You might recognize this beautiful couple from their engagement session posted on my blog this summer. Rachel and Rohan were married on a chilly but beautiful fall day before Thanksgiving. The rain clouds were threatening in the morning, but by ceremony time, the sky was clear and blue! The deep reds, browns, ivory and golds of the flowers, dresses, and decorations all day absolutely captured the rich beauty of Autumn in Virginia! And despite the cold breeze, the bridal party couldn't help but smile ear to ear for a few formal photographs outside.

Bryan from DJB Productions, LLC did an outstanding job with the reception music! If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, definitely check him out and let him know you found him through Happy Heart Photography. I am telling you, he kept the dance floor packed all night with amazingly smooth transitions with everything from the Hokey Pokey to Jamaican steel drums, and some classic old-school R&B hits!

Amidst the laughter and dancing, smiles abounded and the love in the room was nearly tangible! It was a perfect day and everything fell into place effortlessly. Rachel and Rohan, thank you for letting me celebrate with you and capture memories you'll treasure forever!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

My husband, Aaron, and I moved into a beautiful apartment in Aldie, VA this past week. Due to the numerous small trips back and forth, packing and unpacking, it seems I have fallen a bit behind with blogging.

About a month ago, on Halloween day, I was going to meet the Lees for a fun family session. However, due to the lousy weather we rescheduled for Sunday, November 15th, the day after my sister and father ran the Richmond Marathon. It was an amazing weekend on all counts! 

Below is a sneak peek of the Lee Family Session. I will try to post a full slideshow soon. Those kids are just too stinking cute not to show them off a little more!

Michelle & Chris will be getting married on October 9, 2010 and wanted to capture the beauty of Autumn in their engagement photos this year. The engagement shoot was scheduled for Friday, November 23rd. However, the weather was absolutely beautiful on Thursday, so we all changed plans last minute and ventured out to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to take advantage of the sunshine. It couldn't have been a more beautiful Autumn day! The leaves were colorful, the sky was blue and the sun was shining brightly. What a wonderful time of year to get engaged or married in Virginia!

I love shooting engagements at Meadowlark and enjoy seeing how the landscaping changes with each season. Chris & Michelle were a joy to work with! They were up for trying all of my ideas which made our time together relaxed and alot of fun! I enjoyed watching them interact, snuggle and laugh together. Their love for each other was so evident and resulted in beautiful photographs. :)  Take a look at the slideshow below and feel free to leave your comments.

Well, life has been super busy and keeping a huge smile on my face as I count my many blessings. I have been excited to share Cherie and Gerald's wedding for a while and am thankful for time today to sit and blog about it.

The weekend was full of clouds and rain, but it seemed the sky turned blue just for Cherie & Gerald after their ceremony. Janice Carnevale, their polished wedding planner, helped to round everyone up for an entertaining group shot with their gold 1952 Bentley from Regal Limousine. And MAN! I must say Cherie & Gerald's friends and family are the most amazing BUBBLE blowers I've ever seen! :) I got some Great shots of them seemingly swimming in bubbles, but almost magically, none floated in front of Cherie. She was radiant!

The reception was full of touching toasts and spectacular lights and dancing. Check out the slideshow for yourself! Don't forget to leave a comment after viewing. :)

NOTE: To view the slideshow in our impressive FULL SCREEN MODE - Please roll over the bottom of the image, click the second icon in the bottom right (square with arrow in corner) and don't forget to click Play again. Press ESC to exit.

Wow! What an experience. Miriam & Tarrik's wedding last Saturday was my very first Muslim wedding, and I had a blast! I truly enjoyed the unique ceremony and traditions and I can't wait to book another Muslim wedding SOON!

The day started out with a light rain at the Islamic Center in Washington D.C., and ended with pouring rain at Martin's Crosswinds, in Greenbelt, MD. As for me, I think rain on your wedding day can be super romantic, and it definitely did not damper the joy and excitement of Miriam and Tarrik or their guests!

To experience the energy of the reception, click on the great home videos shot by Miriam's Sister-in-law, Jen, below: 

1. Grand Entrance      2. Pro Dancers

And of course, to preview the story of the whole day, please view the Happy Heart Photography slideshow below. Don't forget to leave a comment after viewing. :)

NOTE: To view the slideshow in our impressive FULL SCREEN MODE - Please click the second icon in the bottom right (square with arrow in corner) don't forget to click play again. Press ESC to exit.

Rohan and Rachel are a beautiful couple. They were looking for a relaxed outdoor setting for their fun engagement shoot. We decided on Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. The plants were lush and amazing this summer, providing countless unique backdrops for us.  I loved their wardrobe choices - Rachel's colorful summer dress and beautiful earings and Rohan's awesome plaid shoes worked perfectly with our surroundings!

I found out on the day of the shoot that Rohan had actually done a bit of professional modeling in the past. When he got in front of the camera, it all came out. He sure knows how to work it! ;)  Engagement sessions are so much fun because they allow time for the couple to warm up to my camera, while I watch their personalities and relationship in action. By their wedding day you will think they both had previous modeling experience!

Rachel and Rohan, I am so excited to shoot your beautiful fall wedding at the end of November!

This summer I spent the Fourth of July week at Ocean City, New Jersey. While on vacation, I was asked by our next door neighbors (who I had never met) to shoot a family portrait session for them. I was so honored to be able to capture their family tradition at the beach for them while their kids are so young.

At least one of these photos is on my all-time top 10 favorites list! (adorable smiling baby being kissed between two adoring parents) I loved how baby Kate stared at my lens instead of at her Daddy when he tossed her up in the air and made her giggle. Maybe we can meet again next July!