Laura's Focus Photography

Bentley & Brad Engagement | Blacksburg Virginia Engagement Photography

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:15:16 +0000

Bentley and Brad have a love for wine and one of their favorite things to do is visit new wineries. While on a visit to Keswick Winery in Charlottesville, Brad popped the big question and now a wedding is planned for this September at Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg, Virginia. For their engagement session, it was only fitting to bring along some wine and some picnic elements while visiting Big Falls Park next to the New River. It was one of those perfect and peaceful evenings by the river! Congratulations Bentley and Brad and I cannot wait for the big day!

Sarah & Bryan | Smithfield Plantation Blacksburg Virginia Wedding Photography

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:38:06 +0000

VT graduates, Sarah and Bryan, chose two perfect campus spots for their wedding day. The ceremony took place at Smithfield Plantation, a historic site hidden on the west end of campus, and the reception at Lane Stadium’s South Endzone. Nothing says Virginia Tech more than the football stadium and a surprise visit from the Hokie Bird himself! It was a rainy day but the sky happened to clear up about 30 minutes before the ceremony, just in time for the guests to arrive! My favorite moments were Sarah and Bryan’s expressions during the ceremony, too sweet for words. The funniest moment was when a friend took the mic and sang Family Tradition by Hank Williams Jr. as loud as he could! Even Batman made an appearance before the night was over!
Ceremony Venue: Smithfield Plantation
Reception Venue: Lane Stadium
Catering: Custom Catering
Cake: Our Daily Bread
Florist: Best Wishes
Dress: David’s Bridal
Shoes: Toms
Seating: Aztec Rental Center
Hair & Makeup: Tivon Salon
Ceremony Musicians: Four on Six Music
DJ: RSP Entertainment

Protected: L’s Boudoir | Blacksburg Virginia Boudoir Photography

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:00:47 +0000

Newborn Cooper | Christiansburg Virginia Newborn Photography

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:37:00 +0000

Cooper was born just 2 weeks ago and parents Laura and Shawn couldn’t be happier! Even the pups, Hazel and Scarlett, were happy to welcome the little guy home! Cooper was just about as content as could be for this session and looked very handsome in the little gray hat Laura found for him on Etsy. His expressions made you melt too! Congratulations Laura and Shawn!

Suzie & Jeremy | Clarendon Ballroom Arlington Virginia Wedding Photography

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:34:12 +0000

Ever seen a nightclub transformed into an elegant wedding space? Suzie spent months planning every little detail to make this happen and the results were incredible! The ceremony and reception were both held at Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, Virginia. For a dramatic look, EventEQ provided beautiful amber uplighting for the ceremony and purple for the reception. Details included a silver vintage microphone, ivory flower arrangements, lots of candlelight, a photobooth, mad libs for the guests, and a custom logo combining a S and a J!

I have also never seen a bride and groom have so much fun on their wedding day! Even their puppy “Cooper” joined in on the action with his tux. Before the ceremony, the bride and groom, all of the bridal party, and parents traveled around in limos to a few favorite spots in D.C. including the Washington Monument and the White House. Next it was off to the ballroom for the sharing of vows and a party with all of their closest family and friends. Parked out front was a General Lee Dodge Charger, a surprise that everyone loved! And my favorite dance moment of the night was when Suzie showed off a yoga pose which was very fitting since she is a yoga instructor.

The fun didn’t stop here…at the end of the reception, we walked down the street to O’Sullivans for some irish drinking music by Dan Fisk. Suzie and Jeremy both stood on the bar for the bouquet and garter tosses! These two are so perfect for each other!

Venue: Clarendon Ballroom
Graphic & Event Designer/Day of Coordinator: Jaime Conner of connerDESIGNS
DJ: DJ D-Mac
Flowers: Bergeron’s Florist
Lighting: EventEQ
Salon: Tica Cosmetics
Cake: Christee Brindzik
Dress: Hitched Bridal Salon
Photobooth: OnomonoMedia
General Lee: Billy Simmons
Limo: Bayside Limo
Pub Musician: Dan Fisk

Jordan | Blacksburg Virginia Senior Portrait Photographer

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:37:30 +0000

Jordan is wrapping up his senior year and will graduate in June from Giles High School. One of his favorite pairs of shoes are custom Captain America Nike’s which were awesome. He suggested bringing along some drums for these senior portraits and he wasn’t kidding, he brought an entire drum set which we set up at Smithfield Plantation! Jordan plays drums in his church choir and also for his schools’ marching band. We were lucky enough to hear a few songs and he is very talented! Jordan also loves getting dressed up and this was a perfect timing with his senior prom the very next day. Congratulations Jordan and enjoy the fun times ahead!

Sarah & Brad | Baltimore Museum of Industry Wedding Photography

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:26:30 +0000

The Inner Harbor of Baltimore in Maryland always brings back childhood memories of all the exciting trips to the aquarium and other museums. It was great to be back in the area for Sarah and Brad’s wedding which took place right at the harbor at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. This was such a neat spot for a wedding with all of the exhibits right there showing the industrial heritage of Baltimore, including a sea plane hanging from the ceiling of the reception space, my favorite! During the ceremony, we heard the sounds of ducks quacking and it turned out to be two males fighting over a female. I guess the romantic vibes were out this day! It also happened to be Pirate Day and cruising along was a party boat with dance music. Both of these created some laughs from everyone! For the reception, Sarah and Brad hired one of their favorite bands, the Psycho Killers, to start the party and they were pretty amazing. A moment I loved was during the father daughter dance when both Sarah and her Dad kicked off their shoes! This was definitely a day they will never forget!

Venue: Museum of Industry, Baltimore, Maryland
Catering: Rouge Fine Catering
Florist: Monteray Farms
Cake: Bay Country Bakery
Band: Psycho Killers (Talking Heads Tribute Band)
Dress: J.Crew
Hair: Prive Salon

Whittington Family | Blacksburg Virginia Family Photographer

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:58:07 +0000

Sara and Ben have a new addition to their family, the adorable Elizabeth who is now 8 and half months old. Everyone says she looks just like her Dad and I can see why! On this beautiful spring day, we spent some time at the Duck Pond followed by a visit to Crow’s Nest Greenhouses. Elizabeth had a blast with her parents, so much that she had a to take a quick nap between locations. I just loved her many expressions!

Alyse’s Bridal | Blacksburg Virginia Bridal Portrait Photographer

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:17:52 +0000

There was only one word to describe Alyse and that was gorgeous! Alyse really wanted to have her bridal portraits done in a country setting and we found the perfect spots. First was a field of yellow flowers in Blacksburg and then it was off to a friend’s home in Pembroke, Virginia. This home was built in the 1800′s and looked like something straight out of a plantation in the south. Even the local dog joined in and followed Alyse for a walk in the field! At the end of the session, we caught the last bit of sunshine and my favorite shot of the day!

A Taste of Virginia Tech | Blacksburg Virginia Food Photographer

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:23:19 +0000

I have heard about the amazing food on the Virginia Tech campus but had never experienced it myself. After a trip to the West End Market, I was shocked to see grilled flank steak, homemade marinara sauce, cheese tortellini, and cheeseburgers packed with hickory barbeque sauce, ham, and the works. Why was I here? To meet Krista Gallagher and Kris Schoels, the authors of a new cookbook, A Taste of Virginia Tech, which comes out this fall. In addition to the creations at West End, the book will feature recipes from all over Blacksburg. These two have been working hard traveling to various restaurants, tasting food, and learning the stories behind the owners and chefs of our area. Be sure to check it out at your local bookstore!