Ed + Irwin: Engaged

Posted by: Mary Kate McKenna Photography | July 29th, 2010

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Ed and Irwin have been engaged for a really long time. They might even have a record on their hands... nearly 10 years.

But in August their 10 year engagement will come to an end when they tie the knot at the Meridian House, and I couldn't be happier for them.

I met Ed and Erwin though an organization called Wish Upon a Wedding. Wish Upon a Wedding just opened a chapter in DC and I immediately joined. Ed + Erwin will be the first recipients of a wedding with the DC chapter. I couldn't be more honored to have been a small part of their wedding story.

We met at their home in Virginia and took photos in their backyard; it was so quiet and beautiful there- a place I can tell they spend a lot of time together and with their two children, Leon and Ilo.

It hurts my heart to tell you that Erwin is battling stage 4 lung cancer. The chemo treatments have left him tired, but I'm telling you, this guy isn't giving up. Oh no. He's hardly missed work. He still plays with his little ones. He even cooks amazing lasagna. (trust me, I got to eat it- it was delicious.) A true fighter.

I am humbled to know these two amazing people. They are strong, kind and giving people. Great parents. Their love is quiet and patient, kind and sweet.

Ed + Erwin, I pray your happiness and kindness will inspire others to do good things.

I know it has inspired me.

Tags: Engagements, family portraits, wish upon a wedding

Murder in Ocean Hall by Joe Flood

Posted by: Mary Kate McKenna Photography | July 28th, 2010

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I love having talented friends.

In another lifetime, I used to work with Joe Flood at a government job. While we both liked our work, we didn't love it. I enjoyed eating lunch at a local pizza place with Joe, dreaming about what we'd do if we weren't cubicle monkeys.

And then it happened. I left my job to become a full time photographer. He left shortly after to write a novel.

We still meet up every once in awhile and have pizza at that same place, talking about how our lives are different than they used to be. Amazing how things turned out.

This time when we met up he brought me a copy of his book- how exciting! I'm not quite done reading it yet, but so far I love it. If you're a DC junkie like me, you'll appreciate all the details of the city Joe infuses into the book. I'm a fan of the murder mystery genre, and this one is really fun.

If you'd like to support a fantastic local writer,

check out the book's website or check out Joe's book on Amazon.

Or, leave a comment on this blog entry

and enter to win a copy of the book!

I'll pick a winner at random on Friday, July 30th.

Tags: Friends, Personal

One Year With Us.

Posted by: Mary Kate McKenna Photography | July 26th, 2010

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A year ago this week, a little pup came in our life.

She was a chubby, smelly mess. Tied up at a gas station at midnight.

I went to get coffee for an all-night editing session and came home with a puppy. Typical MK.

I didn't think we'd be able to keep her, but she quickly stole Joe's heart and I knew she wasn't going anywhere. She is still very attached to Joe and I love how she looks up at him and gets so excited when he comes home.

We adore little Miss Molly, who we now call "Moose" because this lab/sharpei mix is a big girl... especially next to our 10 pound ball of fury, Gordon the dauschund.

But we wouldn't have it any other way.

Thanks for being such a good girl, Molly Moose.

Molly last July

left: Molly last July, right: Molly this July

Our big, sweet lug of a dog, Molly Moose

Tags: Personal, pets

Briana + Shawn: Engaged!

Posted by: Mary Kate McKenna Photography | July 22nd, 2010

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Briana + Shawn are gettin' hitched!

I couldn't be more excited to share this sweet couple with you. Briana + Shawn are getting married next month and I am so happy to be a part of their day.

We headed down to DC to snap some photos and we had a lot of fun. But before we headed out, we just had to take some photos of them with their newly adopted kittens! Ah! How cute are they?! It was ridiculous how adorable they were.

Briana + Shawn- so you oh-so-soon for your big 'ol party in August!

Tags: DC engagement photos, Engagements

Headshots: Kim the CPA

Posted by: Mary Kate McKenna Photography | July 20th, 2010

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I get a lot of requests for headshots.

Not model portfolio stuff, but businesses wanting to show off their staff- letting their customers and the public see them as they really are.

My headshots don't involve black backgrounds and crazy lighting. I keep it simple and make it quick. From my experience, most people dislike having their headshots done. So, it's my job to make the subject comfortable and get some great shots.

Meet Kim, a great CPA in Frederick. The second she stepped into my office that morning she kept saying, "I hate getting my picture taken, I hate getting my picture taken." Over and over.

I didn't mind, because honestly, if it were me on the other side of my lens, I'd probably feel the same way... having your photo taken for business-related reasons is so different from family sessions and weddings.

So off we went, for a quick 20 minute session, where I'm pretty darn sure I captured Kim's personality- sassy, smart and fun; a perfect combination for a CPA, if you ask me!

And I know when she finishes her new website, and these photos go up, she'll be glad she had her photo taken. :)

-MK

Tags: frederick maryland headshots, headshots

Me + Social Media

Posted by: Mary Kate McKenna Photography | July 11th, 2010

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The Frederick News Post (FNP) wrote a nice little article last week

about my business and how I use social media.

A big thanks to Lauren Redding for interviewing me and writing the piece.

Do you follow me on Twitter?

Are you a fan (or should I say, do you "like" me) on Facebook?

No? Then you should!

I offer special deals and surprises for my followers, so please check it out!

For the entire article on FNP's website, please click here.

Tags: publishings, social media

Kelly + Gavin: One Year Anniversary

Posted by: Mary Kate McKenna Photography | July 8th, 2010

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Livin' & Lovin Life!

I was so happy to meet up with this fabulous couple again in my

new hometown of Frederick, Maryland. We had a blast!

You might remember these two love birds from their trash the

dress session- you can see those photos here.

Well, it's been a year since their wedding and they were back for more!

Kelly + Gavin, congrats and I wish you many more years of happiness!

Tags: anniversary session, Frederick Maryland, lifestyle portraits

Yummm…

Posted by: Mary Kate McKenna Photography | July 8th, 2010

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Ever since we got back from the Big Island in Hawaii I have been dreaming of this meal.

Macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi with purple sweet potatoes.

Friends, I am not kidding around when I say it was the best meal I've ever had.

So good, in fact, that I made Joe take me back to this restaurant in Kona again before we left, just so I could eat it one last time. It was just as good the second time.

Heavenly...