We love the idea of living a simple life. Think of all the best parts of minimalism and apply them to the Catholic family: detachment from things, plenty of time for prayer, the ability to focus on what is most important, etc. Although we pray for simple and contemplative lives, the world makes it hard […]

Amy was a little more excited than usual for Meghan and Zach’s engagement session. During our consultation call, we discovered that Amy and Zach were from the same town and had gone to the same high school, though their years there never overlapped. Amy is always deeply nostalgic about her experience growing up. She will […]

Caitlin stood in her living room, surrounded by light and silence. The peace in her heart was contagious and affected everyone and everything around her. Her elegant, timeless gown was recently fastened on by her mom and her sister Rebecca. She made a beautiful bride who was ready to marry Max. Caitlin’s sisters and bridesmaids […]

Most of the trees were now bare. The sun filtered down through their boney branches, but it didn’t provide much warmth any longer. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was quiet, only entertaining a few others who were enjoying the beautiful views of the changing seasons. We were so happy to be there with Leandra and […]

Bridget stood with her bridesmaids and parents in a small room. The church next door was filling up with her and Bobby’s family and friends. She waited with butterflies in her stomach. It was almost time for their nuptial Mass. The clock’s hands moved slower in those last moments before Bridget and Bobby met next […]

The unseasonably warm breeze blew off the Potomac. It was one of the last days of the year when we wouldn’t need a jacket. The last remaining autumn leaves clung to the trees, as if hoping themselves to enjoy one last touch of summer. As a result, Jones Point Park teemed with visitors hoping to […]

As we pulled into the Grotto parking lot, we were one of the only cars there. We’re used to the grounds being packed, but this was late on a Friday, nearing close, and most pilgrims were gone for the day. Bridget and Tom arrived and Amy helped Bridget make a few last-minute decisions about jewelry, […]

Fall at the Grotto is beautiful. The white statues pop off the colorful backdrop made of leaves. The air is crisp and it feels amazing to be outside. The silence of the season is obvious. All of nature is quieting itself for the oncoming winter, and the silence enters into the hearts of the pilgrims […]

The golden and red hues of fall surrounded us. Leaves crunched underfoot. As the sun warmed our skin, the breeze encouraged us to pull our jackets a little tighter. A blanket of leaves covered the road and the grass. The beauty was breathtaking. It felt like we were walking around in another world as we […]

Carolyn and Jimmy The park was bustling with people. Summer’s drastic transition to fall was calling all of us to take a closer look. The usual scenic views at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park were crowded with visitors, but fall had converted the entire park into a scenic view. We waited to cross the busy […]