• In the midst of anticipatory grief, I keep reminding myself how very lucky I am to still have my Granny. So many of my friends lost grandparents while growing up, sometimes even before they'd had a chance to meet. That's not my story- my Granny & Pawpaw have always been a short 4-hour drive away, and a mere 1-hour drive during my four years in college. You know you're always welcome here was their constant refrain. And I am inexpressibly grateful for fact that, ever since my college days when their home was my retreat from school, I’ve come to know my Granny as more of a blend of grandmother, mother, and friend. •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But that means that these last few months of watching her struggle with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis has been incredibly painful. I’m so torn between wanting to keep her here for as long as is humanly & medically possible, and wanting her pain to be over, for her to find rest and peace in the arms of our Savior. Knowing that when the end draws near and her time comes, she’ll be in heaven, cancer-free, in the presence of our God who loves her more deeply and fully than she could ever comprehend in her short time here. •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It is such a privilege to love her and be loved by her. And even though when the time comes I’m going to miss her more than my breaking heart can express, I can find peace in knowing that this was never her home to begin with.
    In the midst of anticipatory grief, I keep reminding myself how very lucky I am to still have my Granny. So many of my friends lost grandparents while growing up, sometimes even before they'd had a chance to meet. That's not my story- my Granny & Pawpaw have always been a short 4-hour drive away, and a mere 1-hour drive during my four years in college. You know you're always welcome here was their constant refrain. And I am inexpressibly grateful for fact that, ever since my college days when their home was my retreat from school, I’ve come to know my Granny as more of a blend of grandmother, mother, and friend. •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But that means that these last few months of watching her struggle with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis has been incredibly painful. I’m so torn between wanting to keep her here for as long as is humanly & medically possible, and wanting her pain to be over, for her to find rest and peace in the arms of our Savior. Knowing that when the end draws near and her time comes, she’ll be in heaven, cancer-free, in the presence of our God who loves her more deeply and fully than she could ever comprehend in her short time here. •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It is such a privilege to love her and be loved by her. And even though when the time comes I’m going to miss her more than my breaking heart can express, I can find peace in knowing that this was never her home to begin with.
  • Flights are booked for 2.5 weeks in France this summer for @thesignatureatelier + a handful of engagement & anniversary sessions! [And, I'm hoping, a quick dash down to Provence to be #basic and see the lavender fields.] I'm trying to tally up how much film I anticipate shooting and right now, I'm up to 70 rolls... woof. I apologize in advance to the TSA agents I'll be asking to hand check all that film... 😅 In case you missed the news, @katherinebignon and I just announced last week that we'll be taking 2019 off from hosting our favorite workshop for photographers! (Because Matt & I just don't know where we'll be in the process of growing our family, we wanted to plan to be at home next summer for whatever that may entail). And with registration closing tomorrow at midnight, that means this is your last chance for at least the next two years (ah!) to join us in France! We've got an amazing line-up of lessons, hands-on classes, and shoots in the works and are pouring our whole hearts into making sure #thesignatureatelierround2 is one that leaves an indelible impact on everyone who gathers with at at the château. There are only two spots remaining, and if you want to snag one before the countdown expires tomorrow night, head to the link in my profile!
    Flights are booked for 2.5 weeks in France this summer for @thesignatureatelier + a handful of engagement & anniversary sessions! [And, I'm hoping, a quick dash down to Provence to be #basic and see the lavender fields.] I'm trying to tally up how much film I anticipate shooting and right now, I'm up to 70 rolls... woof. I apologize in advance to the TSA agents I'll be asking to hand check all that film... 😅 In case you missed the news, @katherinebignon and I just announced last week that we'll be taking 2019 off from hosting our favorite workshop for photographers! (Because Matt & I just don't know where we'll be in the process of growing our family, we wanted to plan to be at home next summer for whatever that may entail). And with registration closing tomorrow at midnight, that means this is your last chance for at least the next two years (ah!) to join us in France! We've got an amazing line-up of lessons, hands-on classes, and shoots in the works and are pouring our whole hearts into making sure #thesignatureatelierround2 is one that leaves an indelible impact on everyone who gathers with at at the château. There are only two spots remaining, and if you want to snag one before the countdown expires tomorrow night, head to the link in my profile!
