Joe + Kathleen’s lakefront engagement session at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD comes to you, and to me, at the perfect time: the Thomas Fam is officially on vacation time! Kathleen and Joe picked this gorgeous location, and shooting lakeside felt like a great warm up to our upcoming lake vacation. My current plans are loose, but I will spend maximum time on the dock with an actual paperback book (no Kindles near the water, obvs), a Tupperware of homemade pimento cheese, and a crinkly sleeve of Ritz crackers. I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED.

Speaking of which, Joe and Kathleen have everything they need – in each other. (Ba-zing!) These two high school sweethearts are planning a wedding next spring at Springfield Manor Winery + Distillery in Thurmont, MD and I’d say it’s been a long time coming! We dodged a couple of thunderstorms just before their session, and even though the thunder rumbled in the background, the show goes on! We even got a little sneaky sun right in the middle of our time together and I’ll take whatever I can get!

And we had so much in common. They are tri-athletes who run marathons. I have editing marathons. They ride bikes together on the regular. I last rode a bike approximately 20 years ago. So, ya know, same!

It was such a joy to photograph these two in their element! I can’t wait to celebrate next spring at one of my favorite Frederick County venues.

See more Maryland engagement sessions here and here.

Looking for a 2027 wedding photographer? Check my availability here.