Children's Photography

One of my absolute favorite ages to photograph is the one year old. Sweet Opal joined us in studio this week, and I had to share a sneak peek.

Travis and Bethany: A Wedding At Whitetail in September

Travis and Bethany met at work. "It wasn't too long," Travis said, "Before I knew she was the one." 

Their ceremony was held at the beautiful Whitetail Resort. They had a beautiful outdoor ceremony on the patio and an elegant reception inside the lodge.  

"Some people are just worth melting for"

Before the ceremony they arranged a "First look". The closer Bethany got to Travis, the calmer he became. The tension melted away into a relieved smile when Bethany reached him. 

Travis spent 10 minutes admiring his bride before declaring his love in a beautiful ceremony. 

The wedding party was dressed to impress. 

Bethany and Travis, 

We are beyond honored that you allowed us to share in this beautiful declaration of your love. We had so much fun with you. (We especially loved our walk in the moonlight) We wish you all the love and happiness that will last you a lifetime. 

 

Becky and Tina

Marlee & Joe: Beaver Creek Country Club

When Joe first entered the deli where Marlee worked, he fell hard.. literally.  But little did he know that the angel behind the counter was the woman of his dreams. 

When Marlee woke up on her Wedding day it was pouring outside. Any bride would have panicked but Marlee was ready for her day. Regardless of the obstacles, at the end of the day, Joe would be her man for life.  

One of my favorite things about this wedding was how the entire family and staff were not going to let a little rain stand in the way of a match made in heaven.  Accommodations were made and chins were set, ready to take on the day as it unfolded. As it turns out the rain stopped and in its place was a gorgeous haze and the outside ceremony would proceed as planned. 

Joe and Marlee, We are so thankful that you chose us to document your day. We cannot wait to see what your marriage has in store for you. Enjoy Your Honeymoon in Riviera Maya. 

Matt and Kara Celebrate their first Anniversary

Matt and Kara, I remember your wedding like it was yesterday. We had so much fun. The ceremony was gorgeous and Matt when you presented Kara with that giant cherry flavored ring pop it just about melted my heart. Kara, Your sister must love you to the moon and back to have come up with a rap so clever and funny. With family that strong we know that you have the love and support to weather just about anything. We hope you have had an exceptional year together. 

Becky and Tina

One Year Down and a Lifetime To Go

Happy Anniversary Dan and Rhoda

It hardly seems possible that it has already been a year. We hope that it was filled with laughter and love. 

Here is our favorite memories from your day.

Enjoy!


Thomas & Sarah say I DO...

This beautiful wedding was captured at Tom's grandmothers home. It happens to be the same place many members of his family were married. Sarah & Thomas decided to carry on the tradition at this amazing historic home. From beginning to end, it was a photographers dream! 

Stephanie and Chris: Dreams That You Dare To Dream Really Do Come True

This Wizard of Oz themed wedding/renewal of vows, was inspired by the day Chris and Stephanie met for the first time at a costume party.   

bride and groom

Stephanie dressed as Dorothy, and Chris instantly lost his heart. Unlike the tin man, however, Chris doesn't have to search far. His heart is at home with his wife and two kids. And as we all know "There is no place like home".

Hagerstown Maryland Wedding dress
Wedding Shoes

Stephanie rocked her tea length A- line wedding dress with bright red pumps. Her hair was in a classic twist and her lips cherry red. She looked like she just stepped out of a vintage wedding magazine. 

Chris' outfit was the perfect compliment to Stephanie's classic beauty. He sported black and white Chucks, a red tie, suspenders and to top things off, a Stetson hat. 

bride and groom

Stephanie was escorted up the aisle by their two sons, Colton and Evan. They exchanged personalized vows. Amongst these vows, Chris promised to always open the pickle jar when it got stuck and to answer "yes Dear" when she asks him if he is hungry in the middle of the night, so she doesn't have to eat alone. Steph promised to keep the fridge stocked with red meat and pepsi and to find something to do in the next room when Chris needs to concentrate deeply on his video games. 

bride Springfield Farm Barn

After the Ceremony, Chris escorted his family along the yellow brick road to the reception located at the Springfield Farm Barn.  The party that awaited, was to celebrate a love that is is timeless as the movie they have grown to cherish. 

Wizard of Oz Themed Wedding

Congratulations Stephanie and Chris for the many years you have dedicated to each other. And we wish you many more years of happiness. We are excited that we got to document such an important part of your history and would be honored to follow your family through all of its milestones. 

Beck and Tina

Hagerstown Sprint Triathlon, 5K and Youth Triathlon

Saturday and Sunday, Team Hypnotic Imagery had the great privelige of documenting the Hagerstown Youth Triathlon and the Sprint Triathlon and 5k.  

