Baby P

Alright, I am in love. I have a sweet baby girl of my own, but the way little P looked at her mama was magical. She couldn't stop staring at mommy and saved all of her smiles just for Sara. If I were her mommy, I'd probably kiss those insanely kissable cheeks at least 9000 times a day (Sara said she does ;)) and get next to nothing done because I'd just be staring at her. So...it's probably for the best that I am not little P's mother.  

Of course Sara & Mark made one of the most adorable babies I've ever seen. Of course they did. :)  

The B Family | West Point, NY family session

I knew it was going to be a good session when these four strolled up- big smiles, dressed to perfection at Lusk Reservoir here at West Point. I swear, there was just so much joy abundant in them. The laughs were endless, and the playfulness was contagious. (They also informed me that there's an actual amusement park called Digger Land that has nothing but construction vehicles, and they were going the very next day. Soooo that's amazing.) 

They reminded me why I love doing this. <3 

Stewart Family | Cornwall, NY family session

Almost exactly one year ago, I creepily asked our housemates (our homes are connected) if they'd be my first West Point family session. I was brand new to West Point, and I hadn't done a family session in a while and wanted the practice in our new area. They were a beautiful family, and I had been eyeing them for photography purposes since I met them because I am a massive freak. They agreed, even though I'm pretty sure Amanda was internally giving me the side eye the entire time. But the pictures turned out nicely (in my opinion) and I continued to low-key stalk them throughout the year and take a dumb amount of photos of them. 

Last year, Amanda was pregnant with baby Pete. She was beautiful pregnant, and should probably do it a dozen more times, but now with Pete here in her arms instead of her belly, she's 1000 times more radiant. We spent the evening frolicking at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall, which couldn't have been more incredible. We ended the evening with the children getting ice cream (probably organic...is there such a thing? Nevermind, they probably just got raw carrots) and me raiding their house for prosecco (or "champagne".) So, definitely a win. 

I'm not going to speak on the fact that they're leaving the Winans Gang in a few short months. I'm actually refusing to acknowledge it. :) #ignorant

Anyway- here's one of my favorite families! 

And because who doesn't love a good side-by-side: here's Lillian loving on Pete on the inside & now the outside. <3 

Katie | Maternity

I used to think I loved to travel, but then I met Katie. This girl amazes me. She is one of the most well-traveled people I know, and I love following her blog, www.thejetsettingmama.com (I may or may not live vicariously through people who get to do really exciting things. And I don't mean exciting like a trip to a Starbucks drive-thru, or Amazon Prime Day. Whatever. I don't get out much.) She also recently got her MFA in creative writing, so that's wildly awesome. Oh yeah, and she's pregnant! With a sweet baby girl, Hattie Joan. 

We had such a fun time exploring JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State. Katie, Jordan, & Jude were up for anything, and I loved getting to know them and watch them interact while we checked out all of the trees & flowers. Jude was so sweet & bright, and I am anxious to see him in the role of big brother, because I know he'll be adorable. 

I can't wait to see this family grow. <3 

Suzanne & Stephen

I can tell when a couple is in it for the long run. 

And these two? Forever.

Suzie & Stephen could have gotten stressed out about some bumps in their day (rain on & off all day, dress malfunction, mosquitos, botched first look, groom's suit getting ripped, ETC.!) They could have been upset, pouty, and irritable, and I wouldn't have really blamed them. But they didn't. They chose to remember what that day was all about- the two of them and their love. And they had nothing but smiles and good times that day, surrounded by all of their loved ones. 

The way Stephen looks at Suzie makes my heart flutter- he seemed so anxious to make sure she was okay and happy. And Suzie looked so at home in his arms, so at peace. I absolutely adored every minute (especially post-cocktail bridesmaids shenanigans ;)) and I hope you can feel their sweet, and real passion not only for one another, but for living life to the fullest. 

Florals: Lisk's Florals
Venue: The Ridgeview Inn 
Hairstylists: The Ritz Day Spa
Bridesmaids Makeup: The Total Look Salon
Bride's Dress: Essense of Australia from Spybaby
Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell 
DJ: The Majestic DJ
Second Shooter: Jenny Haury Photography

Kristen & Josie

Kristen & I go way back to the college days, and share tons of fun memories together (from Bang Bang Shrimp to the streets of Rome.) I've always thought Kristen led such a cool and interesting life, and I've been thankful for social media for keeping me up to date on her. I started noticing a cute guy appearing in her photos a while back, and my interest was piqued. Then, a while later, Kristen messages me asking if I'll shoot their wedding next year. WHAT?! (Yes, duh.) 

