Photography

Smithfield Engagement | Daniel + Ally

in

“Appreciative love gazes and holds its breath and is silent, rejoices that such a wonder should exist if not for him, will not be wholly dejected by losing her, would rather have it so than never to have seen her at all." ― C.S. Lewis

Spent a beautiful afternoon in Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield, Virginia with this love filled couple a few weeks back.
I'd never been to Smithfield before and thuroughly enjoyed the scenic drive on the way to and from it. A nice little afternoon roadtrip . Of course we had to cross the street to the little marina across the way for a few portraits there as well. Because, well, we all know how I get with being on the water.

Wishing you all the best and all of the love Daniel and Ally. xox

See more on
Instagram || Twitter || Facebook

Catherine | Senior Portraits

in

"I learned what every dreaming child needs to know- that no horizon is so far that you cannot get above it or beyond it." —Beryl Markham

Sharing a few senior portraits from a session last winter. 
Isn't Catherine a beauty?

If you're interested in booking a senior portrait session feel free to shoot me an email. 

See more on
Instagram || Twitter || Facebook

Engagement | Matt + Savannah

in

“I would love to say
that you
make me
weak in the knees
but
to be quite upfront
and completely
truthful
you
make my body
forget
it has knees
at all.” 

― Tyler Knott Gregson

Enjoyed spending a chilly winter morning shooting some engagement photos with these two being their adorable unfiltered selves. 
Oh how I love capturing people in their natural states interacting in the just-so way they do with just each other.
Everyone's love, when expressed uninhibited, looks different. Which I think is one of the most beautiful things there is. 
Can't wait for these two fun loving cuties to get married this spring. 

Vienna Wedding | Luke & Chelsea

in

I'm so excited to get back to sharing some of the weddings I've shot over the past year with you guys! 
This is one from last summer in Vienna.
(It was actually over Fourth of July weekend, which gave my gem of a second shooter Jenna and I a chance to enjoy some Independence Day festivities in DC the day before)

Luke and Chelsea's wedding was filled with so much joy and love.
I know, I know, it's a wedding, aren't they all? But this wedding day was just overflowing with it. It was a truly beautiful and tangible thing that was such an honor to witness and be a part of.
Not to mention I don't know if I've ever seen a wedding party that loved to dance as much as theirs. I mean, we all know how much I love dancing... In fact, it kills me when I'm at a wedding and there's all this great music to dance to but no one is dancing! (Not gonna lie, I sometimes sneak in a Hustle or Macarena here and there...) But these guys knew how to dance and have a good time. Which is definitely the best way to celebrate in my opinion. Makes for some pretty great kodak moments to be sure.

Anyway, here are a few of my favorite photos from their big day, enjoy!

My RVA: Na Nin Studio + Shop

in

Na Nin is one of my favorite shops here in Richmond. It's a lovely space filled with handmade, vintage, and curated goods not just from local makers but people all over the world. 
Kate Jennings is the shop owner and let me tell you there just isn't a lovelier and sweeter being. Every time I run into her she's so genuinely transparent in that way that instantly makes you want to be one of her dearest friends. She always has such sweet, positive and encouraging words, regardless of whether you've just walked into the shop for the first time, or you're a frequent visitor.
She's truly such a wonderful person to be around. 

A few months ago I stopped by the shop to meet the very talented Jess Lee of Willow Knows during a little event showcasing some of her stunning collection. I so love meeting fellow makers and getting to know the person behind the creations. I've been following Jess and her work for a few years now and it was so lovely getting to meet with and talk to her in person. Her pieces are truly inspiring and filled with a kind of light and dreamy quality that I think so many of us can resonate with. To say that I would wear every single piece is an understatement (though I've pretty much been wearing my scarf every day since I've gotten it, so there's that). 
Jess is based in Charlottesville where she's currently working on her new spring line in her enviously gorgeous studio space. Which you will actually see a lot of on her Instagram, and which I only hope I can make a trip to see in person at some point. 

If you live in Richmond be sure to stop by Na Nin's brick and mortar location at: 
101 S. Addison St. Richmond, VA.
They're open Wed-Friday 11-7pm and Sat-Sun 10-6pm.
But for those of you not here in RVA, fear not! You can still enjoy all of the lovely goods Kate's curated by shopping online.

*The last two photos of the hands were taken by my friend Michelle
*I also took some video during this little event so that might be up on the blog sometime soon too once I can get to it!

You can follow Na Nin on: Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook and Pinterest
As well as Willow Knows on: Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook and Pinterest

Nashville Portraits | Elizabeth

in ,

While in Nashville I had the pleasure of doing a styled portrait session with this beautiful lady. 
I've been wanting to share these photos for ages now, and I'm so excited to finally be doing so! 
I think they might be some of my favorite images from my summer sessions.
Elizabeth is one of those insanely naturally gorgeous girls who just makes my job super easy. I mean hello, model status. Also, can we talk about her sense of style? I know. Impeccable.
A sixties chick after my own heart.

Rosewood Clothing Co.

in

I've mentioned before that lifestyle photography is my favorite type of photography. 

Being able to capture real and raw moments organically as they happen.
Unposed, uninhibited.
Letting events and moments take their course and documenting them along the way.

Well, I got the opportunity to do a lovely little session recently for my friend Ashley.
I met this gal over the summer and we've already become steadfast friends. Her excitement for life and the passion she has for the things she loves is nothing short of infectious.

I do so love being around people who are passionate about what they do and are ambitious in a fast driven and on fire sort of way.They're the best kind of people to be around if you ask me.
I think it's partly because there's a special sort of aliveness you feel when you're in the presence of someone who is that motivated and excited about their life and doing good things with it, and it also inspires you in a similar way to pursue your own dreams and ambitions.

Ashley will be opening Rosewood Clothing Co, a shop for her curated vintage and handmade goods as well as consignment, on 16 W. Broad here in Richmond.

She doesn't have a set opening date yet, but I definitely can't wait to see what she does with her space and I'm so happy that I get to be apart of it's little journey as it comes together.
(And you may or may not be able to buy some of my knits in her shop once it's open... Stay tuned!)

Go follow Rosewood Clothing Co. on Instagram for updates and to be the first to know about the opening day!

//////////

Interested in booking a lifestyle session of your own?

Let's chat!

Email me for more info: 

agirlnamedleney@gmail.com 

 

Featured | Artful Blogging

in

So I have some super exciting news friends!
I was recently featured in the most recent issue of Artful Blogging!

I was asked to write an article for them at the end of last year, for their upcoming spring issue, and I've just been bursting trying to keep it a secret this whole time.
It also features some of my photos of RVA so if you're a Richmond-er it will be extra interesting for you to read! You can pick up a copy at Barnes and Noble or on Stampington's site, here.
It's so crazy seeing my words and photos in print like this, I'm still just a little bit in awe. I definitely feel so blessed and grateful for the opportunity.
(Although it was even crazier walking into the book store last night and seeing it on the magazine rack...)

Excuse the not-so-great iPhone photos, but I just couldn't wait to share with you guys. :)

P.s. You might recognize

this

girl and

this

guy