Celestial Sights Photography

Jason, Amber, and Emma - Family Portrait Session

2012-01-30T12:39:00.000-08:00

Little Emma is 6 months old. What better way to celebrate than with a photo session!

Tyler Family Photos

2012-01-23T06:48:00.000-08:00

More family photos thanks to the great weather we've been having! Enjoy :)

Best of 2011: Wedding Day

2012-01-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Continuing our best of 2011 series, here are some of my favorite shots from weddings throughout the year!

Allie and her daughter. (Original post here.)

Allie entering the church.

Heidi and James Tea Ceremony (Original post here.)

Heidi - wedding preparations (Original Post here.)

Heidi

Robin - Bridal Portraits (Original post here.)

Ashley and Matt with the Bridal Party (Original post here.)

Ashley and Matt at Veritas

Christina and Trevor at UVA (Original post here.)

Kat and her Dad at Clifton Inn (Original post here.)

Kat and Rogers

Kat and Rogers in Clifton Inn's kitchen.

Stephanie and Brian at Farmington. (Original post here.)

Stephanie and Brian - living in the moment!

Abby's Bridal Portraits. (Original post here.)

Leslie and Caleb - First Glimpse at the Acorn Inn. (Original post here and here.)

Nikki and Nick - sunset in Deltaville. (Original post here.)

Tess and Charlie - Inn at Westwood Farm (Original post here.)

Holly and Jason - Husband and Wife :) (Original post here.)

Best of 2011: Engagements Sessions

2012-01-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

The task of looking back at a year's worth of photos to pick my favorites is always a challenge to me. There is so much that I love, and so much to share :) This year, I'm breaking my posts up into session type. Enjoy!

My brother, B-J, and his lovely wife, Robin, at UVA!

Ashley and Matt, also at UVA

Too fun!

Christina and Trevor at Ivy Creek. Feel the love <3

Kat and Rogers at UVA

Danielle and Ben at Blenheim

Denise and Josh at UVA

Elder Family Portrait Session

2012-01-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

One of the great side effects of the warmer winter we've been having here in Virginia is a lengthened window for outdoor family portraits. Here's a shoot I did last week at UVA. The eldest daughter is getting ready to move across the country, so in some ways this was a "'Til We Meet Again" shoot. So fun, so bright - and you've got to love the inclusion of Pippen, the dog! Enjoy :)

Say Goodbye (I'm hearing music in my head...)

Denise and Josh's Engagment Session

2011-12-06T19:40:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, Denise and Josh met me at UVA for some engagement sessions. The beautiful leaves and beautiful campus made a great backdrop for their excitement. Enjoy some of my favorites!

Ready to go to the chapel!

Holly and Jonathan's Wedding

2011-12-03T07:34:00.001-08:00

Love in Waynesboro! Enjoy :)

Cynthia and John Sweetheart Session

2011-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

Love this couple! They are so fabulously comfortable and happy with one another that shooting their session was more like hanging out with friend than doing work :) Enjoy!

Danielle and Ben's Engagement Session

2011-11-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

For their engagement session, Courtney and Ben chose the location of Ben's proposal - Blenheim Vineyards. Ben is a long-time Dave Matthews fan, so the choice of proposal location was perfect for them! Unfortunately, on the night of the proposal, Ben accidentally chose a spot on the sight that was private property. Right in the middle of his serious speech about their love, they were asked to leave. Ben had friends waiting in the parking lot to celebrate, so he ended up proposing on the way back. We had better luck and placement the day of our session. I had so much fun working with this couple, and I can't wait for their wedding next summer!

Tess and Charlie's Wedding

2011-11-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Tess and Charlie's wedding last Saturday took place at the Inn at Westwood Farm. Beautiful day and beautiful bride! Enjoy :)

Sarah, John, and Naomi's Christmas Card Session

2011-10-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Love this family tons!

Baker Family Portraits

2011-10-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Simply lovely. At UVA.

Courtney and Ben's Wedding 8.24.11

2011-10-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Ben were married in a beautiful, rustic venue in Fredericksburg, Va. Courtney and Ben played up Clore Brothers riverside landscape with bright fall colors of orange and yellows throughout their wedding. Here are a few of my favorites!

Nick and Nikki's Wedding 8.24.11

2011-10-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

Nikki and I went to school at THE University together, but we hadn't seen each other much since graduating (gasp) over five years ago. I was THRILLED when I ran into Nikki on C'ville's downtown mall one day this summer to hear of Nikki's upcoming wedding and even more thrilled that I ended up getting to shoot her sweet, water-side wedding in Hartfield, VA.