That cute guy is Josie, and he and Kristen are so in love it's ridiculous (in the best way.) I met them at Carolina Beach for their engagement session. We got there really early, so we had some drinks and caught up on the last few years of life. Kristen & Josie were what photographers dream of. They totally let loose (was it the Moscow Mules & mimosas?), and I pretty much did not exist. Their connection was fire. We played around at the boardwalk carnival for a while, then headed to the beach (which was insanely crowded. I guess I stupidly thought we'd have the beach to ourselves? Lol. No.) They got drenched in the water without thinking twice, and let me play around with fun flash stuff later at the boardwalk, so I pretty much love them to pieces. 

Josie & Kristen, I hope this next year flies by for you guys so you can finally be together. I absolutely cannot wait for next May! 

M & P | Family Sessions

Berg Family | West Point, NY

Getting to shoot other photographers is always such a privilege (although a bit nerve-wracking!) They know how to dress, know how to act, and don't look at you like you're insane when you ask them to do odd things. ;) (Bushes!, free-lensing fails, slow shutter speed experimentation...) 

We started off at South Dock with the whole clan (in addition to being an amazing photographer, Lynzi is also mama to FOUR boys! Oh and homeschools. Yeah, I don't know how she looks so awesome either. I tried to find out her secret. Was not successful.) and had so much fun. Then we switched it up, dropped the boys off with a neighbor, and I got to take just Lynzi & Lukas out around North Dock for some alone time. I loved getting to focus on just the two of them. They've been married 11 years now, and were as affectionate and in love as any freshly engaged couple I've gotten to shoot. It was so refreshing to see that passion being kept alive in a marriage. 

I'm really sad mine & Lynzi's West Point paths didn't cross sooner/longer, but if you're in the Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas area, you are in luck. <3 

Charrette & Gabriel | West Point Wedding

Charrette & Gabriel were my very first West Point couple, and they will always hold a place in my heart for that. How we got connected is a super long & complicated story (shout out to Melisa & dating cadets!), so I'll spare you, but let's just say it's a small world. I had the fortune of shooting C & G here last August, and I truly could not have asked for a better kick off to my time here at West Point. 

Fast-forward to now. Their wedding day was so special, for so many reasons. (Charrette wore her mother's old wedding gown!) C & G are so passionate, and if you know me you know I am crazy about passionate couples. They have a quiet confidence and solidarity about them that's hard to explain, but it's there. When you're alone with them you definitely feel like the third wheel. :) I adore the way Gabriel looks at Charrette- it's magic. 

The day ended up being cloudy, but who needs sun when you've got all this love & laughter? Their bridal party was large, hilarious, and so much fun- they were so into all the weird prompts I gave them and I loved that! It was my first time shooting at the West Point Cadet Chapel, and I was in awe of the beauty. (Their rules are a little tricky for photogs, but it was amazing nonetheless.) The reception at the West Point Club was lit. I swear I've never seen so much amazing dancing going on. I left feeling uncoordinated and making a mental note to sign up for salsa lessons in the near future. 

I hope it goes without saying, but C & G, you guys are really special to me and I hope this small Army world brings us together again in the future. <3 

Caitlyn | Newborn

I've known this family since we were stationed in Germany together (Nick was my husband's commander) and we were all pre-children at that point. So I absolutely love being here at West Point with them, and getting to see them in the roles of parents! Sweet little Cait had been wished for for a long time, so to see her finally there in her mama's arms was so special. 

I literally spent the entire time obsessing over how beautiful she is, and how alert and observant she is already. Seriously, she is perfect. I wanted to snuggle her all day! And now I kind of want another baby girl. ;) 

LoRusso | PCS

PCS (moving- for you non-military people) season is upon us. The streets here at West Point are lined with moving vans on any given day. Goodbyes are being said, tears shed, groups of friends splitting up. The good news is- it's a small Army world. 

When Tricia asked me about doing a PCS shoot, I was SO into it. This home was where they brought both of their precious babies home to, spent three fun years, and developed some amazing friendships, so it holds special meaning for them. I totally got it. I cried when we left our home up in Watertown (Fort Drum) last year, not so much because I was sad to leave, but because that was where I brought my babies home to and it held those precious memories of our expanding family. They're just walls, but they held so much. (I may or may not be getting teary writing this.) 

So T & N, I hope you can look back on these photos and remember your house at the end of Winans. It was small, and not the most glamorous, but it saw your family grow to four, and the laughs and love shared in it can never be replaced. We will certainly miss you guys, but I am sure we'll be following you soon...because apparently we like to copy y'all. ;) 

Veronica + Shaun | Married

Veronica & Shaun are my kind of couple- super chill (they didn't even have an exact start time for the ceremony "3-ish"), authentic, kind, and deeply in love. Sometimes at the end of wedding days, I am just spent, totally depleted. Weddings can get crazy, and sometimes we all forget the real reason we're there. But I left Shaun & Veronica's wedding feeling refreshed and reminded of why I love doing this. 

