A surprising joy in my pregnancy (due with baby #1 in January, for those who don’t know!) has been taking up walking for exercise. As a fitness fanatic who traditionally finds life in running and weight-training, I have been known to view walking as a “lesser” form of physical fitness. However, my ever-changing pregnant body would beg to differ, and I’ve truly come to enjoy 30-90 minute walks as my daily bread for physical (and mental, emotional, spiritual) health.

This morning, I was enjoying a sunrise walk with a friend around Brown’s Island/Belle Isle in Richmond, Virginia, where I live. You sure do get some stunning views when you’re up at the crack of dawn, amiright??

As my walking buddy and I finished our route today, we wandered along the canal leading into the Shockoe Bottom part of Richmond. She asked me if I had been here before and I said, “Only for photoshoots!” And it dawned on me that since moving to Richmond this past February, so much of my exploring around the city has been from photoshoots!

• Main Street Station with Josh & Justina! (Inside and out!)
• Maymont Garden with the Dinses!
• Elsa & Caleb all around the downtown Richmond area!
• Tuckahoe Women’s Club with Scott & Shannon!
• And more!!!

Shockoe Bottom in particular holds a special place in my heart because the first time I shot there, it was for an engagement session of my BROTHER, Clark, and his amazing fiancé, Sarah!

Aren’t they the cutest???

My brother is ridiculous, and man oh man does Sarah do a good job putting up with him…! 😉

If you’re looking for a FUN and COLORFUL location for your family or couples’ photo session in Richmond, Shockoe Bottom is where you wanna go! (Sidenote… this is embarrassing, but every time I type “Shockoe,” I first spell it, “Shockhoe,” and then have to Google and correct myself. Is there an H in there!?? No, Debbie. No there is not.)

Yeah… she’s good for him! 😉

Wanna see more of these two?! And hear them share bit about what they have learned and enjoy in their relationship as an interracial couple? Stay tuned for Part 2!!