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Katie and Bill’s wedding this weekend was so beautiful and went without a hitch, well, kind of. More on that, and their fabulous wedding in Annapolis coming soon. I know, I’m such a tease.

Courtney and Chris danced around each other on the dance floor, never a moment without the huge permanent smiles on their faces. As the next song came on, ouuus and ahhs came from their guests, because really, everyone knew that song. People were motioning do it, do THE lift. Unfortunately Chris motioned that he had a bad back and couldn’t reproduce this epic lift. People sighed, but understood.

And right towards the end of the song holding her hand tightly, he graceful spun her out as the bottom of her dress filled with air behind every step, pulled her back in, I’ve had the time of my life, and lifted her high above his head, and I owe it all to you. Their guests erupted with cheers and applause. He slowly slid her back down and she wrapped her legs around him as he held on and spun her around. This moment on the dance floor, this love story, seemed to be right out of a movie.

Courtney and Chris, I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your amazing wedding at the Main Street Train Station. You and your families are truly something special and getting to meet everyone was wonderful. May this new journey bring you loads of laughter and love. Congrats! Megan Beth

Courtney’s Priscilla of Boston dress was simply stunning and perfectly elegant for the event.

Waiting for his lovely bride.

Courtney and Chris opted to see each other before the wedding, which I love, to make sure they scheduled tons of time to take relaxed pictures. It was such a special moment and when Chris saw her, he was speechless.

After the ceremony a trolley waited outside to take them to the reception.

I love these next two. I love the way he can make her laugh, and I love Courtney’s fierce look.

Every detail and column at the Main Street Train Station was amazing.

And I owe it all to you.

To see more from Courtney and Chris’ wedding, click HERE, for the slideshow.

Enjoy this little sneak peek of Courtney and Chris’s wedding in Richmond over the weekend. More awesomeness coming soon.

Often times I get asked if people can second shoot for me, and although I normally work alone, well, me and Alberta, this year I would like to have more people come along with me to shoot and see how I do things. I’m not the best wedding photographer ever, but if it helps one person learn something, then I think it’s totally worth it. When I was just starting, I didn’t know photographers, so asking someone if I could second shoot was impossible. I didn’t know where to start, or who to ask, not to mention if I did get the opportunity to second shoot for someone, what to do.

Now, during wedding season, when I have free time, I like to second shoot for people for fun. It keeps my images fresh, and helps me think outside of the box without the stress of being the main photographer. These are some second photographer tips that I have learned by second shooting, and having second shooters.

1. Work those muscles. First and foremost the main photographer needs the shot, so if that means running to the car for the light, then run like the wind. Carrying the camera bag to and from so the main photographer can be shooting, you carry it. Extra batteries in the corner, they’re yours. Umbrella over the photographers head to protect from rain, hail, sleet, you got it.

2. Do your own thing, don’t be scared! Many times second photographers will follow around the first photographer looking for direction, when in fact the second photographer needs to just branch out and go shoot. Shoot everything the main photographer isn’t. If the main photographer is at the front of the room, be at the back. If they’re outside shooting the couple, go inside and shoot the cocktail hour or details. Also try using a different lens from the primary photographer to help capture different angles.

3. Let’s Talk Business. As a second photographer you are there hired to work for the first. So, even if you have your own business and a guest were to ask you for a business card, you are working for the primary photographer and should be handing out their card. Also be conscious about letting the main photographer get ‘the shot,’ so sometimes that means stepping out of the way for the most desired shots.

4. Cattle Herder. During the formal family shots, it is your job to collect family members and have them all lined up for the next shot. If a list is provided of shots and family members names you are the one that needs to make sure all the family members have gotten in. Sometimes teaming up with a cousin, or a friend of the bride and groom who knows everyone’s names and relation, helps speed the process along.

5. Bloggity Blog. NEVER blog the images before the main photographer. Even if you are a avid blogger, you need to refrain from using the images, at least for the time being. If they don’t mind that you blog them, always provide a link back to the main photographers website. But depending on the primary photographers wishes, you may not even be able to use the images at all. This also applies to using them on your website/portfolio, always ask the main photographer what their policy is, as many photographers differ.

6. Pearly whites. Smile, because you are representing the primary photographers business. This is your opportunity to not be stressed about ‘getting the shot,’ so have fun and enjoy it. Try new things, different angles, different lenses.

And these are some of my favorite images from this past wedding season shooting with my friend Kate:

Isn’t this the coolest kid you have EVER seen?!

Everyone was hustling around The Great Oak Manor trying to get ready, and HE wanted to come in the room…IN THE ROOM?! The girls gasped as they tried to figure out why he wanted to come in the room where she was getting ready. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to see the bride before she walks down the aisle, the girls said. He knodded, I know, but I need to tell her something.

Karen scrambled into the nearby powder room around the corner. She stood behind the wall nervously giggling while trying to contain the bottom tulle part of her dress making sure he couldn’t see any part of it. Chad made his way in the room and peeked around the first doorway with his eyes closed. Karen…I just wanted to tell you that I love you. As if the smile on her face wasn’t beaming brightly enough, she lit up and took a big deep breath, I love you too Chad, see you SOON!

Karen and Chad, thank you so much for waiting so patiently for this post. You two are an amazing couple with energy like I have never seen before. It seems as if your love beams out every blink and inch of smile, because it just can’t be contained inside. I feel so blessed to have been able to photograph your wedding, and witness not just the beginning of your lives as husband and wife, but a continuation of your devoted love. Thank you to all your wonderful friends and family for making it such an awesome day. Love, Megan Beth

Karen’s dress was so elegant and sophisticated.

No peeking.

Wow, work it girl!

Karen, you look absolutely stunning.

Karen and Chad did some major researching and timeline planning to make time for their own little photo shoots. They found this old rustic barn down the street in Chestertown, and it made the perfect backdrop for some amazing images.

The donkey and goat DID NOT want to miss out on the photo sesh with the gorgeous bride and bridesmaides.

Chad looked quite handsome as well!

I had an idea…I asked Chad what he thought… and really, how awesome is this?!

Then we headed to the Chestertown Marina with the groomsmen.

The cermony took place on the back lawn of The Great Oak Manor, which sits on the Chesapeake Bay in Chestertown, Maryland. With breathtaking views of the bay and the sun setting, it was a perfect spot.

This bridal party was seriously SO MUCH FUN.

One of my favorites from the day!

There are so many amazing little nooks and corners around the Great Oak Manor to shoot.

This is my top favorite reception detail image. Ever. Golden sun on the mason jars, gah, I love it.

Really though, it’s all in the details, and they rocked them.

The lighting was amazing, made for a perfect first dance.

Click HERE for some more slideshow goodness of Karen and Chad’s fabulous wedding at the Great Oak Manor!