Tovah + Dean :: College Park Engagement Photography

This evening I had the great blessing shooting Tovah and Dean's E-session at College Park, Maryland. They are actually Northern Virginians but we bridged the distance between the two of us by figuring out that College Park was a good (and beautiful) setting right in between where we both live. We met at the College Park IKEA and then walked about the University of Maryland campus during the wonderful time that is "golden hour."

I took a TON of portraits of them being absolutely and totally and completely head-over-feet in love with one another but here are just a few sneak peeks of some of their session...

Can't wait for your "double-header" wedding, Tovah and Dean!

Nicole + Adam :: Washington DC Engagement Photography

Would love to post more than just these teasers of my day in DC with Nicole and Adam for their engagement session but I'm battling hayfever (like a champ!) and I've got my first day back for teachers week at my school tomorrow. 

I've got nearly half a dozen other shoots I'm editing as well so I'm hoping to not have to wait too long to get the rest of Nicole and Adam's session up here for you all to see. They were a gorgeous pair of lovebirds that gladly indulged my every request for a quick kiss all over our nations capitol! I documented some serious "snogging" at the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, by the Reagen building, and right outside the Capitol building. They were both AWESOME at being BEAUTIFUL for their engagement session. I seriously cannot wait for their wedding next summer out at St. Michael's on the Eastern Shore.

Thank you so much, Nicole and Adam, for being so in-love and just plain lovely to hang out with during our day trekking about DC!

Kupcakes & Co :: Maryland Food Photography

Last week I had what might easily be my SWEETEST shoot ever! (And I mean that both literally and figuratively.) I teamed up with the amazing "krew" of Kupcakes & Co. in Elkridge, Maryland and spent a whole day with these beauties...

Kupcakes & Co. is an up and coming gourmet cupcakery located conveniently between Washington, DC and Baltimore. Michelle Kupiec is the owner and fearless leader of the amazing entrepreneurial venture and she and her family founded it because of their longtime love (we're talking generations, folks!) of all things sweet, tasty, and beautiful.

Their brick and mortar location is understated but incredibly charming and conveniently located just off of 100 in the shopping center of Meadowridge Center Drive in Elkridge. Despite the fact that they just opened their doors at the very tail end of Spring 2011, they have a constant stream of customers, many daily regulars, and new fans who are constantly discovering their incredible prowess for the delightful confections that are their signature "kupcakes."

I got to spend nearly a whole day literally IN their kitchen and was given my own counter space to set up my mobile product studio (complete with backdrops, lights, and tripod). All in all I photographed over 35 uniquely composed flavors of cupcakes and let me just tell you, even though I was there witnessing it all, I could hardly tell you the true secrets behind what makes each and every one of them so amazingly delicious. There was some serious hustle and bustle going on around me CONSTANTLY and I could hardly keep up with any of it at any given time. The one thing I was able to take note of? Their signature pink commercial grade mixers. These babies were created especially for them.

Another element of creative mastermind behind this incredible operation is the head baker, Anne Blossom. I've known her personally for a few years now in a different capacity and though she's always been known for her unabashed passion and love for cupcakes, I had never seen her really make them happen. As a creative type myself? I really enjoyed watching her work and figure out the unique and genius flavor combinations and fusions that will be debuting soon enough on the Kupcakes & Co. menu. Anybody who thinks you can "just make" an incredible cupcake is very VERY sadly mistaken. 

Anne works very closely with the owner, Michelle Kupiec (pictured below), to really push the palette and menu of Kupcakes & Co. to something that tackles the challenge that is doing something like making the perfect lemon cupcake.

One of their customers came in while I was there and offered them a wonderful compliment about it! I had no idea but apparently it's very hard to make a decent lemon cupcake but Kupcakes & Co. haven't done just that because what they've come up with and mastered is a lemon cupcake that is truly exceptional per the rave reviews of their growing number of kupcake fans. I loved being able to be there to overhear this feedback from their customers because when it comes to things that are food and especially food that is so special and near and dear to people like cupcakes, people will never lie. They will always give their honest opinion. And the repeated raves I heard from people were such great endorsements for why Kupcakes & Co. aren't just getting it right as a genuine boutique cupcakery but who are blowing everyone else out of the game because of how much better at it they are and continue to be.

Surely cupcakes might have seemed like just a passing trend years ago when they came on the scene but Kupcakes & Co. will be the reason why they become a very beloved mainstay in the realm of everyday treats and sweets with their over 36 flavor menu that they offer.

The official motto of Kupcakes & Co. is "Keep calm and have a cupcake" and it is printed on the wall of their working and baking kitchen and also on the backs of their official uniform shirts. Honestly? I can't think of anything better than a place that not only reminds you of the importance of cupcakes in a daily diet but also keeps you in a constant flow of fresh and absolutely delicious goodies like gourmet cupcakes.

Thank you so much, Kupcakes & Co. for being exactly who and what you are!! You all are amazing and the world is officially a better and SWEETER place because of you.