I am incredibly fortunate to have not one, but two, absolutely gorgeous sister-in-laws who are always kind enough to humor me when the time is right for a photo session. Being a Washington, DC anniversary photographer, there is truly nothing I care more about that capturing all encompassing, genuine love between two people. So when I found out that Mary was going to come up to visit us for Easter this past weekend with her boyfriend, Kyle, which incidentally marked their one year anniversary, I thought it would be a fun little gift to surprise them with some new pictures together. 

Mary and Kyle met at Longwood University in college and had been friends for several years before dating. Initially they started hanging out as strictly study buddies; however, the friendship evolved and they each felt a different type of closeness growing. On a weekend trip to Kyle’s hometown of Reedsville, he admitted to Mary that he had deeper feelings and she reciprocated. Surrounded by his family and friends, she realized that she too could picture a life with him in this wonderful little place. I’m a sucker for a romance that start out as friends — what better way to build a foundation than with someone you genuinely like as well as love.

Things haven’t always been easy for these two as Mary currently lives and works in Richmond, VA while Kyle finished up his last year at Ferrum State playing baseball. After graduation, he plans to move closer to her so they can finally enjoy time together without being separated by hundreds of miles. Beofre our session, Kyle warned me that he already had some practice in the posing arena, but I didn’t believe him until he got in front of my lens — once you see the pictures, I think you’ll agree that they are both absolute naturals! Check out a few of my favorites of this sweet couple!