"Trey this and Trey that." her sister said, "He was ALL she would talk about." To say Steph was in love with Trey was plain to everyone. Her heart belonged to Trey and going together was pure joy but has life can sometimes do, it got in the way and things changed. They broke up and Steph wasn't the same. She tried to move on but college, distance and busyness did nothing to change her heart tie to Trey.

The moment came when their lived crossed paths by God's grace and they began talking. Which soon let to longer talks and their relationship rekindled. Steph was ecstatic and EVERYONE knew it.
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As time passed it was clear to both of them, the Lord was bringing them together, forever. True companionship had been found in each other, they complemented each other so well and soon Trey asked Steph to be his best friend, companion and wife. Steph could not say YES fast enough. 

I loved Steph's "something blue" heels! You can never have enough sparkle.
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Following their vows, Steph and Trey planning some wonderful time for photographs which I greatly appreciated. {My brides understand great images come when we plan for them! }

Steph, your smile was beaming all day long! You made me happy, just watching you two!
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Congratulations you two!! I wish you both all the very best! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day, a guest and a friend.

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Graduating for high school is such a mile stone in everyone's life. Leaving behind the norms, changing the place of your education for college, jobs or the military all mean taking a risk. It's also exciting at the same time. 

This fun session began with Emily's makeup session and then we were off to find some bold, fun and unique spots. Downtown Lynchburg gave us lots to explore! 

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Emily, you are beautiful and confident. May all your dreams really come true.

Where did you have your senior session? Comment below! 

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As I look out my window at the leftover remains of snowstorm Jonas, I thought today's images would fit perfectly! A little snow, a little love and some essentials they used to plan their engagement session that made it a success!

1. "Plans are nothing; planning is everything. " Dwight D. Eisenhower
Working with Ginny was so fun. She is beautiful, kind and very sweet! Ginny and I were talking in the summer about what she was looking for in her images and said, " I would love to do some in the snow." My wheels started turning, my mind raced through some of the locations around the beautiful Amherst County area, which lay at the foothills of the Blue Mountain Ridge. The mountains are a lovely backdrop! I stayed up half the night planning the session in my mind!
We kept talking about timing, outfits and then just waited for the snow to fall. 

2. Schedule hair, makeup and nail appointments.
This is for the girls mostly, haha, so the guys really have one less thing to think about :-) Ladies, if you have hired a hairstylist and makeup artist this is a perfect time to do your "trial run" with them. Schedule your makeup first and hair second if possible and then your nail appointment. You will feel beautiful for the whole day! And don't forget to have an awesome restaurant picked out {The Crown anyone?!} after the e-session too. He will have something yummy to look forward to and we all know food makes our men happy! 

3. Plan 2 outfits.
Coordinating outfits is something that takes some time but the payoff makes a statement. I suggest one causal outfit and one which is a little bit more dressy for both of you. This will give you many options to chose from in the finished images which you'll use for Save the Date and invitations. Also, it saves time only having to change once while out on the shoot. 

4. Don't forget the socks.
"Um, I forgot to bring black socks." I don't know how many times I've heard this at weddings too. It's something about guys and sock. Haha, so double check before arriving at the shoot :-)

5. It's an investment of time.
Don't stress out and don't plan to be stressed. One stress creator is being rushed. If you are rushing from work to get to your makeup appointment and hair and nails and then the session, it just stops being fun! So plan for your "pamper day" to be first and then followed up with the engagement session. You'll feel amazing and the session will be very relaxed from the start. It's an investment which documents the fact that you have started down a road of mutual love and respect that no one else shares! You are getting married and forever does begin NOW! Just another of the 283 reasons why I love engagement sessions! 

Ok, ok, so here is some more of the awesome session we had. Enjoy!

Our hands were freezing on this 16 degree day, thank goodness she had her Michael Kors jacket and rain boots! 

Are you dreaming of a snow engagement session? Comment below! Or contact us for your engagement session!

Engagement sessions are so much fun!! I love shooting engagement sessions with my couples. I know most guys simple do the session because it's needed for Save the Date or invitations but what they aren't expecting is how much fun it is. Spending time with each other and laughing all while creating images reflecting their uniqueness. { Fun times! }

Here are some tips to think about when planning your engagement session. Creating a theme for your session makes it easy to plan your outfits, location and makeup. 

