KRISTIN & BEN (A WEDDING AT HOWARD COUNTY CONSERVANCY, MARYLAND)

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It's been a very busy summer so far and, well, it's about to get even busier! I'm excited to start showing you more of what I've been shooting. Expect lots more weddings as well as some non-wedding related work that I'm really proud of too. I've already photographed in DC, VA, PA, DE, and NY this year and over the next few months I'll be traveling to MN, WI, FL, WA, WV, and NC too! If you are any of the above states and would be interested in booking a session with me please send me an email at lydia@lydiajane.com. I will be spending 2.5 weeks in Minneapolis this July so I'll have plenty of available time if you live in that area.

But, back to the post! A few months back I photographed a beautiful Maryland wedding. The bride got ready at The Columbia Inn at Peralynna and the ceremony took place at the Howard County Conservancy.

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Kristin and Ben are both musicians in the United States Air Force band. So, needless to say, the music during their ceremony was flawless. 

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Sometimes I find myself scrolling through blogs of beautifully posed model-couples and I think, "Geeze,  I wonder if these people ever smile at all." I mean, seriously, what couple out there is that serious all the time? I'm far more interested in finding the personality in my couples. I love listening to embarrassing first date stories and looking at cell phone pictures of cats and dogs that are treated far more like children than pets. And I love finding someone's secret nerdy side. In Kristin and Ben, it wasn't hard to find. ;) Half way through their session they obliged me with the Ben's "roller coaster dance".

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Kristin & Ben - You two a wonderful, bright, genuine couple. I loved laughing with you and getting to know your friends and family. Thank you for letting me tell the story of your wedding day.

EVANGELINE VEGA HARTNETT (A BABY GIRL)

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Four days ago my life changed forever. 

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I was driving home from a shoot in Alexandria when I received the text from my brother. My heart started pounding. I hadn't packed a baby girl bag yet! Everyone expected Kristen to have baby boy Morris first. But, nope, Tiny Dancer was coming early and I had to get on the road asap! 7 hours later (on the dot) Evangeline Vega came into the world.

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I caught my first glimpse of my niece around midnight. She was getting some tests done so I wasn't able to hold her. I went to bed with aching arms that night.

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In the morning I returned to the hospital and saw this little nugget sleeping soundly.

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I caught Evie's first glimpse of me.

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Over the next few hours I witnessed some of the sweetest moments with Jocelyn's sisters and mom.

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 And, yes, I finally got to hold Evie :)

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A few days later, my parents arrived. My stomach was in my throat watching them meet her for the first time. It was an incredible moment.

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Sweet Evangeline, you have no idea how much we love you. I'm so glad you decided to come early so we could see your beautiful, blue-eyed, button-nosed face sooner. Your mommy was so brave and worked so hard for you to finally meet us. Your daddy can't keep his eyes off you. They can't wait to introduce you to the stars that they fell in love under, the star they named you after. All of your aunties and uncles and grandparents can't wait to watch you grow up and play with your adorable cousins. You're beautiful. You're wonderful. And very, very much loved.

Love, Aunt Lyd