That’s what we had down in Georgetown with Tyler, his mom and his aunt. FUN. Not sure if it’s because I’m funny or because I’m a big goober head, lol. I just love to be goofy as if I’ve known people for years….

Anyhow, we started down by the waterfront area and worked our way up to the charming streets of Georgetown finding all kinds of fun places to stop. And if you let me, I’ll stop you a lot…. 

Thanks so much Christina and Tyler for letting me capture you at this pinnacle of your life… freaks me out that this time is coming fast and furious for me…. they just get so big so fast!

Oh, and I made (yes, I wouldn’t take no for an answer) Christina get in a few with her handsome son….they are some of my FAVORITES!!!!

Enjoy!

LOVE THIS!!!!

When someone inquires about an Operation Love Reunited shoot, they go to the OpLove website and click on the “find a photographer in your area” link…this will bring up a map and they will be able to see all the OpLove photographers in their area. They will send an inquiry form through the photographers website, which is linked there, and they are allowed 2 free sessions…one being either a pre-deployment session of the whole family or one of the family of that service member here AND a homecoming session, which is to take place at the place of the arrival of that service member.

They also receive a spiral bound 4×6 book like this which is sent by us overseas to that service member or to the families if it is a homecoming…..

Erin…Ryan…and all who sacrifice for our country…thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Erin is now overseas and I hope the time flies for her so she can be back with her family soon….

So we met at pretty Greenbelt Park and had a gorgeous day to wander around the lake and then over to the older section of Greenbelt by the cinema.

I love being able to do senior portraits. Thanks Katelyn!

We met on the grounds of the Naval Academy because her husband had graduated from there. I knew there were lots of  areas for portraits of groups that large as well.

So I met Candice and her family, some of which were here from Virginia and California, and we walked around the grounds. It was a really, really cold day so we limited our outdoor pictures and opted for the warmth and beautiful space of Bancroft Hall.

As soon as I walked in I was intrigued by all the unique and colorful items. I found way too many things I wanted (I was able to leave with only 5…will power!) and I met Dina Bennett who was a warm and friendly face. (Come to find out that Dina also is a hair stylist and she is now MY stylist, yay!)

I wanted Dina to give me a little background of their store (she co-owns it with Karen Whitney) for my blog post, and what an awesome story it is!

“This was a dream come true for us. About two years ago I had this idea to open an UPSCALE consignment store in Bowie, Md. As luck would have it, I read that they were having a contest for unique ideas for new businesses at Hilltop Plaza. So I wrote down my ideas and wrote a letter to the Owner Mr. Frank Storch. Less then 24 hours later he called me personally and wanted to meet with us. So we put together some pictures of our dream store and met with him. Wow, everything was happening so fast, so I could not believe it when he called me the next day and told me that we won the contest and received a YEAR of free rent! Every Second Counts Consignment Boutique is now starting our third year and growing everyday!”
Owners Dina Bennett and Karen Whitney have created a beautiful store where you can bring your like new (gently used) items to sell and make some extra cash. With the feel of an upscale boutique, Great prices on brand name items, customers love to drop in regularly to see whats new. Whether your looking for that unique gift, redecorating on a dime, or de-cluttering, we can help. You never know what you will find with new items arriving daily and in this economy everyone can use some extra cash. So hurry in because Every Second Counts!

Karen Whitney and Dina Bennett

This is my most favorite sign in the WHOLE WORLD!!!

…and to top it off, they make their own bags for you to take your treasures home in!!!

This session took place in their new neighborhood that just happens to have a community dock. (I want to know how to get one of those!)   As we walked out onto the dock and I saw the beautiful grasses I knew that I wanted to use them as a backdrop.

The lighting was perfect and the kids were so awesome to work with…hence some awesome images.

I met Emily, her mom, sister and niece and nephew there on a beautiful late October day.

We got some awesome images and we really had a lot of fun…those two little ones are so captivating!!! Even Emily’s Bulldog, Baron, seemed to have a great time!

I can not imagine going through the departing and reuniting once…let alone 3 times.

Nathan flew into BWI on a domestic flight. His children were unaware of this, they thought he was on the large international flight with 371 (yes, you read that right) servicemen returning at the same time. So Jen decided to surprise the kids even further.
Jen and I snuck off while the kids were helping the USO make care bags for the returning men and women and we met Nathan’s flight in the domestic area. Then we walked back and Nathan crept up from behind.
It was wonderful….their son was so overcome it choked me up….
Thank you Nathan and Jen….for the sacrifices you have made…
We are all greatly indebted. ?

Pam was beautiful and the excitement of the day resonated through their families. We had fun shooting the portraits out near the barns on the grounds. The moon even made an appearance as it rose full, big and orange over the water. Just gorgeous!!!

Thanks so much Pam and Nate for letting me be a part of your big day!