There is nothing in this world like the atmosphere and excitement of a well run race. Racine MultiSports has been doing races for several years. His races are a huge hit locally but has also started getting the attention of people far and wide. Ken Racine works tirelessly with his entire family and some incredibly dedicated volunteers, to provide a "life changing venue to youth and adult athletes looking to become better people!"

You don't have to consider yourself an athlete to run a race. Here is the race schedule. Come out and witness the heart pumping awe inspiring atmosphere of a Racine MultiSports race. I guarantee you will come away from it with a few personal goals of your own.

Here is the link to this weekends races.  And did I mention they are FREE. Team Racine MultiSports and Hamilton Nissan along with yours truly have combined forces to bring all racers FREE images. 

 

 

Introducing Grant

Just recently I got to photograph the sweetest addition to the Hypnotic Imagery family, baby Grant. His parents, Brent and Lauren, Got married last year. I was lucky enough to be chosen to document the beginning of their journey through life together. Now I  get to be a part of welcoming the most recent addition to their family.  They have embraced parenthood with dedication and grace and a great sense of humor. 

 

What a blessing and honor to be your Photographer for life

Springfield Farm Barn: Ashley and Matt

A Game Changer

Ashley and Matts love story began on a blind date. Matt had no way of knowing that when Melissa (A friend from school) called to invite him to an Orioles Baseball game, on a double date, he would be meeting the love of his life.

 They are the perfect match. They share a love of good food, great brews, cocktails, and wine. Both of them like to read, cook, and watch Sons of Anarchy. 


Their Big "I DO"

The ceremony took place outside set against the backdrop of the historic Springfield Farm Barn in Williamsport Maryland. As for the reception, the couple crafted a charming affair that was truly their own. Thousands of twinkling lights and a giant chandelier created an elegant, warm rustic atmosphere within the barn. 

Matts cousin Chris officiated the ceremony. During these personalized nuptials, he recalled a time when he and his cousin were traveling through Europe and Matt expressed that his heart was missing something.  Over a year later it is very evident what that something was missing. 


Radient Bride

According to her dad, Ashley is one tough cookie. But her whole face lights up and she seems to melt into a calm contentedness when Matt is around. 

Ashley and Matt,

We were so honored to be a part of your day. Your love created the perfect bubble around the day so large that even the expected rain couldn't penetrate it. We wish you an amazing time on your honeymoon to Ireland (so jealous btw) and a love and laughter filled marriage. We can't wait to see you soon!

Becky and Tina

Fountain Head Country Club: Catherine & Kyle

Catherine and Kyle's modern day fairy tail began at St. Vincent College. Their strong bond was put to the test repeatedly, especially when Kyle was deployed for several months after joining the Navy. When he returned he realized that home was where Catherine was. As in all Modern day Fairy tales, perfection has a twist and often the twist makes things more memorable. Kyle had planned a very romantic proposal first church, then lunch, and a walk on the pier. where he was going to pop the question. However, Kyle had to improvise a bit considering it was way too blustery to pop the question on the pier. Thinking fast on his toes, he quickly set the scene indoors.  Catherine loves that story and lights up when telling it.

Your Fairytale Awaits

When we showed up at Sagittarius Salon, Catherine and her girls were well into getting their hair and make up done. The Mimosas were flowing and despite the fact they had had a late night due to the rehearsal dinner, the girls, and Moms, were laughing and having a great time. There were a lot of stories and fun memories shared. From the salon the girls headed to the hotel to finish their preparations. 

9:48 AM

9:48 AM

A Moment in Time

Back at the hotel the guys were dressed and ready to go. Kyle walked to the window and glanced out. Meanwhile in the room directly below him, with the girls bustling behind her, Catherine was drawn to the window herself. Kyle had no way of knowing that his bride would be sharing in the exact same moment. Were they lost in thoughts of each other? Were they imagining the adventures ahead? Either way there is no doubt that these two souls were meant to be. 

11:30 AM                                                                   11:3…

11:30 AM                                                                   11:31 AM

Behind Every Strong Woman is more Strong Women 

Being the bride on such a monumentus day is not for the faint of heart. Emotions are high, nerves are high and anticipation of a lifetime ahead can cause even the strongest of woman to weaken under the pressure. But Catherine handled it all with the grace and elegance of the princess that she is. It was evident that her inner strength came from many places that day. She was surrounded by very strong women.  Her mom was there every step of the way, head to head, hand to hand, Mother to daughter, woman to woman. Lauren, her older sister (who had just got married herself) was able to give helpful tips and encouragement, Theresa, another of the Barton sisters, had everyone laughing and feeling at ease just by being the amazing ball of energy that she was. Stephanie (who will be married next May) was a steady support, Leanne her BFF and honorary sister, and her two gorgeous sisters in law rounded out her wedding party to perfection. Even her something borrowed and blue were treasures from some other very strong women in her life. 

