The Gish Family ~ Silver Lake Regional Park Family Photographer

Hi everyone!

In this season of thanks, I've been really thankful to hang out with a handful of families amidst beautiful fall weather and foliage. One of these families is the Gish family! Debra and I work at the same school, and while we have never worked side-by-side, I have loved frequently seeing her smiling face in the hallway. :) One of my favorite things about family sessions is getting to know the family as a whole as well as learning more about each individual family member. Scroll down and read the captions to learn what I did!

I stumbled across Silver Lake Regional Park in Haymarket, VA right after checking out another location that didn't "wow" me. Thankfully, this hidden little gem did! When I came upon the view of the lake by the fence, I was convinced I'd found a slice of heaven. This is such a nice, quiet place to spend a sunny afternoon by yourself or with friends and family.

Enjoy the photos from our time there!

I learned Danielle likes to read, and she also loves nature photos like I do!

Danielle and Annslee are super cute sisters and like being silly.

Annslee has lots of energy! Really fun fact: Her class went to this very same park on a field trip the DAY before our session! She taught us a lot about poisonous leaves and what to look out for while we were wandering around. :) (I'm very thankful for that!)

This family looks AWESOME together. :) 

I learned Annslee likes playing computer games and takes Tae-Kwon-Do lessons! She should have taught me some of that, too... Maybe next time!

This is the area of the park I really fell in love with. Look at that view! So peaceful. 

I love these and this family!

This mom and dad LOVE their daughters. :)

I learned Ed can get some air!!

They MADE this fort! ... Just kidding. But it was cool enough to take a photo with. :)

Thank you for this Titanic re-creation!

These girls are BEAUTIFUL.  

Debra, Ed, Danielle, and Annslee - I had so much fun with you all! Your family is wonderful and so unique in many ways. Thank you for braving the wind and spending that time with me!

Want to see another family session? Check out the Mitchell family in Old Town Manassas just as summer was coming to a close!

You can look forward to a book cover session (that's right, my friend is an author) and more family sessions coming soon to a blog near you! (That means this one. Come back here. :) ) Not sure when to come check? Simply "like" Kelly Hudgins Photography on Facebook to find out when I post!

Love always,

Kelly

Shannon & Dale ~ A Holiday Inn North Virginia Beach Wedding

Hey everyone!

Things have been rocking and rolling between wonderful weddings, autumn family sessions, and keeping up with all the behind-the-scenes work while being a full-time teacher! I'm so excited to share Shannon and Dale's wedding day with you, celebrated on the coast down by my hometown. :)

I always enjoy an excuse to get to Virginia Beach, and this, my friends, was a good one. Shannon and Dale's family and friends were clearly so excited for them to officially be united together, joining their families to become one. I felt like it was a party all day! Lots of laughter and smiles were shared, and I really enjoyed being with them by the salt water and celebrating. While the wedding was not on the beach, there's just something extra awesome about being oceanfront. Seeing the Atlantic Ocean outside the ceremony and reception room was pretty special. You'll see what I mean in a few photos down the post!

Enjoy these glimpses of the day!

I'm a sucker for lace. This dress and veil are to die for.

I love the non-traditional engagement ring! Do you see how elaborate it is?!

What a beauty! 

Father-daughter love. :)

This was so cute... We came out on the balcony to find the groomsmen out on their own balcony from  a different part of the hotel! 

Thankfully the groom didn't get a peek at the bride. ;)

What a good-looking couple!

Shannon had a card for Dale to read in the final moments before they got married. <3

(I love it when this happens.)

Ceremony time!!

I'll let his sweet smile and loving gaze speak for themselves.

Married!!

Please take a moment to notice how kid-friendly this reception was! Chalk + chalkboards as the kids' name cards, 

props on every table for adults and kids alike... They had so much fun!

THIS ocean view (below) is what I'm talking about. I wouldn't mind seeing this all the time! And look how happy they are. :)

Okay, I know I'm including a lot of words in this blog post, but please look at that dinner. Oh my goodness. Photographers usually receive more basic vendor meals at weddings, which I don't mind at all, but Shannon and Dale spoiled me by asking which entree I would like to have. This Shrimp Sorrentino was delicoussss. I'm getting hungry just looking at it again. Thank you both!!

The kids helped out with one of the speeches... So sweet!

Below is the family tradition song and dance!

Thank you so much for a fun-filled day, Shannon and Dale! I absolutely loved capturing the day for you, 

and I truly wish you all the best in your marriage! Tell Cameron and Cole I say hi! :)

If you like what you see, leave the couple some love! Looking to see another wedding? Check out Kate & Lucas' DIY Wedding, from a different part of Virginia Beach!

Up next on the blog - a fun book cover photoshoot, family sessions, and more! Stay tuned here and on Facebook to stay updated on all my photo adventures! I feel so blessed to serve people in this way. :)

Love always,

Kelly