My favorite part of the whole day's shooting was during the portrait time with just the bride and groom. While that is typically my favorite part of the day any way, I especially loved my time with Nick and Nikki. Over and over they just burst out into laughter, repeatedly affirming their love for each other with such confidence and conviction that you can tell that this is a marriage that will last. I don't know quite how to put into words how their delight in each other was unique from other weddings I've photographed, but delight there was in abundance. I hope you can see that in my photographs.

Nick and Nikki, may God bless you richly as you tackle the joys and trials of life together.

Leslie and Caleb Part 2

2011-09-16T11:30:00.001-07:00

Ok, so now on to the ceremony, details, and reception. But before I show you the pictures, here's a note from the bride:

"I saw the blog and LOVE all of those photos!!! Can't wait for the cd and prints. I wanted to give you some details in case you didn't have them. I want to be sure props are given where we can!

My grandmother's handkerchief was a "borrowed" item, so was the flower in my hair. The flower hair pieces worn by the girls were made by one of my bridesmaids, Emily. The necklaces worn by the girls were my gift to them. They were each unique and were purchased from Etsy.

The bouquets were made by Amy Webb of Blue Ridge Floral Design.

The cake was done by Jenny Peterson of Paradox Pastry.

The catering was done by Jake Faison.

Our DJ was DJ Ducktape, Bobby McClaren.
We kept the oak theme throughout with the Acorn Inn: our invites, the tree were we married under and the fingerprint guestbook tree that Caleb created.

It was a perfect day! THANK YOU for capturing it and being such a wonderful addition to our story."

Leslie and Caleb's Wedding Part 1

2011-09-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've divided a blog post into two sections, but I just couldn't choose between all of the photos that I love from this Acorn Inn wedding in Nelson, VA. I connected with Leslie and Caleb through Leslie's sister Karah, a fabulous massage therapist at CitySpa. Karah had told me all about Leslie and Caleb's 15 year relationship, so much so, that I was almost as excited as the family to be a part of the day!

The weather was perfect for this outdoor country wedding. Leslie and Caleb said their vows beneath a tree at the bottom of a lovely hill near the inn, and then they mingled with friends and family under the moon and stars, celebrating their love. I know you'll enjoy seeing a bit of the fun!

In preparation for the first look...

Bridesmaid details, ceremony, and reception photos coming tomorrow!

Abby's Bridal Portraits

2011-09-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

Now that Abby's married, I can share with you some of her bridal portraits from a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

Brian and Stephanie's Farmington Wedding 8.27.11

2011-09-09T09:51:00.001-07:00

I first met Brian and Stephanie when they were in the bridal party for Rachel and JR, whose wedding I photographed two years ago. For a photographer, there is perhaps no greater compliment than getting a phone call from a bridesmaid of a previous wedding, stating that if I'm available, she doesn't need to make any other phone calls :)

Despite hurricane Irene's requiring that the outdoor wedding go in, the whole day was lovely. Stephanie and Brian were so peaceful and joyful throughout the day. Farmington Country Club is a beautiful space both inside and out, and the staff did a great job with the last minute changes so that Stephanie and Brian could just enjoy each other.

Enjoy :)

Kat and Rogers' Wedding 8.13.11

2011-08-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

After shooting Kat and Rogers' engagement session at UVA in June, I have been super excited for their Clifton Inn wedding! This couple is so well matched. They laugh together and, as you'll see in these photos, they create peace for each other. Like the lovely floral notes from Blue Ridge Floral Design, their love for each other is wild, fresh, and romantic. Kat and Rogers, I wish you many blessings in your new life together!

Nicole's Senior Portraits

2011-08-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled three years ago, when I was still teaching, the day I looked on my roster and saw Nicole's name there! I had known her family in church, and I knew that I would love having her as one of my students, though there was no way I could have predicted just how special Nicole would become to me. We cheered each other up and encouraged each other throughout that year, and I now consider her not just as a former student, but as a friend. Nicole is a beautiful woman of God, and I'm looking forward to seeing all that her future holds!

Garrett turns 1!

2011-08-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun meeting with my friends to document their little boy's first birthday. Garrett was fun, interactive, and oh-so-cute! Enjoy :)

Mandy and Jonathon's Wedding 8.6.2011

2011-08-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Mandy and Jonathon got married in the historic Fork Union Baptist Church last Saturday. Their smiles say it all :) Enjoy!