11:27 AM

11:27 AM

11:47 AM

11:47 AM

11:58 AM

11:58 AM

Get to the Church on Time

After a fun photo shoot its was Go time! Their modern day coaches disguised as limos were ready to greet the separate parties at the entrance of the hotel. Next on the list of things to do that day?.... Get Married!

12:48 PM

12:48 PM

12:51 PM

12:51 PM

The church was breathtaking and the ceremony was moving in every way. It was exactly 2:48 PM when Kyle and Catherine shared their fist forever kiss. 

1:46 PM

1:46 PM

2:05 PM

2:05 PM

The Perfect Backdrop for Romance

The Reception was held at the beautiful and elegant  Fountain Head Country Club.  The views were gorgeous and the romantic atmosphere provided endless opportunities to photograph the love between these two. After a short golf cart ride, they found the perfect place for some quiet time before the party began.

4:48 PM

4:48 PM

4:50 PM

4:50 PM

5:35 PM

5:35 PM

"Those Barton Girls"

Later, in the ballroom, The Barton girls gave a very loving speech that included a "How to survive living with Catherine" survival bag for their new brother. Amongst those items were a very large bottle of ketchup, A dog leash, ear plugs, a sleep mask, a bottle of wine, and Moms Chicken soup recipe because according to Theresa "Catherine has the good fortune of taking after my dad in being a bad patient. So really, cook the soup, then hide."

5:45 PM

5:45 PM

A Gift From Dad Left No Stone Unmoved

Catherine's Super Dad has the heart wrenching honor to be marrying off 3 of his 4 daughters in 2 years. His gift to each of them was a Daddy Daughter dance song chosen based on his relationship with them individually. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Emotions were still high as Kyle escorted his mom to the dance floor. I have to admit to shedding more than a tear or two during these very touching dances. 

7:15 PM

7:15 PM

Lets get this Party Started

After the formalities of the reception was finished it was time to celebrate the merging of these dynamic families, and celebrate they did, with a bang! Thanks to Bill from Wizer Productions, The dance floor stayed packed the entire night.

7:35 PM

7:35 PM

Catherine has been dancing her whole life and Kyle himself came from a family of dancers. In fact, he had a dance off with his brother, then he and his father thrilled the group by performing a very entertaining choreographed dance to "You Can't Touch This".  Later his sister tore up the dance floor doing a swing dance. 

Fountain Head Country Club

 Making Time for a Little "Hot Sauce"

While the party was bumping inside, Kyle and Catherine slipped away for a moonlit moment.  It was hot and steamy on the dance floor but nothing like what was just around the corner.

9:01 PM

9:01 PM

 

Catherine and Kyle,

It is obvious that you found your true soul mates in each other.  To say we had fun is an understatement! Your family and friends were so welcoming, that when we left we felt like we made forever friends. It was an honor to document your first day as husband and wife. 

Love Becky and Tina

Jen and Adam say "I do" at the lovely Historic Savage Mill Manor

Jen and Adam celebrated their wedding at the Historic Savage Mill Manor.  

Bride and groom

The house was buzzing with activity when we got there.  Jens bridesmaids, her 2 sisters and Adams sister, helped her into her dress and shoes. While Adam was taking deep breaths and pacing the floors in a room just down the hall. 

Before the ceremony Jen and Adam met for a quiet moment together. Adam didn't want to see the dress he just wanted to hold her hand.

As the door opened, Adam closed his eyes and waited. His smile grew wider and wider with each step. 

First touch

When their hands touched he let out the breath he had been holding. 

This moment was just what they needed to kick off their life together.  Jen and Adam thank you so much for including us to share in the magic of this day. 

Making Handmade Anniversary cards

Here we are, right smack dab in the middle of yet another amazing wedding photography season, but before we get too far into it I wanted to take some time to keep in touch with last years brides. Last week, my team gathered together to make Happy Anniversary cards. We had so much fun!

Handmade Anniversary cards

Joshua and Leigh-Ann tie the knot

Chralestown WV Races Wedding
Wedding cake
Wedding cakes

This past Saturday, Joshua and Leigh-Ann tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony filled with symbolism and personal touches. After the Ceremony the wedding party got into a limo and headed to Charlestown Races and Slots to celebrate with their family and friends. Congratulations Joshua and Leigh-Ann we wish you many years of marital bliss!