  • There aren't many things that can inspire me to get out of bed at 3:50am, but a ballerina at the cherry blossoms will typically get the job done. Photographing for @labelladancewear last week was such a beautiful dream! I love the custom pink to green leo + skirt she made just for this shoot, because holy macaroni- @sophmnelson, you are a VISION. #abbygraceballerinas
    There aren't many things that can inspire me to get out of bed at 3:50am, but a ballerina at the cherry blossoms will typically get the job done. Photographing for @labelladancewear last week was such a beautiful dream! I love the custom pink to green leo + skirt she made just for this shoot, because holy macaroni- @sophmnelson, you are a VISION. #abbygraceballerinas
  • When your couple is rad AND chic enough to serve Himalayan salt shot glasses (complete with a lime table number, Patron, & TI lyrics) as their escort cards and still be one of the classiest duos I know, it might be a sign you've hit the client jackpot! 🍾 I'm SO honored to see Kevin & Erica's wedding featured on the front page of @stylemepretty, especially since it's SMP's LAST wedding feature ever! I can't imagine a more beautiful note to end a 12-year wedding blog on than with these two and their exquisite fête, designed to perfection by @gritandgraceinc.
    When your couple is rad AND chic enough to serve Himalayan salt shot glasses (complete with a lime table number, Patron, & TI lyrics) as their escort cards and still be one of the classiest duos I know, it might be a sign you've hit the client jackpot! 🍾 I'm SO honored to see Kevin & Erica's wedding featured on the front page of @stylemepretty, especially since it's SMP's LAST wedding feature ever! I can't imagine a more beautiful note to end a 12-year wedding blog on than with these two and their exquisite fête, designed to perfection by @gritandgraceinc.
  • Drop everything: these two and their chic, sharp wedding are on the front page of @stylemepretty right now!! So excited to FINALLY spill the beans on Kevin & Erica's stunning day with @gritandgraceinc- from marble accents & florals by @sweetrootvillage to Himalayan salt shot glasses and place settings, you absolutely cannot miss this one- link temporarily in profile!
    Drop everything: these two and their chic, sharp wedding are on the front page of @stylemepretty right now!! So excited to FINALLY spill the beans on Kevin & Erica's stunning day with @gritandgraceinc- from marble accents & florals by @sweetrootvillage to Himalayan salt shot glasses and place settings, you absolutely cannot miss this one- link temporarily in profile!
  • Yesterday was a day for people to gather and celebrate, saying Come and see what God has done! Neal & Krysta are MARRIED!! This day was long awaited. But as Krysta's bridesmaid Sara Beth said during her toast, when Neal entered the picture, it soon became clear that he was the one she was waiting for, and that the wait had been so, so worth it. Congratulations to the brand new Mr. & Mrs. Buchanan!!! • (Also, can we talk about how Krysta killed it in a pink bridal skirt? Because THAT happened!)
    Yesterday was a day for people to gather and celebrate, saying Come and see what God has done! Neal & Krysta are MARRIED!! This day was long awaited. But as Krysta's bridesmaid Sara Beth said during her toast, when Neal entered the picture, it soon became clear that he was the one she was waiting for, and that the wait had been so, so worth it. Congratulations to the brand new Mr. & Mrs. Buchanan!!! • (Also, can we talk about how Krysta killed it in a pink bridal skirt? Because THAT happened!)
  • Happy 60th birthday, Dad!! This guy is one of my best friends. He's my running partner, my fellow movie quoter, my beekeeping mentor, and the best Dad in the entire world. He's the sort of guy who'll always be there to pick you up at the airport, the sort of guy who gives gifts because I saw this, and I thought of you!, the sort of guy who'll get up at 4:45am while on vacation in London to go assist his photographer daughter with an anniversary session (as pictured here!). Here's to 60, and here's to 60 more, Dad!
    Happy 60th birthday, Dad!! This guy is one of my best friends. He's my running partner, my fellow movie quoter, my beekeeping mentor, and the best Dad in the entire world. He's the sort of guy who'll always be there to pick you up at the airport, the sort of guy who gives gifts because I saw this, and I thought of you!, the sort of guy who'll get up at 4:45am while on vacation in London to go assist his photographer daughter with an anniversary session (as pictured here!). Here's to 60, and here's to 60 more, Dad!
  • Cherry blossom peak bloom is coming.... DC photographers, time to go to war. Sorry, WORK. Time to go to work.
    Cherry blossom peak bloom is coming.... DC photographers, time to go to war. Sorry, WORK. Time to go to work.