Ivy & Nick | Blue Ridge Mountain Sunrise Engagement Session | Shenandoah National Park

Ivy and Nick drove all the way down from Maryland early in the morning to meet me while it was still dark for this sunrise in the Shenandoah National Park. They would have left by at least 5am (and look how absolutely beautiful Ivy is!) This session was mind-blowing, I've never seen a sunrise like this one. It was in October, and was ridiculously freezing, but they were champs, and I think I speak for all of us when I say it was worth it.

I will always be up for waking up at all hours for another shoot like this in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Ashley & Michael | An Intimate Backyard Wedding | Shenandoah Valley Wedding

Michael is one of quite a few Beaune's whose weddings I've either photographed or attended. I've known him all my life, and have photographed his (now!!) wife Ashley at quite a few weddings as well. They got engaged over a year and a half ago, and she booked me right away. I can't believe how quickly the time went by from the day she booked until October 14th. 

It was a gorgeous fall day, the colors were magic, but it was still so warm. Ashley got ready in their home where I got to photograph her, and Marty stuck with the guys (this is our typical Beaune wedding set-up). She wore her mother's, and her grandmother's, wedding dress, redesigned for her. It was one of the most stunning and unique dresses I had ever seen, and instantly brought me back in time, placing me in one of my favorite movies.

While their guest list was huge, their wedding was intimate and casual, just going with the flow of the day.

They were absolutely darling, these high school sweethearts, and I am SO happy I was able to share in their day.

Florals by Amy Beaune Nesbitt

Florals by Amy Beaune Nesbitt

Megan | Golden Hour Portraits in the Shenandoah National Park | Blue Ridge Mountain Photographer

I met Megan years ago, she was dressed as Cruella De Vil, with the long cigarette and long fur coat. She was obviously incredibly elegant, down to the way she spoke, but then she made a huge impression on me that night as one of the funniest people I had ever met. I honestly don't know how I could ever explain Megan, but I was so thrilled when she asked me to take her portraits so that maybe I could capture it on camera.

We met up for some Chai tea, then drove on up to the Shenandoah National Park and spent the rest of the evening, until the slightest drizzle started, just exploring and finding lovely little spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Having a photo shoot like this, just for fun, and just for her, was just so good for the soul. Going out, exploring, playing with light and wind and hair, wearing a beautiful velvet blue dress (from Anthropologie, nonetheless) and just laughing and having genuine fun in front of the camera - it was so wonderful and makes me love photography and the memories it can make and save even more.