Brambleton Ribbon Run/Walk 5K

I'm very excited to announce that Amie Otto Photography is the official photographer and donor for the Brambleton Ribbon Run/Walk 5k. We will be there taking photos at the event which will be available for viewing and purchase online. The event will benefit the Step Sisters fundraising efforts for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk.

It's not too late to sign up--visit their website for more information and to register. Hope to see you there!

The B Family | Ashburn VA Family Photographer

I find twins endlessly fascinating. I've photographed lots of fraternal twins, but never identical twins--that is, until I met the B family! Their little guys are two year old identical twins, and boy were they fast! Typical of kids this age, they had tons of energy, so an outdoor session was just the thing for them. We ended the session at the park--a reward for their great behavior! Here are some favorites from the session.






I like to do a few photos of the parents with my family sessions--usually the last time the parents had photos together was at their wedding, which is just not right!

Cans for Comments | Northern VA Wedding Photographer

I have lots of fabulous blog posts coming up, so I wanted to get this up first.

Last year, I started a holiday food drive after hearing about the food bank shortages across the county. Several food banks were being forced to close their doors at a time when there was more of a demand than ever for their services. During my holiday sessions, I asked clients to bring in food donations and I offered them a product credit in return for doing so.

Halfway into my own food drive, I read about Cans for Comments. The idea came from photographers Chris + Lynn, and the concept was simple: photographers around the country pledged to donate 1 food item for every comment on their blog during a specified time period. I signed up to be a part of it and ended up donating over 40 pounds of food to Loudoun Interfaith Relief, the largest food bank in the area.

I am participating again this year so help me out in my quest to donate over 100 pounds of food this year!

For every comment left on the blog from today through December 20, I will donate an item of food towards my holiday food drive. I'll give periodic updates to tell you all how I am doing--so, stop reading, start commenting!

If you are a photographer or blogger who wants to participate, go to the Cans for Comments website. You can also follow them on Twitter: @cansforcomments

Broadlands Live!

July's Broadlands Live show was all about the laid back Summertime feel--we had Island Larry opening and Jah Works headlining.

As always, we gave away a gift certificate to one lucky winner--for July, our winner is Tanya Brennan! Congrats!

It was a great show--here are some favorites...

Island Larry

Dancing Larry kept the crowd entertained in between sets. He is ALWAYS a crowd pleaser--he teaches at Lifetime and his classes are killer.

Jah Works




Not a fan of the paparazzi.

Valley Stream Veternarians were there with plenty of cute pups.

This woman was AMAZING. I had no idea people could dance with a hoola hoop like that.


I saw this dad just as I was leaving. Seriously, the things we do for our kids!

Heather + Brian: Married! | Middleburg VA Wedding Photographer

You may remember Heather and Brian from their recent engagement session--we had a great time that day, and I knew their wedding would be just as fun. They were married at the Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast in Middleburg, VA, which is one of my favorite places to shoot.
Heather put a lot of work and attention to the details of her wedding and it all came together really beautifully. She told me that every time she wears pink, Brian tells her how beautiful she looks, so her colors were easy to choose! Here are some of the gorgeous details from the day.

Getting ready...I love the cottage at the Briar Patch--so cute and a great backdrop for photos.





The bouquets all had a silver initial with two little rhinestones in them. It was another one of Heather's touches that was so unique--I had never seen that before!



There was a threat of rain and it was pretty toasty outside, so the couple opted to do the ceremony indoors, which was a nice change for me. I've only shot outdoor ceremonies at the Patch, and it's always fun to do something new!

Congratulations Heather and Brian! We had a great time at your wedding and wish you many happy years together!

The fabulous Vendors who helped make it happen:

Venue: Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast

Florist: Shelley's Floral Enterprise

Caterer: R&R

Cake: Cakes by Happy Eatery

DJ & Guitarist: Olivera Music and Entertainment

Baby Katelyn * Session 2! | Northern Virginia Baby Photographer

It's true what they say...they grow up so fast! Katelyn is now 6 months old and just had her 2nd session in her Baby's First Year Plan. She was so much fun to photograph and totally made my job easy.



She looks just like a little doll in this one!

We did this session at Katelyn's home, and her brothers got in on the session too! I love photographing children in their own environments--Kids are so much more comfortable in their own houses and I think it really shows.
I love this next one.



This one just cracked me up--we were trying to get a shot of all 3 kids together and Dylan would not cooperate. I love how Brendan and Katelyn have almost identical looks on their faces!

What a fun session! Can't wait for our next one in a few months :)

Maria + Wayne: Engaged! | Old Town Alexandria Engagement Photos | Northern VA Wedding Photographer

I met Maria and Wayne down in Old Town for their engagement session on a gorgeous Summer evening. Old Town is such a fun place to do a session and it has special meaning for the couple as they live nearby and had their first date in there. Maria and Wayne are both photography buffs, so we had a great time walking around town and chatting about light, locations and cameras. Here are some of my favorites from the session--enjoy!


I saw this fence from down the street and knew exactly what I wanted to do with it :)




I love these old style advertisements. I didn't even realize there were any left in this area!




Maria and Wayne, I had a blast getting to know you both better--can't wait till your wedding in October!

Broadlands Live!

This is my first year as the official photographer for the Broadlands Live concert series. The first show was June 12 and featured Milkshake, and the Texas Chainsaw Horns. It was hot, but a great time.

We had a table at the show and gave away a gift certificate in a drawing. Congratulations to Allison Sherry who was the lucky winner! If you entered but didn't win, don't worry, your entry will stay in the bowl for the drawings at future shows.

Milkshake got the crowd warmed up. They are a great kids' band who have been seen on Noggin and PBS. They put on a rockin' show!



This little guy was too cute with his guitar. I think he would have really rather been on stage instead of in the crowd.


Get that little girl a shaved ice!


Texas Chainsaw Horns were the main act--this was the first time I have seen them and they were really great.



The sky was great that night-the forecasted rain even held off.

I had suckers at my table which were a big hit with the kids.

Larry, aka, Dancing Larry, kept the crowd entertained and on their feet in between sets.





What an awesome show! The next one is July 10. Jah Works and Island Gerry are playing. Come on out and see us!