Christina and Trevor's Wedding 7.30.11

2011-08-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

Every time I've driven by the Ivy Creek Methodist Church, I've wanted to get to shoot a wedding there, so when I met Christina and Trevor for their Ivy Creek engagement session and they told me where they'd settled on having the ceremony, I was super excited. The church was a beautiful place for Christina and Trevor to begin their life together.

As you look through these photos, I hope you enjoy the radiant smile on Christina's face. This is a couple much in love. As Christina's sister, Kim, shared during her toast, this is a marriage born through friendship and is thus a love meant to last. Blessings to you both in your new life together!

Playing with a little rain during our portrait time...

Love this idea...their guest book was a stack of postcards to be mailed to them throughout their first year of marriage :)

Ashley and Matt's Veritas Wedding 7.29.11

2011-08-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

The day of Ashley and Matt's Veritas Winery wedding this August was definitely NOT a day for cold feet (it was 103 degrees outside at 6pm)! Beyond the temperature, the day was filled with warm feelings for this couple who were so clearly excited to be together on their wedding day. As always, Veritas made for a lovely venue, the gorgeous vines on rolling hills behind the couple as they said their vows and the beautiful ballroom set for an evening of rejoicing. Ashley and Matt, I'm so glad that I had the privilege of participating in your wedding day! All the best!

Little B Newborn Session

2011-07-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the arrival of little B! Psalms 20:4-5 "May [the Lord] give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests."

Brittany Senior Portraits

2011-07-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

When I met Brittany at Pleasant Grove in Fluvanna to do her senior portrait session, I was super excited to work in such a beautiful new space! We had a great time using the different buildings and backgrounds, and I enjoyed hearing about Brittany's recent missions trip to Brazil. Brittany is hoping to get an education degree in college and use the skills she develops on the mission field. Good luck to you in all your aspirations, Brittany!

B-J and Robin's Wedding 7.16.11

2011-07-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

My little brother got married yesterday! He married the most amazing woman, and I am SO happy for the two of them. Between being a bridesmaid and a new mom, I managed to snap a few photos throughout the day. You'll have to keep an eye on Natalie Bell Photography's blog for the official wedding day photos (Natalie is a great friend of mine, and I'm SO happy that she was available to shoot B-J and Robin's day!).

This first shot is from the rehearsal dinner. Please note the presence of multiple bow ties!

A moment of anticipation...

I caught this next one post ceremony...they didn't even know I was there :)

(Posted by Natalie Bell)

(My mom with her siblings)

(Mom and her hubby)

(Me with my hubby! I'm just realizing that I don't have on my camera photo of me with Arianna...can't wait to get that from Natalie :)

Congratulations, B-J and Robin! We are so excited for you!

Robin's Bridal Portraits

2011-07-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

You'll remember the lovely Robin from the engagement session I did of her with my little brother (peek here for a refresher). About a month ago, I had the privilege of shooting Robin's bridal portraits at the Boathouse at Sunday Park. Since Robin and B-J got married yesterday, I finally get to share them on the blog! By the way, the last two photos are of Robin in her mother's and then grandmother's wedding dresses. SO cool!

Love the purple shoes!

Heidi and James' Wedding Day

2011-07-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

As I indicated in my last post, I was actually one of Heidi's bridesmaids in this wedding. Even though it wasn't my job, I don't really know how to be at a wedding without taking pictures, so I did my best to snap some shots throughout the day. For the photographer's photos from the day, you should check Jeff Simpson Photography's website. They did a GREAT job, and I know their photos, particularly the portraits, are going to be beautiful!

We began the day by getting ready together at Heidi's hotel. You'll see photos of the bridesmaids flowers, and to truly appreciate them, you have to know that Heidi made all of the bouquets. Now, I don't mean that she went to Micheal's and bought silk flowers. I mean that she bought silk. She cut out circles. She hand singed the edges. She sewed jewels into the center. Etc. Etc.

(She was an Asian barbie!)

(My dear friend is so beautiful!)

(Posed by Jeff Simpson)

Oh, yeah, and she hand made all of these pinwheels, too!

She also made the blocks for table markers. As in: cutting 2x4s, gluing pieces together, typing up their story, converting the text in photoshop to print backwards, and using an acetone rub to transfer the text to the wood!

(Posed by Jeff Simpson)

The whole day felt like a perfect dream! Congratulations, Heidi and James!

