How I stumbled upon two people eloping at the National Botanical Gardens

Two weekends ago I took a spur of the moment trip to Washington DC with a good friend of mine – on the first day of our trip we decided to do some things on our own and explore parts of the city. While my friend met up with some of her old college friends I set out to explore the Mall and Capitol Hill. My first stop was the National Gallery where I wandered around for over an hour, inspired by the likes of Monet, Manet, Pollack and Jasper Johns – next I found myself wandering towards the Capitol building with the goal to go to the Library of Congress (which is one of my favorite places). On my way I noticed the National Botanical Gardens – I’ve only been to DC once before when I was 11 years old – the gardens were something I don’t remember, so I decided to stop in.

Upon entering the most amazing green house I have ever been in I look to my left and see two girls taking a selfie then I look to my right and I notice a young couple kissing. I walk up to what I assumed was a friend taking pictures with a cell phone – I asked her ‘Did they just get married?’ and with a big smile she responded ‘Yes! They eloped!’ I quickly introduced myself, told them I was a photographer, handed them my card and asked if they wanted a few portraits done to remember the day by – what you see below is what I captured. I loved this – I think it might have been my favorite moment of the trip! I was so blessed to have met these two and capture these moments for them it brought me so much joy!

Natalie + Luke got married at the The White Barn in Brooksville, Florida, it was a chilling day but filled with stunning light. All the details were incredible and true to the southern charm of this couple.

It’s only fair that as you allow me to witness part of your story, I tell you a little bit about mine.

I was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida – I have never lived anywhere else (except for college, which was basically just an extended stay in another city). Lakeland is home to me; I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I love this city and what is has become; as I have grown up, it seems Lakeland has grown up too. I wish to always call this place home, while still creating opportunities to explore other wonderful places. I think traveling makes you appreciate home a little more.

Art is a tradition in my family – whether it is drawing, music, singing or performing, I have been surrounded by art my entire life. Art is created and appreciated daily in my life and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. I grew up with loving parents and grandparents who celebrated and supported my love of being creative. My paternal grandfather is very creative and loves to work with his hands – he can dream up a concept and then execute a plan. My maternal grandfather is also gifted- he is a self-taught musician, excellent storyteller and drawer. I believe that much of my creativity came from them.

My first passion that I discovered early in life was drawing. My bookshelves are filled with countless sketchbooks and drawings from an early age. I believe that my love of photography stems from drawing. My favorite thing to draw has always been people; portraits fill countless pages in my sketch books. Graduating from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, college is where my passion for photography began. Graduating with a degree in drawing helped me push my creative boundaries and helps me in conceptualizing a photograph. Having a formal understanding for what makes a good drawing or painting helps me all the time with photography.

My very first photo shoot was capturing the engagement of my two best friends. When they asked me to take their engagement pictures, I was a little surprised by their request since I didn’t own professional equipment and I wanted their photos to beautiful and special, but they had faith in me. The shoot turned out great for someone who kind of knew what she was doing but was mainly working off hunches and guesses. After that, people kept asking and I kept shooting. Eventually, I thought, “I have something really amazing going on here.”

Photography is not just a job to me. I have the desire to create beautiful images that capture the timelessness of each person’s unique story. I love hearing a story and capturing it through my lens. I have grown so much since that first photo shoot and I continue to grow with each session. I constantly push myself to do better and conceptually think about each shoot. Whether you have been following my work since the beginning or have just stumbled upon this site, thank you for your support, love, and encouragement. If I haven’t already, I hope to have the opportunity to learn and witness part of the story that makes you so unique, portraying it timelessly through my love of the art of photography.