Timeless and Treasured Portrait Photography

Adams-Gosnell Wedding

2012-02-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

When Brandon Adams asked me if I would photograph his wedding, I was super excited!   He is a fellow photography enthusiast so it came as quite an honor that he would choose me to document his special day. His bride was beautiful in every way.

Their wedding took place at the beautiful Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace, MD  which dates back to 1886. It sits right where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Susquehanna River.

Christina hand-knit this beautiful sweater to wear over her wedding gown.....

The back drop for this wedding were four stained-glass windows that had hung in the little white church building that was originally Mountain Christian Church built in 1891 where the groom's grandparents had been married. I captured the moment his grandfather walked into the ceremony and saw the windows - he immediately teared up, so sweet!

We had beautiful weather for early February - we were able to capture some beautiful winter light without freezing - exactly two years ago this weekend there was a wedding here in the middle of a blizzard.

You can catch a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay in the background there!

The Bride's grandmother wrote the poem that was on the front of the program back in 1947.

This family certainly knew how to have FUN on the dance floor - I think I have more pictures of the dancing than I do of the ceremony!

After one last final dance - the bride and groom surprised everyone by hopping into a huge tractor to drive off into the night! And in the driver's seat was the BRIDE!!   Both the bride and groom come from several generations of farming families.

Congratulations Brandon and Christina - your day was perfect!

Now Accepting Weddings

2012-02-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Timeless and Treasured Photography is now accepting a limited amount of weddings. My few slots are filling up fast so contact me soon!

The VanBemmel Family

2012-01-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

The VanBemmel Family was in town over the holidays and were able to sneak in a quick photo session. They were thrilled that it was snowing!

Mr VanBemmel is the former Headmaster of our school, and is now Pastor of a church in South Carolina.

I can't believe how much the kids had grown over the past year!

Upper Chesapeake Health System Physicians Winter Gala

2011-12-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

More Wedding Photos....

2011-12-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Rich and Katelyn

2011-12-06T20:28:00.001-08:00

I had the privelege this past weekend of capturing the marriage of Katelyn and Rich. I have known Katelyn since she was a little girl - so when they asked me if I could do their wedding, I was thrilled! I get asked to do a lot of weddings but I always turn them down. But I'm starting to think that maybe I'm finally ready to begin dappling in some wedding photograhy here and there. It only seems interesting to me though if I know the bride and/or groom. Katelyn's mom is a good friend of mine - and is even a teacher at our christian school. Here are just a FEW of the many beautiful moments...

The bride looked absolutely stunning and I loved her subtle Christmas themed December color combinations.

The excitement of the getting ready .......

Both of the sisters....

We were able to do quite a bit of the formal family shots before the wedding with the groom tucked safely away out of sight. I love these pictures of the bride in the sunlight - she was so sweetly walking her grandfather back into the building.

The ceremony was a small intimate gathering of mostly just family members. It was a tender and touching ceremony.

Immediately after the ceremony we were able to capture some great shots of the bride and groom in the very last of the fading sunset light - the light was PERFECT!

This is one of my favorite images of the evening, there were huge flocks of birds flying overhead while we were shooting - and you can even see the moon in the one below!

The very intimate gathering of the bridal party - all siblings or cousins.

The entire family - and also just about the entire guest list!

I kept stealing quick shots of these two when they thought I wasn't around - - they are SO IN LOVE with each other, and it just showed in every picture that I took. I absolutely loved watching Rich gazing so lovingly at his bride every chance he could.

The first dance.....

and the lovely cake..

......and a quick moment to relax before the grand finale!!

Congratulations to Rich and Katelyn - best wishes for many decades of happiness!!

The Sapia Family

2011-12-04T07:48:00.001-08:00

The Newton Family

2011-11-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of capturing this gorgeous family recently. I just couldn't get enough of these sweet babies - referred to me by a great friend and fellow photographer! ; )

And every one of them have stunning blue eyes!

It was great meeting you guys - enjoy your little sneak peek!

The Sawyer Family

2011-11-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

Another absolutely beautiful family! I love the colors in these pictures.

I have the most beautiful clients ever!

James

2011-11-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

I was super excited for these portraits today ~ this cutie-patootie belongs to a long-ago neighbor of mine. Back in the townhouse days, his mommy Mary Beth lived next door to us and was the absolute SWEETEST young single lady I have ever known! She used to sit out on the steps with us when our oldest girls were so little and we would watch them play, or they would help her wash her car. :) I'm so excited for her to find the love of her life and have her own little family now. Is he not the cutest little thing you have ever seen?

Carley and Lindsey

2011-11-06T05:38:00.000-08:00

Handsome Guys

2011-11-01T05:23:00.000-07:00

A few more gorgeous guys from New Covenant Christian School.

Payton

2011-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

I've been photographing this little cutie since she was just a few days old! I love watching my clients grow up!

She was rather elusive and didn't want to look my way at all, but I had a few tricks up my sleeve (as well as a teenager willing to act completely wonky to get a smile), so we managed to get plenty of great shots.