1. Meaningful Locations.
Did you meet at a unique place or go on lots of dates in a state park or hike a special mountain together? Maybe go for many a walk down a dusty, long road? By choosing a location that you already love, it will hold even more memories that you cherish. 
All the images in this post were taken at Crabtree Falls, VA. Kevin and his Dad hiked the falls year after year and he and Kendra decided to use the amazing water falls for their engagement session. I love how brave Kendra was to conquer the falls in her heels! {You're amazing Kendra, in many ways!}

2. Recreate a Favorite Movie.
Do you both love a movie or TV series? "Up" anyone? Why not recreate your favorite scenes for something fun and different. Costumes can be elaborate or simple depending on how authentic you want to be.
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3. Activity Session.
Do you both love snowboarding? Hiking? Surfing? Baseball? Horse riding? Scrabble? Musical instruments?  Whatever your common interest is, make that a part of your day. You'll be comfortable and it will give you something else to focus on, rather than me, the photographer pointing a camera at you. { This also creates more movement which gives you even better images.} After a little bit you forget I'm even there.
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4. Jaw Dropping.
This might mean you have to call in some favors but the result will be worth it, for sure. Do you have a friend who owns a castle for a home? Maybe your own Corvette? A friend with a Jaguar? Or my all time dream car, a Lamborghini! {I dream of having this in a photoshoot one day!} Or maybe someone has an amazing view from their high rise?  Amazing views can create breathtaking backdrop which will make your images amazing as well. Just give yourself some time to think creatively. 
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5. Timing. 
​The time of day you chose to have your session will have a great impact on capturing amazing images for your e-session. There is a hour before sunset that is called the golden hour and we photographers love to shoot during the golden hour! The light is falling in a horizontal angel which lays wonderfully around you both, while I shoot. If your session is planned for outside, I will be talking to you about scheduling it during the golden hour, if at all possible. It also give you time for having your hair and makeup done in the day.

​I can't wait to talk to you about your engagement session and see what unique ideas you have in mind! Contact me today!

Planning your wedding is a fun and challenging task. Each year 2.3 million couples are married in the USA! So your aren't the only one dreaming about your special day.

Every year Pantone selects a new Color of the Year and designers around the world begin dreaming in color, Pantone color that is. Wedding designers are no exception. 

This year the rules were broken though when they announced TWO colors of the year. Rose Quartz and Serenity. 

As you read magazines and look online, you'll begin to see more options including these colors. Today, I've gathered some color palettes that work well with these colors and some of the secondary options. {Some of the are BEAUTIFUL!}

What do you think? Have you already planned some of these into your own wedding? Write me a note to tell me about your special day.

If you loves some of these ideas, just download the ebook for future reference. 

Color palettes from www.magnetstreet.com

"Headshots, it's the new business handshake" In this digital age, I'm really beginning to believe that statement. So often we know of a person online before we ever had a chance to meet them in person. Linkedin anyone?

A professional headshot is putting your best foot forward and making a great, first impression to those who maybe looking at your Linkedin site, your Facebook account, Instagram {LOVE Instagram} or your business card image.

It might just give you the edge up on your next adventure. 

For women, I strongly suggest having your makeup done professionally.{ I know some really amazing one here in Lynchburg too.} Not only will you look great but you will also feel great and that give your confidence when you come to your headshot session with Holly Ann Photography. Everyone is a little nervous in front of the camera, which is ok, but when your confident, that will also reflect in your images.  

Yes, it's easy to snap an Iphone photo of yourself and throw it up an a website or on your business card but our eyes are draw to images that are beautiful, lit just right and the image is very crisp. So be professional and look professional.
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Headshots are an important business step. Don't neglect yours.

Keep smiling,
Holly Ann



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Home Decor with a personal flare.

When we walked through our first home, the living room was my selling point. It was large enough for lots of friends to come hang out and the wall space was amazing. I could envision my images above the mantel. I said," That's where my canvas's are going." 

When we moved in, I hung our family images in a gallery. One short afternoon, we had spend capturing the exciting change in our life. A happy little 6 month old who made our lives so different and wonderful. The images reflected the fun we had. As I hung them, it brought back those wonderful memories and the truth, that he was already so much bigger than the day we took those images!! {sniff, sniff}

This is why I plan "wall art" images in my mind, every time I create images for my clients, whether they it's a portrait session or a wedding. Knowing that these images will be worthy of being turned into unique wall art in their homes. {I love my job!}

Many walls deserve large art too. The center image in this gallery is a 20x30. Wow, that sounds HUGE doesn't it!! when you see it in writing, but the reality is, it's not really as big as you think when you look at my mantle. 

This one was of a wedding and these are all the same size 16x24. A little bit smaller but I love the repeat effect, three images together gives.

I'm in LOVE with wall art. Are you? Comment below on how you have used it around your home and contact me to talk about creating images for your home. 

Keep smiling,
Holly

Work, work and more work. Jessica and Alex worked on the same floor and same unit in surgery. Trying to be in three places at once just wasn't working for Jessica one night at work. As she passed Alex in the hall she ask, "Can you take this patient? I'll love you forever."

12 hour shifts just weren't enough time together and soon they began spending time together outside of work. It wasn't long before they realized Forever was the next step.

I'm so happy for your both! Congratulations to you both!

