The Best of 2021
2021 was a year of pivoting for just about everyone. We realized that the craziness of 2020 wasn’t going anywhere. Making the best of our new “normal” was what we needed to do! Regardless of the hurdles, 2021 was our best year YET! I’m sharing some of the top images that made this year what it was!!
#20 - Mama and Son
This image was taken during our VMFA Summer mini sessions. There was something so organic and beautiful about this photo. Carrie hugged Levi (because let’s face it…he was OVER IT!) and it was such a precious moment to me.
#19 - The Enyart Spin!
Stephen and Tyfanie said I DO on a HOT day in August. Their wedding was at one of our favorite Williamsburg Country Clubs. You would have never guessed that it was 100 degrees. Tyfanie was STUNNING…AND this veil…well perfect.
#18 - A Mama and her Babies
As soon as I took this photo, I instantly knew WOW! This is going to be stunning. Just everything that Olivia had planned from outfits, to accents in her bedroom was perfect. However, all of that was just icing on top of the cake. This moment that she is sharing with her arms full and heart even fuller is one that definitely sticks out from the entire year.
#17 - Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
There are so many things that make me love this image. For starters, this ring is STUNNING and unique! Secondly, the bride behind this ring is beyond special. Finally, it is a technical WIN. I have made the switch to new equipment in 2021. Finding my groove and love for the new equipment is HUGE!
#16 - Baby Belly
This is a personal favorite from the entire year. Not only was the light golden and perfect. BUT…Courtney!! She is STUNNING. Just everything. I get country-music-star vibes here. Her smile. Everything. This was just before she knew how much she could love this little boy.
#15 - YUMMY!
Last year, the Christmas Cookie Mini Session took our business by storm. This year we DOUBLED the amount of Cookie Clients and we still had families wanting MORE!!! Henry’s smile, the hat, the rolling pin, everything is perfection!
#13 - The Garretts
There is just so much about this picture that I love! Not only did the Garrett family make this year’s TOP 20 images…but they made last year’s as well!! They are so adorable! Little do you know, Turner is sporting an American flag arm cast!
#12 - Justin + Genna
There really aren’t enough words to describe these two! They were one of the most flexible, kind-hearted and generous couples! Not only did they plan their Charlottesville wedding from Austin, Texas but they did it over the span of 2.5 years (thanks Covid!) It was SO nice…they celebrated TWICE!
#11 - B + E Engaged
Brendon and Emily were the very last session of 2021. Living out of state and the complexity of a college football schedule, their engagement session had to be put off a bit. They are the most go-with-the-flow couple, ever!! They were game for whatever I suggested and looked stunning doing it! I cannot wait until their May 2022 wedding!
#10 - The Mallon’s Engagement
This is one of those sessions that feels like it was FOREVER ago. However, it certainly happened within the past year. This was the COLDEST session I think that I had ever done! Meghan and Eric were troopers and they looked STUNNING doing it!!
#9 - The Smiths
Not only does Shannon perfectly coordinate outfits for every session, but she has become one of our biggest supporters during 2021! This photo was totally organic and not planned. Everything from the kiddos down to the outfits just felt natural and beautiful!
#8 - The Roberson Trio
This is one of my favorite photos from 2021 for a few reasons. The composition, the family but most of all the colors. I typically find myself shying away from BOLD colors…but this DID IT FOR ME!! I totally fell in love with the richness of color. This was a total game changer for me!
#7 - Christmas Tree Farm Minis
These sessions were my quickest booking, most talked about session of the year! The anticipation of a Christmas tree farm and an old red truck was REAL! This session was taken right after sun rise with a frost covered farm. Everything about this made my photographer heart explode!
#6 - At the foot of the Cross
I don’t usually have black and white images but the feeling behind this photo just required it. Victoria and Grady knelt at the foot of the cross during their ceremony. The love and presence of The Holy Spirit was so evident. Not only was this one of my favorite images from the year, but it was definitely a top moment for me as well!
#5 - The Owens
This was one of the most picture perfect wedding days! Everything from the tiniest detail to the venue spaces were epic! Sarah-Bradley and Ryan had a Trolly ride across Richmond from their ceremony to the reception. Talk about a good time!!
#4 - The Wallpaper!
This was probably one of my most talked about images from 2021! The amount of people that would say “remember that epic wallpaper nursery?!” YES! It was pretty impactful! I love staying connected to the Woods’ through social media and watching their little lady grow up!
#3 - Bailie and Jarod
The Dodd wedding was SO special to me. Bailie and I grew up together and her family will always hold such a special place in my heart. This was my first out of state wedding, and I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again. The venue was EPIC and just as stunning in real life!
#2 - Couple’s Session
This was totally a highlight for me! Rachel had the best session planned for her and her boyfriend! We spent time in the water, in a field and lots of other fun spots of family property. I love when someone comes to me with a vision and we MAKE. IT. HAPPEN.
#1 - TOP IMAGE OF 2021
Not only are the technical aspects of this photo my favorite, from the composition, the color palette, the emotion, etc. etc. etc. - But THESE PEOPLE. From their engagement session in this very spot, to Austin’s bridal portaits, their wedding, family pictures and now this milestone. THIS. IS. MY. WHY. This is why I set out to start photography 5 years ago. Capturing the seasons and creating relationships.