The "E" Family

2011-10-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Lyndi

2011-10-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

The "B" Family

2011-10-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

The "G" Family

2011-10-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

New Covenant Seniors

2011-10-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Marina

2011-10-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge

2011-09-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today's challenge is "People's Choice" - Hop on over to see other entries!

Caitlyn

2011-09-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Water Boy

2011-09-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

I've been photographing this little guy since he was in his Mommy's tummy. It's been so great to watch him grow. He is 2 1/2 now and so much fun! He lives in downtown Baltimore, so he showed me every water fountain along his walk that he enjoys.

Little GQ man....

The K Family

2011-08-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is a family that I have photographed for years - I love my returning clients so much! I captured their family when there were just three of them, and then I did baby sister's newborn shoot. I love hearing them speak Russian to each other.

Now there is a new baby cousin to love! (I did her mommy and daddy's engagement session).

Sister love.....

Hope you enjoyed your sneak peek K Family!

The B Family

2011-08-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

Baby Alexandra

2011-07-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

How precious is this little sweetie? Because of my vacation, we weren't able to capture her until she was three weeks old, but she was great and gave us plenty of sleepy shots as well as some nice alert time.

It is so fun to have returning clients and be able to watch the kids grow! Gabby is the proud new big sister this time!

Congrats Q family on another baby girl!

Paige and Frankie

2011-06-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this sweet little baby? Well - look at her now!! From a little bald baby to a head full of golden curls.

And a new little brother too! I had the privelege of capturing his first birthday complete with.....

balloons......

first steps.....

and his first taste of cake!!

Congratulations "G" family - what a beautiful family you have!

Birth Announcements

2011-06-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite fellow photographers and I often team up to create announcements and cards like this one. Check out her site and keep her in mind for this kind of work. http://www.sweetcaptures.com/

Amaya

2011-06-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

Bella

2011-06-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

Baby Liam

2011-05-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

Ivana

2011-05-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Mason and Teagan

2011-05-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe it's been 14 months since I did little Teagan's newborn pictures.

And her handsome big brother!

My Sister's Family

2011-01-24T10:12:00.000-08:00

Baby J

2010-12-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

At The Barn

2010-12-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Baby C

2010-11-30T18:08:00.000-08:00

This little guy belongs to a good friend of my hubby's from work. It was a treat to capture his "newborness".

Caroline

2010-11-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

The Sneeze

2010-11-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

The McCartin Family

2010-11-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

I had a great time photographing these three sisters and all their children ~ they reminded me SOOO much of me and my sisters! They live way out in the country, so it was great to have some new scenery to photograph! They had so many great images, it was hard to choose just a few here for the blog.... so here's a bunch!

This little baby was just so sweet and good!

Taylor and Payton - Two Years Old

2010-11-13T16:54:00.000-08:00

These two little cousins were some of my very first newborns that I photographed. I also did their one year portraits, and now their two year portraits! This first picture are three adult siblings, and the girls each have a daughter of their own ~ these cousins are born just a few weeks apart!

The VanBemmel Family

2010-11-10T19:06:00.001-08:00

Stephanie

2010-11-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

Josh and his Guitar

2010-11-08T17:41:00.001-08:00

It was truly a pleasure to capture this young man's senior year pictures for him. I have known him since he was in elementary school, but I haven't seen him for years. What an incredible guy he has grown into! I seriously have the BEST CLIENTS!! I think we spent more time just talking and chatting than we actually did taking pictures. This gorgeous guy has quite a head on his shoulders!

Wow - he really impressed me. I think I need to adopt him.....

The "S" Family

2010-11-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

Senior Guys

2010-11-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

SENIOR GIRLS!

2010-11-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

These two senior girls have been best friends forever!! They told me yesterday in all these years, they have never had one fight. I know these girls pretty well - and I think they are two of the most BEAUTIFUL and INTELLIGENT young ladies I have ever know. My sophmore Punkin has the pleasure this year of having several classes with them and has become good friends with them both. I really wish they weren't graduating and leaving our school next year!

BABY KNOX

2010-11-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

This precious baby boy was freshly adopted last week!! Knox - isn't that the coolest name ever?

He is so blessed to be welcomed into such an incredible family - his parents couldn't love him any more!

His parents have founded Grafted Families - A ministry to orphans, foster families, adoptive families, and those exploring fostering and adoption.

He is so perfectly perfect - look at those precious lips! He is so loved in this family for exactly who he is - accepted wholely and fully in the perfect way God created him.

This family is a blessing to so many people, including us! His Mommy was my Punkin's teacher in 6th grade, and a tutor for Banana a few years ago, and is currently Banana's writing and literature teacher at homeschool co-op. His Daddy is heading up our youth group at church right now. What a family!!

And the most perfect big brother - made especially for Knox!! (Yes - he is adopted too - just like his Daddy!)

The "W" Family

2010-11-01T04:51:00.001-07:00

TWO YEARS OLD

2010-10-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

THE ROBINSON FAMILY

2010-10-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was honored to spend some time with this sweet family. We used to go to church together - the church that planted another church of which they pastor. We met way back when I was pregnant with Banana, and their oldest was just a tiny baby!

