This is holiday portrait season and this particular weekend I have four family sessions. This is one of my all time favorite families. I have photographed them throughout the years starting back at their parents engagement and now I love these little boys, they are crazy adorable and so, so fun. We did a quick session nearby at a beautiful little trail here in the DC area so they could have some great photos for the holidays. When you have young kids there is an appreciation for getting things done quickly and I can’t believe how much we got in such a short time. They even managed outfit changes! They are family portrait veterans- I love how their little woodsy holiday session turned out!

I love the tidal basin but I often forget just how long of a walk it can be from the metro stop. I found myself hustling to Giulia and Stephen’s Engagement session that day when I realized the walk was a little more then I anticipated. Typically I would of drove into the city since its pretty direct shot from where I live but there was the Marine Corp Marathon was that day and knowing my luck I would of been zig zagging around the city with closed streets and traffic. Turns out there were no problems but I know if I DID decide to drive, there would of been major problems. You can’t win!

Stephen proposed to Giulia by the Jefferson Memorial while they were out for a scenic run. How fitting was it to shoot their engagement session at the very spot. They threw on their running clothes for a few shots to recreate that wonderful moment! Loved that idea so much! I can’t wait to photograph their wedding in Annapolis next year!

Did you know that I am a boudoir photographer? I keep my boudoir site separate from my wedding and portrait site but I’ve been photographing women for several years! In addition to private session I hold marathon boudoir sessions 1-2 times a year. My next one is coming up Saturday, November 16 in Alexandria, VA!

I have 30 minute mini slots available all day long, back to back at a smaller rate then a normal session. A beautiful, luxury hotel suite is reserved and makeup is already included in the price, on-location for you. Just show up with a couple of sultry ensembles and have a fun experience with some stunning photos as a result.

Carolyn from Modern Bridal Studio is one of my favorite hair and makeup artist, she will be on-location doing makeup for all the ladies!

I still have slots that have yet to be filled! Email shelby@shelbyleigh.com for more info and go directly to this page on the CUPCAKE site for more info on this marathon!

In all my years as an Annapolitan I can’t believe I had never photographed a wedding at the Naval Academy, I’m excited to say, I finally did it! After the chapel ceremony, we shot some portraits in the Superindentents garden and then a quick pit stop downtown at the docks. Liz expressed before the big day that she wanted some fun photos in their hotel room before they went to their cocktail hour (see jumping on the bed photos!) so we were able to squeeze those in and I think they are just so cute. Congrats to this amazing couple!

DETAILS
CEREMONY: US Naval Academy Chapel
RECEPTION: Westin Hotel – Downtown Annapolis

Oh, I’m a little behind on blogging this but this Annapolis wedding had little greek touches everywhere! Kristin told me the ivy in her bouquet was traditional and I am familiar with the evil eye (from our super amazing vacation) pinned to her dress, to ward off any bad or evil. We started the day at Kristin’s home with the girls getting ready and were off to the church for the ceremony, after the ceremony we stopped at a few key spots in downtown annapolis for some fun wedding party portraits and then off to state circle at the Governor Calvert House for an amazing reception with The Dickens. All in all a very wonderful, special, fantastic wedding day for Kristin and Drew!

DETAILS
Ceremony: Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Reception: Governor Calvert House
Band: The Dickens
Photography: Shelby Leigh Photography

kristin chose one of her grandmothers pins for her bouquet

kristin’s pup loves her so, he knew today was a big deal.

so many favorite views of the state building, this is one of them.

they handed out almonds to every one of their guests, another greek touch