Heidi and James - Tea Ceremony and Rehearsal 7.8.11

2011-07-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

You may remember Heidi and James from their carnival engagement session last fall. Heidi was one of my best friends in college and is still a close friend of mine to this day. Last weekend, she and James got married. As I was in the wedding, I wasn't the official photographer, but I did some fun shots in throughout the weekend. Here are some photos I took of the Tea Ceremony at James' family home as well as a few shots during the rehearsal!

Kat and Roger's Engagement Session

2011-07-07T09:48:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Kat and Rogers met me at the UVA Rotunda for some engagement shots. Since they met while studying abroad at Oxford, we decided to play croquet on the lawn. After a quick change, Kat and Rogers shared a little picnic before we went over to Beta Bridge to do a little painting before calling it a day. Kat and Rogers are so much fun together, and I can't wait to shoot their wedding!

Barry and Ali's Wedding - 6/11/11

2011-06-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

Since I've been friends with Barry's family for going on 20 years, I was thrilled when I was contacted to do Barry and Ali's wedding! Barry and Ali make a beautiful couple, and I know Barry will make a great dad for Ali's little girl who makes her dramatic presence known in several of the photos on this blog. Enjoy :)

The next few photos are a recration of when Barry and Ali first met! They were sitting in these exact chairs at Clyde's Restaurant when the magic began, and from the looks on their faces, you know that the magic is going to last :)

Christina and Trevor - Engagement Session

2011-06-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Yay for early summer love! I had such a great time shooting Christina and Trevor's engagement session at Ivy Creek, and I can't wait for their wedding!

Lee Family Maternity Session

2011-05-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

You might wonder why this crew keeps showing up on the blog...portraits, newborn portraits, Christmas cards, and now maternity photos. Well, basically it's because I LOVE them! Rachel and Nate have been our friends for five years, ever since we met them on our first Sunday back to church after our wedding and discovered that they'd gotten married just two weeks before we did. Anyway, we were at a graduation party for a friend of ours, and I was able to grab them for 15 minutes and get these photos in. Enjoy!

Davis Family Portrait Session

2011-03-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to beautiful weather and a serendipitous discovery of a field of flowers, we had SO much fun doing the Davis' family photos! Pete and Sarah are fellow Charlottesville area photographers (you can check their stuff out here). I got hooked up with them because Sarah was my birth class instructor and will be my doula when I have my baby in a few weeks :) If you're looking into doula services, you should also check Sarah out at her website! Anyway, I've really enjoyed getting to know this family, and I LOVED hanging with their kids and doing some photos for them. Enjoy!

(Yay for 10 years of marriage!)

Ashley and Matt's UVA Engagement Session

2011-03-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

The trees were in bloom, the weather was gorgeous, and it was a perfect day for engagement shots! Enjoy a peak at my favorites from Ashley and Matt's session!

B-J and Robin's Engagement Session

2011-03-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

B-J is my little brother. For his entire life (other than when I dropped that brass picture frame on his head the day after Mom brought him home from the hospital...oops!), I have considered it my job to protect and care for him - to the point that when he was 10 years old, he could still convince me to make his cereal for him, claiming it was better "when you make it." So when I say that I am THRILLED to have my brother marrying Robin, that tells you the type of amazing woman that Robin is. The day after B-J introduced me to Robin, I called him and told him that he had my permission to marry her and that he should just let me know when he had realized that he wanted to marry her. Not long after, he accepted my Nana's offer of a family diamond, and in the beginning of February, Robin said yes to his proposal! As you can tell from the photos, Robin and B-J are a perfect match in so many ways! They are stylish, funny, and oh-so-in-love! The smile on my brother's face makes me so happy. Robin, thanks for putting it there! B-J, protect this love for the rest of your life. It will sustain you when nothing else will. Maythe two of you continue to take each other's breath away. I love you both!

Aletheia's Newboorn Session

2011-02-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

I LOVE babies, so the fact that I love photographing babies comes as no surprise. But I have to say that little Aletheia, with her long eyebrows and beautiful dark hair was a particular joy! I hope you like this session as much as I do!

Kathy and Jeremy - Expectation!

2011-02-01T09:47:00.001-08:00

Kathy and I have been friends since my second year of college, so I was THRILLED to get to spend some time with her and Jeremy in Old Town Alexandria this weekend getting some fun photos to document the anticipation of their little one, who is scheduled to arrive any moment. Even more fun, the gazebo at the end of the dock where we did some of their photos is the same place where Jeremy proposed to Kathy more than five years ago! Yay for making new memories! Can't wait to get to go up and do newborn photos of their little girl!