Their wedding at Kolping-on-Hudson in Montrose, NY was a true celebration of their love, with so much emotion and many heartfelt moments. Veronica was a vision and her dress (made by her mother's friend!) couldn't have been more perfect on her. I had the best time watching its movement in the light bouncing off of the Hudson. Their vegan dinner was so amazing (and listen, I'm a steak girl) and I loved that their guest favors were donations to their favorite charities. Guests danced while watching the setting sun, and the vibe all day was so, so good.

V & S, thank you guys so much for letting me spend this day with you. 

A Homecoming | West Point, NY

I was sitting in standstill traffic 5 miles from JFK when I saw a big plane fly overhead. That was when I started crying. Although I barely knew the family whose homecoming I was going to capture, I was all up in my emotions about it. As a military spouse (and way too much of a feeler in general) homecomings will always be huge deals to me. 

Rebecca was far more calm & collected than I was (and okay, will ever be.) She showed up looking incredible, and she just handled a year long deployment like a boss. 1 year, 4 children, 1 parent. (Listen, I can't even go to the grocery store with 2 children by myself without acting like I need a medal for doing so.) This mama is tough. 

When daddy finally rounded the corner, there was a blur of blonde hair (+ 1 brunette ;)) and in a split second they were all back in his arms. The stories couldn't come out of their little mouths fast enough, and everyone wanted daddy's attention and hands. It was non-stop talking, laughing, & a huge amount of love. I think I was smiling the whole time. 

Thankful for Mike's safe return, and a family who doesn't have to say "I miss you" any more. 

Samantha | West Point, NY Maternity Session

I already believe that women are the strongest creatures in the world, so when a mama is carrying TWO humans? I bow down. Oh yeah, and wrangling a 1.5 year old and looking gorgeous while doing it? I'm not worthy. 

We had the best time (or at least I did, haha) chasing beautiful light (and a headstrong toddler!) and celebrating the miracle that is life x2. We started out at Plum Point Park in New Windsor, playing on the beach and then eventually standing in the road and asking cars to rev past us to create dust, because that's super normal. (IT MADE FOR COOL PICS THOUGH, amirite?) We ended up back at West Point (Redoubt Four forever and ever, amen) and pushed our luck until sweet H laid down & was like "that's a wrap y'all." ;) 

I can't wait to see this sweet bunch grow from 3 to 5!

Rachel & Jake | West Point, NY Engagement Session

I had the privilege of meeting up with Jake & Rachel the morning after West Point's Class of 2017 graduated. We started our cloudy morning at Redoubt Four, overlooking campus and it felt symbolic almost. They weathered all four years of West Point together (not an easy feat, ask me how I know. HA.) and this morning they were on the cusp of their future together, reflecting on how far they've come the past four years. Rachel still has a year left of school, but they have the most exciting summer to look forward to, and a wedding to plan! 

Rachel's smile and easy laugh were so pure, and the way Jake looked at her gave ME butterflies, good grief. They were comfortable and laid-back, playful but passionate. They had a calmness about them, and I felt like I was hanging out with old friends. 

I hope you can feel the sweetness and absolute adoration between these two, because it was so very apparent. 

Lue | A Birth Story

I've always known women are strong, remarkable creatures. But seeing a natural birth at home, I'm convinced we're otherworldly at times.

I saw the depths of a mother's strength and determination, coming up for air after each wave of contractions with a renewed sense of purpose- a fierceness in her eyes to get their baby out of her belly and into her arms. I watched through my viewfinder, shakily grasping my camera and trying not to cry, a new soul emerge into this world. 

I was in awe. 

I was in awe at all that had just transpired. In awe at the fact that when I had arrived, Mikki had a 41.5 week pregnant belly and when I left she'd have a baby in her arms. In awe that I know the pain was nearly unbearable at times, but she made it look effortless. In awe that I got to be there in this moment. I saw this baby's first breath, her first cry, her first nursing. 

I knew it was time for me to leave when I saw the five of them snuggled up on the bed. They were smiling and talking and there was a warm peace in the room that I can't describe.

They looked so happy, so whole.

Lue, we're so glad you joined us.  

Orr Family | West Point, NY family session

I met the Orr family down at South Dock on West Point for a late fall family session. Even though it was late November, there were still some gold leaves hanging on for dear life that we took advantage of! With 3 boys, Amber knew a spot that had trains and boats would be a hit- and it was. ;) 

Peekskill, NY maternity session

Baby Liana | Cornwall-on-Hudson newborn session

Beautiful baby girl had such a peace about her that made me completely fall in love with her. (And oddly enough, I totally got baby fever. Nevermind the fact that I have a 6 month old at home, haha.) 

Cornwall-on-Hudson lifestyle newborn photography

Baby Pete | West Point, NY lifestyle newborn session →

Our next door neighbors make for not only amazing friends, but pretty darn good photography subjects as well. It's always a little bit of chaos photographing them (especially now that they're a party of 5!) but that's where the real beauty lies- in the honest, messy moments of life.

Welcome to the world, Peter! We're so glad you joined us. Be prepared for lots of pictures so long as you're living beside me, little buddy. ;)