I am so excited to officially start with my class of 2020 seniors and Maddy was the best way to kick it off. We have been chatting for a few weeks to plan and prep for our session together. We decided to shoot our session at the stately Appomattox Manor in Hopewell, VA. This is a little hidden gem that stole my heart awhile ago. If you have followed my work for any amount of time you will see that this is one of my favorite locations ever, and it definitely did not disappoint.

July in Virginia typically means unbearably HOT, and yes...it was over 90 degrees, but the nice breeze coming off of the water made it more than bearable. We really couldn’t have asked for prettier weather in VA on the first week of July.

When I finally met Maddy in person, I realized she was one of the NICEST people I have ever met. I am not kidding you - she is so dang sweet!! I loved talking with her about her plans for college, her job, and her athletics. I quickly found out that she is an incredible softball player. How do I know for sure, you ask?? She plays “shortstop.” Okay. Say no more. Her plans are to go to Virginia Tech next year to play and study exercise and nutrition. One day I’ll be watching her play ESPN U. I just know it. (Maddy, I’ll even get my cable back and upgrade my package just for that. ;) )

We started on the grounds of Appomattox Manor. She absolutely nailed it with all of her outfits! Before heading down to City Point, we captured her in her softball “element.” It is such an important part of her life (and her future), so we just had to! And we couldn’t forget to snap a few pictures of her with her Hokie gear. We ended our session with some major “sun glow” just before sunset. Maddy’s flowy dress was the perfect match for the river shore.

I still have major heart eyes for Maddy’s session! Can you blame me?!?