a wonderful nature preserve full of gardens and hiking trails. This was the first time I’ve ever visited the area and was pleasantly surprised. I found a great big tree in the middle of the preserve that made for an absolutely stunning backdrop.

David and Miriam have three beautiful children. Despite the heat, the kids did so well during the shoot and I had a blast playing with them.

Mom & Dad- beautiful couple = beautiful children…inside & out.

WOW- when Kristina told me she was throwing a Lilly Pulitzer themed bridal shower for her sister, she wasn’t kidding! Everything was wonderfully decorated down to the last minute detail. Kris- you did a fabolous job! Congratulations Sandi on your upcoming nuptials and wish you all the best!

Sandi with Kristina and mom.

I started to use a new album company called Kiss Albums. As you might recall from this post, in April, I went to California for the Jessica Claire workshop. After the workshop, I stopped in Westminster California (not too far from Huntington Beach and Little Saigon) to visit an old childhood friend, Mai. I’ve known Mai for over 25 years. She and my sister were best friends growing up. Mai now lives in sunny California with her husband and two beautiful girls, Mia and Maily. I had so much fun hanging out and playing with them and even had a chance to do a mini photoshoot at Huntington Beach! Where by the way, we were viciously attacked by lady bugs…but that’s another story…

Here are a few shots of the little kiss album. The measure 4″ x 4″. So tiny! So cute! Great little brag book that you can carry around in your bag or purse and it comes with a great fabric cover This product is now being offered to all my clients.

And her are a few shots from the mini session!

Both Becky and Mary’s husbands are enlisted in the US Navy and currently deployed. Here’s a sneak peek at today’s OpLove Photo Session!

Becky’s children, Jonathan and Conner.

Mary’s cute little baby Joseph!

Ofcourse Mary’s dog, Ruby, had to get in on the photo op as well!

Go Navy!

** OPLOVE DOD Disclaimer: The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.**

I had the pleasure of photographing Bryan & Kelly’s wedding in Baltimore this past Saturday. The ceremony was held at the beautiful St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, a church which Kelly attended since she was little. The reception later took place at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Baltimore and traditional Greek food was served. The beautiful flowers were done by Flowers by Judy. Once again, I was very fortunate to have my sister as a second shooter. I think we made a great team!

Here is a sneak peek at Bryan & Kelly’s Greek wedding celebration.