If you look closely, you can see the snowball :)

Congratulations, Kathy and Jeremy! Can't wait to meet your little girl!!!

Erin and CJ's Wedding

2011-01-27T07:22:00.000-08:00

After shooting Erin and CJ's engagement shots and having such a great time with them, I was really looking forward to their July wedding. So, when Erin emailed to say they'd decided to move the date up, I was thrilled that I was still able to shoot their wedding. Despite the weather - it was an outdoor wedding on top of a mountain on 22 degrees Fahrenheit afternoon, Erin managed to look beautiful and comfortable, and you can just tell that this couple is in love! Enjoy!

Mallory and Kyle's Wedding

2010-12-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

Mallory and Kyle had their sweet wedding ceremony in Lynchburg at a family church. Throughout the entire service, this couple made clear their desire to be entering into their marriage with God at the head of their relationship. Their love and commitment to each other couldn't have been more evident in their interactions. Mallory and Kyle, I wish you the best!

Lee Family Christmas Photos

2010-11-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

Beautiful setting, lighting, and family...what more can you ask for in a family portrait session! Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do!

Jane and Chris' Wedding 10.30.10

2010-11-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

After shooting Jane and Chris' engagement session, I knew I was going to love doing their wedding! They had an outdoor ceremony at Sweely Estate Winery followed by a beautiful indoor reception in Sweely's ballroom. I loved all of the personal details in this wedding, from the salt and pepper shakers that the bridal couple made together out of gourds to the meteorite wedding bands, this wedding was infused with personality and warmth. Jane and Chris, I wish you all the best!

Erin and CJ's Engagement Session

2010-11-16T10:55:00.001-08:00

Nothing like a Sunday afternoon engagement session in your backyard! I had lots of fun getting to know Erin and CJ and can't wait to shoot their wedding next year :)

Heidi and James' Engagement Session

2010-11-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Engagement photos are ALWAYS fun - more relaxed than the wedding day, just the three of you in the session, and as much time as you need to get what you want. BUT, these sessions are infinitely more fun when the future-bride was the maid-of-honor in your wedding! When you have a history of a ten-year long friendship and countless hours of praying to God for the provision of a godly spouse, the engagement session is AWESOME! Thanks Heidi and James, for the privilege and complete joy of doing these photos with you! Love you both!

Family Photo Session

2010-10-28T07:49:00.002-07:00

It's that time of year again, where families are starting to think about Christmas cards and updating the photos on their picture walls! Here's a session I did recently with a family I met at Laura and Chad's wedding. Enjoy!

2010-10-28T07:49:00.001-07:00

Hannah and Evan's Wedding 10.16.10

2010-10-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

As Hannah and Evan have prepared for their wedding, I have had the pleasure of being involved in many aspects of the preparation. In addition to their engagement shoot, Hannah and Evan participated in the Bible study that my husband and I lead. During that time, John and I had the privilege of meeting with Hannah and Evan and discussing with them the blessings and lessons that we've learned through our four and a half year marriage. I've attended showers, previewed details before they were public, and prayed with Hannah as their wedding drew near. And so it is that I, with many of the other wonderful friends who made this wedding happen, can say, "Hannah and Evan, we are SO glad that you are married!" Many blessings to the two of you as you begin your life together. May your life be filled with many blessings, much grace, abundant forgiveness, and countless moments of joy and laughter. I love you guys!

(hiding from the groom when he pulled up :)

(a little sibling love :)

Laura and Chad's Wedding 10.9.10

2010-10-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

High school sweethearts, you can tell every time that Chad and Laura look at each other how sure they are of the decision they made to make their love a permanent commitment. I had so much fun with Laura and Chad, first for their engagement session, and more recently for their wedding. Laura and Chad, I wish you many years of happiness!

Allie and Pat's Wedding 10.2.2010

2010-10-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Allie and Pat, whose romance has been developing since 12-year-old Allie declared to her family that she was going to marry her older brother's best Pat, couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to prove Allie right! Their wedding took place in Allie's family's back yard, complete with friends, family, and fun.

Allie and Pat, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in your wedding day!

Jasper and Li's Wedding 10.1.2010

2010-10-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

Jasper and Li had a very sweet Friday wedding on the first day of October. Since they are somewhat new to Charlottesville and most of their family lives in China, they opted for a small outdoor wedding in Jackson Park. Jasper and Li's love for each other was radiant throughout the day, from their personalized vows promising love and respect for one another to their gathering of friends in their home after the ceremony. Jasper and Li, I wish you all the best!