Did y’all know I’m an elementary school teacher?  Some people are surprised when we tell them that since I don’t share it a ton on social media.  Michael does this photography thing full time, but I balance it between working at my elementary school.

I graduated from CNU’s master’s program and had the most wonderful student teaching experience because of my incredible cooperating teacher, Amy.  She was a saint and an incredible mentor and I’m so grateful for how she let me take over her classroom.. probably mess a few things up. She help mold me into someone who was ready to go in everyday and work in an incredibly challenging field.

Student Teaching

After a few years of teaching, I was asked to take on a student teacher of my own.  I was incredible hesitate and went back and forth a lot before deciding to go for it.  I knew I could never live up to Amy, and was worried someone would come in with a very different teaching style than mine and hurt the relationships I’d spent the year building with my students.  My students are “my kids” and every year I take them on like they are mine own. Frankly I was anxious to let someone else take over.

Enter Grayson.  She was everything I dreamed of having in my classroom.. and I loved watching her grow each day into a more and more incredible teacher. Someone who loved my kids as fiercely as I did.  I quickly learned that is who Grayson is. She takes things on with her whole heart and cares deeply for those around her.  I’m so grateful Grayson walked through my doorway that day.. When I found out that her long time boyfriend, Dillon had proposed I was over the moon! We were completely honored when she asked if we would shoot their wedding.

Belle Isle Richmond Engagement

A few weeks ago, Grayson and Dillon took the trek from their small town for a Belle Isle Richmond engagement session. It turned out to be a great spot for us.  We had a lot of catching up to do, and Belle Isle requires quite a bit of walking to get to and find the perfect locations. We spent that time chatting about our classes and hearing a little more about wedding planning.  Grayson’s sweet momma (also an elementary school teacher!) even came along so we could take a few with their dogs!  We adored this session.. honestly.. mostly because we got to see Grayson (and I finally got to meet Dillon after hearing so much about him!), but we also walked away with some of our favorite pictures to date.

Other engagement session near Belle Isle

Engagement – Tpott bridge

Engagement – Merrill & Alex