This couple stole my heart in the first 10 minutes of sitting on the couch at the studio, holding hands & sharing the details they have planned for their fall wedding. The happiness was written all over their faces, and I found myself tearing up as they talked about their plans. We’re all fighting a battle of some sort & after spending time with Heather & Eric I can tell you the battle they’re winning with Eric’s health is one that has made them hold on a little tighter, smile a little bigger, laugh a little louder, and celebrate every….single….day. They won’t officially be husband & wife until October, but even a quick glimpse into their life together & its so obvious what a strong team they make. I love that they chose to use the backyard of Eric’s house ( their new home together ) as a backdrop for half of the session, and the front porch swing at Heather’s house for a few cozy shots. The old blue chevy was sitting in a neighbors driveway….and turned out to be a spot I couldn’t pass up ;)

Thanks to Heather & Eric for the inspiration..and for sharing their beautiful connection with me. And thanks to my cousin Alisha for trusting me with her best friend’s memories. Giant hugs to you all…

Heather has the MOST amazing laugh. This shot is the intro to my new lifestyle portrait site, btw :)

Have you ever seen a cuter pup than Miss Baxter? Yes, she’s a girl, and yes, they let Eric’s nephew name her :)

The minute I found out Camilla was a horseback rider, I knew we had to incorporate that into their engagement session somehow. So we planned this session at the Fellowship Farm where her horse Gryphon is boarded. After spending just a few moments in the stables, I completely understood why she fell in love with riding as a kid. Horses have such a soothing presence. They’re massive in size, but their eyes have such a peaceful beauty. Her horses were definitely her first love…. until she met Anthony ( his friends call him Anton ) and I’m pretty sure Gryphon was bumped to 2nd place in that instant :)

These two have such an ease about them. They have that rare connection…that head-over-heels-best-friend love that everyone hopes to find. Camilla is hands-down one of the most gorgeous girls I’ve ever photographed, and Anton brings out that amazing glow in her. I can’t wait to spend more time with them on their wedding day this Fall…

Oh, and their new beagle rescue Georgie makes a cameo in a few shots below. I had a hard time not sneaking her into my camera bag…she’s a cutie :) Happy Wednesday everyone!

Julia was one of the first three photographers to snag a spot for this month’s one-on-one mentoring sessions, and THE first to show up ready to learn. We traded a few emails before her session so I knew she was passionate about taking her business to the next level. When she showed up to the studio, I think she was surprised to find I had done a little homework & had 2 pages of suggestions on how to amp up her web-presence & attract her ideal clients. I checked her site on Sunday ( yes, I’ll be checking up on all of our attendees ;) and literally had to pick my jaw up off the floor. She took every, single suggestion I made & honestly….it looks fantastic. I predict her bookings will more than double in 2011. She’s got the talent & the drive to make it happen.

Only a year into the business & Julia’s work shows her commitment to creating authentic imagery. And a laugh….no, THE laugh to end all laughs. Its contagious. If her energy in front of the camera is any indication of how she is behind the lens, her clients are in for a treat. During our session, we talked a lot about the biggest buzzword in this industry, “branding” and how it represents SO much more than your logo or blog style. I can’t wait to follow her progress as she develops her vision & shows the world what Julia Wade Photography is all about. I expect big things, miss Julia ;)

Stay tuned to see more from our April attendees…my next one-on-one is coming up next week!

P.S. The vintage records were a great find from one of my favorite local thrift shops & worked out beautifully b/c Julia studied music in college. Fun little coincidence, eh? Now on with the pics :)