It was great to see you guys again! Enjoy your sneak peek - your family is beautiful!!

TRASH THE DRESS

2010-10-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of a "Trash the Dress" session? It's the latest craze for brides to get some great shots in their wedding dress (after the wedding) and not have to worry about getting the dress messed up. So cool! I had a great time with this couple this weekend - we had super great weather and lighting - I love how these turned out.

I adore getting shots of brides - but do NOT adore wedding photography - this was a perfect opportunity!

I love the gun and the boots!

You can see a slideshow of their whole session by entering the password "mcneely" under the client section of my website BY CLICKING HERE.

THE LOFTUS FAMILY

2010-09-27T20:04:00.001-07:00

I don't think I have ever enjoyed a photo session as much as this one! This family attends the same church that we do. All of these children belong to them, all 17 of them, (and yes, she delivered every one!)

Like me, they probably remind you of a popular family right now from the show 19 Kids and Counting. I just had to ask them - "Do you watch the show?". Their answer - "No - we don't have a TV". I should have known that - just like the Duggar family. What an inspiring family! And yes, they are homeschooled. I just happened to have my regular scheduled client cancel for this weekend - and this weekend was the last time the Loftus family (all 19 Lofti) will all be together for quite a while. One of their older sons and his wife are moving out of state as he is joining the Air Force, he was also our youth group intern leader for the summer at church. Their oldest married son is just about to finish up at medical school, and then has plans for the mission field. So - there are technically "19" kids including the two young ladies who have joined the family by marriage.

Their kids are absolutely beautiful - inside and out!

I just had to line them up by birth order....

Did I mention they know how to have fun?

Cause they definitely do!!

Next to oldest boy and youngest boy....

Oldest girl and youngest girl....

Thanks for such a FUN evening Loftus family - I was honored to capture such special memories for you! And now that I have a picture to study - I think I finally know all the names now!

Incredible cuteness!

LITTLE BABY N

2010-09-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

TORI

2010-09-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of capturing some images for Tori. She was a lot of fun and is very interested in politics. I love all the different sides of her personality that seemed to come out in her images.

Enjoy your sneak peek Tori!

18 MONTHS OLD

2010-09-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

This little guy was my very first baby planner. I captured him every month of his first year of life. I was so excited to see him again now at 18 months. He is so much fun!

Punkin came along with me like she usually does when she knows I'm going to visit him - she just adores him!! And she sure knows how to get him to smile!

And when you officially hit toddlerhood - you have the right to laugh one second...

and cry the next second!

THE SEED FAMILY

2010-08-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have known this sweet little family for so many years - it's hard to believe their son is a teenager now - pretty sure he should still be four years old -isn't he gorgeous???

It was great seeing you guys again - thanks for your home decorating inspiration!! Enjoy your sneak peek!

SERGEY AND OKSANA

2010-08-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

I truly enjoyed photographing this interesting family!! They spoke Ukrainian, Russian, English - and even some Spanish (as I had to sing some Dora the Explorer songs to keep 2-year-old's attention!!) It was very fun to listen to them speak to each other - and very confusing too! What a beautiful family!!

This little guy had some SERIOUS blue eyes!

A DOG-LOVING FAMILY!

2010-08-09T04:50:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this family last weekend! I could relate well to their love for their dogs, and the girls were absolute sweetie-pies!!

A SENIOR ALREADY??

2010-08-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

I simply can NOT believe that I am doing senior pictures for this beautiful girl - I met her when she was in about 5th grade! My sweet hubby even gave her drum lessons for quite a while -and she is now a very talented musician! Hope you enjoy your sneak peek Olson family!

A quick shot of brother and sister too...

THE HENDRICKS FAMILY

2010-07-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

I think this family could possibly be the most gorgeous family I have ever photographed - don't you agree? This family has been living in China for the past two years as expatriates with his company, and are about to return for one more year.

Absolutely beautiful girls!!

Hope you enjoyed your sneak peek!! Have a safe trip back to China.

BABY J

2010-06-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Remember this precious little sleepy guy?

Well, look at him now!

It was great to see you guys again! Your little man is simply a doll!

LITTLE MISS G

2010-06-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

It was nice meeting you "Q" family - your little one is such a sweetie!!

THE P FAMILY

2010-05-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

I think this is quite possibly one of the coolest families ever.

Three gorgeous girls....

and a cool motorcycle momma

and a really cool dad.

THE "G" FAMILY

2010-04-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Some of my very favorite clients!! I love being able to watch the kids grow!

LITTLE BEN

2010-04-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

TEAGAN AND MASON

2010-03-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE doing newborn photography!! I get a little baby "fix" every now and then - I love holding them and hearing their tiny little newborn squeaks. It's my favorite thing to take pictures of! Isn't she just precious? And big brother was a sweet little guy too!

SNEAK PEAK - ANTON

2010-03-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

MY GORGEOUS NIECE

2010-03-14T17:38:00.000-07:00