Tristin and I go way back. Back to Vacation Bible School, church Halloween parties and apple butter-making (Brethren church shout-out). I could probably dig out some embarrassing photos from each of these events, but for now, let's just focus on these pretty ones...

I was so excited when Tristin reached out to me about doing their family photos. When it was time to discuss locations, she suggested Sundara, the place where she married her husband Scott. They hadn't been back their since their wedding, and they wanted to bring their sweet 4-month-old daughter Emerson there. 

The morning of their session couldn't have been more perfect. The light was doing dreamy things on the mountains and the neighboring apple orchard, and for once, it actually felt like fall! There were also no weddings scheduled there that weekend, so we had the entire property to ourselves. It was so quiet and peaceful. 

​I loved exploring with these guys (and their adventure-loving pup Henry). The love for their daughter and their new little family shines in these photos. We also had some time at the end for some beautiful shots of Emerson and Tristin's mom, who was the best assistant/dress fixer/baby entertainer during the whole shoot!  

Since I'm not a wedding photographer, I don't often get the opportunity to photograph flower-lined tables, cute favors, pretty cakes or happy guests at beautiful place settings. But thanks to Suzie Schmitt, I got to do it all last weekend!

Suzie is on to something big, you guys. As a DIY-er, espresso caterer and party host at The Green Cupboard, she knows that a perfect event is all in the details. And at her latest Crafternoon, held Sunday at the Radford Coffee Company, the details were endless. 

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the table. Lit by a big, red chandelier were colorful, fresh flowers, glass jars full of biscotti and eclectic coffee mugs. At each chair were delicately displayed craft supplies, just waiting to be assembled with love.

Then I spotted that CAKE! A triple-layer, naked pumpkin cake decorated with more fresh flowers. It was so perfect, it hurt. 

When the guests arrived, Suzie immediately became the hostess with the mostest! Her sweet, down-to-earth personality easily made each person feel like an old friend. 

Shortly after everyone began crafting, Susie and her husband Joey went around to take everyone's latte order. With a chalkboard menu that included options like pumpkin spice, lavender and hazelnut, you really couldn't go wrong. (I had an iced rosemary latte, and it was one of the best drinks I've ever had.)

As I watched the afternoon unfold through my camera lens, I realized that it's impossible to be unhappy when you have crafts, coffee and friends surrounding you. 

If you're sad you missed out on this event and want to know when the next one will be, make sure you follow Suzie on Facebook and Instagram!

I have two confessions to make about this gorgeous Carvins Cove family session.

First, I was a little worried these photos wouldn't look "fall-y" enough. After all, I'd just finished another session here a few weeks before that had perfect, end-of-summer vibes. How much really could have changed? I wondered.

But Carvins Cove pulled through for me once again. The leaves along its hiking trails had just begun turning, the evening light had a lovely autumn warmth to it, and the temperatures were the coolest they'd been all week. It also helped that Chelsea has an amazing knack for putting together the cutest fall outfits! 

Speaking of outfits, here's confession No. 2: I'm a little obsessed with baby suspenders after this session. I had never really thought about them until I saw adorable little Lee completely rock them the entire session. I might have to find some for Tucker soon!

I think this was the first shot I took. Off to a good start!

I love this one of Chelsea and Bryan!

Lee couldn't get enough of his big brother Gavin during our session! When I met with Chelsea before our session, she told me about their close relationship and what a great brother Gavin is. Witnessing and capturing it with my camera was such a joy. 

This one on the left is a favorite!

This is another favorite. As soon as I began editing their photos, I was so drawn to images like this one — these warm, authentic moments between Chelsea and her step-son Gavin. 

The photo on the right is a special one. For Chelsea, who endured years of chemo during her battle with melanoma, the top item on her bucket list was to become a mom. Lee is her little miracle baby!

See? Rocking the suspenders.

I love, love, love Gavin's serene expression in this photo. To me, it shows his confidence in and love of being a big brother. And that light is absolutely gorgeous!