The wedding was held at Lazy Days Winery in Amherst,Va and the navy blue and rose theme came together with the help of friends, family and some amazing vendors.

Jessica's beautiful dress was a creation of her own making. After searching long and hard and not finding what she loved, she pieced together what turned out to be a stunning and breath taking dress. The rose colored chiffon dress came from Church Street Bridal while the lace and sequin topper was from  bhldn. The ribbom sash brought everything together just perfectly. 

Jessica, you looked AMAZING!!

For Alex who loves skateboarding, there were these special accent pieces atop homemade pies by Grandma.

Congratulations!!!!

My hat is off to all the other vendors who worked hard on this amazing wedding in Amherst,VA.

Vintage Rentals/Flowers/Event Decorator: Melanie Wood 
Cinematographer: Micah Nunley
On Site BBQ Smoking: Good ‘Ol Boys Smoke’n Catering 
Venue: Lazy Days Winery 
Craft Beer: Apocalypse Ale Works 
Rentals: True Value Rentals 
Dress: Church Street Bridal and BHLDN
Hair: Caleb Totty
​Makeup: Brittany Nicole 
​Photography: Holly Ann Photography


Love it, going to duplicate something? Comment below!!
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Today is our final day of our interview with Bridal Makeup Artist Brittany Nicole. It was so much fun working with her on this specific project and the results show for themselves. Every bride can learn from these questions so enjoy!

Holly Ann: What are some questions you wish brides would ask you about makeup? 

 Brittany Nicole: Q) When should I book you as my MUA (make-up artist) for my Wedding?
  A) At least 4-5 months before your Wedding. I've noticed that finding a MUA isn't a huge priority like finding a hairstylist. I wish brides knew that booking your makeup artist in advance like your hairstylist is imperative. Most MUA's are freelancers and do not do makeup full-time; booking ahead gives the MUA time to request off work, its also gives you the option of doing a bridal consultation (when you can ask your MUA all the questions you may have about makeup) and lastly your MUA can go over their needs (i.e. location, the space we need for makeup application and time we need for you and each bridesmaids)

Other questions I wish brides would ask:

Do you charge for travel? Should I come with a clean face? When should we do the bridal consultation? Are you familiar with my skin type? Should I add more time for touch-ups? Do you offer a bridal package? What method of payment do you accept?

Holly Ann: What is your favorite part about working with brides on their special day?
Brittany Nicole: My favorite part would be feeling appreciated for my work! There's is nothing more gratifying then seeing my bride look into the mirror at her complete makeup look and smile!  

Holly Ann: Where would you recommend brides look for makeup styles?
Brittany Nicole: I'm a self-taught MUA and I do a lot of web surfing to gain more knowledge about my craft. Check out Google, Pintrest, Instagram, Youtube and also bridal magazines and beauty blogs. 

Holly Ann: What do you listen to while doing the brides makeup? 
Brittany Nicole: Anything that's upbeat! Most of the time I let the bride choose what to listen to!

Holly Ann: Would you be willing to share a fun fact about yourself?
Brittany Nicole: Well, I'm a military brat! My father was in the Army; and I grew up overseas in Germany until I was 14 years old.

Nikki, you look so beautiful!!!

This is my favorite from the whole session. What is your favorite one? Leave a comment below. Feed back is awesome! For more from our session and interview see the links below.

Part 4: Here
Part 3: Here
Part 2: Here
Part 1: Here

Follow Brittany Nicole on Facebook and show her some support!
Model: Nikki
Photography: Holly Ann Photography

Today we have some more great advice on Bridal Makeup with Brittany Nicole. I love to network and so Brittany was kind enough to answer some bridal makeup questions that I had and then we worked together on two Bridal Session photoshoots. It was alot of fun for all of us. Enjoy the process through out images. 

Holly Ann: How long should I plan for my makeup to be done? 
Brittany Nicole : I would suggested an hour and a half.

Holly Ann:Do you also do my bridesmaids and Mother/Mother in law makeup?
Brittany Nicole :Yes I do. The entire bridal party and family members such as the Mother/Mother in law.

Holly Ann:​When should I pay for the makeup? 
Brittany Nicole :After you have received their services. 

Holly Ann: is there an "unspoken" tip I should include or is that only for at a salon?
 
Brittany Nicole : You are not obligated to tip your makeup artist but it is greatly appreciated. Makeup artists are apart of the beauty industry and just like hair and nail salons, we are also providing a service. Most makeup artist are freelancing artist and do not get paid hourly or salary as if we worked at a salon. I feel if you liked the service you received, tip your makeup artist!

And tomorrow will be the final photo session we did. I can't wait to show it to you!

Makeup: Brittany Nicole
Model: Nikki
​Photography: Holly Ann Photography

Part 3 here.
Part 2 here.
​Part 1 here.