Black and white photo of people sitting at a cafe table seen through window reflections.

Gillian and Sam aren’t just clients. They’re close friends, and getting to photograph this season of their life feels like one of those full-circle moments.

Take a few minutes to check out this session at the beautiful One13 Social in downtown Carlisle, PA! While you're at it, keep reading to find out why you might want to do a little research on 1/2 of the subjects of this photoshoot. 🤠🎙️

Close-up view of hands holding and adjusting a delicate teacup on a white surface in dim lighting.
A couple shares an intimate moment at a bar with blue seats and bottles displayed in the background.
Romantic couple in blue dress and suit share intimate moments at an elegant bar with bottles displayed in the background.
Black and white detail shot of a reserved sign on a bar counter with blurred background.
A couple poses intimately at an upscale bar with wooden decor and illuminated bottle shelves in the background.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment at an elegant bar with wooden shelving and warm lighting in the background.
Romantic couple shares tender moments in an elegant bar setting with teal velvet seating and ambient lighting.
A couple shares an intimate dance moment at a bar with bottles and warm lighting in the background.
A black and white photo series showing a couple embracing and laughing together in an intimate moment.
A couple embraces intimately at a dimly lit bar with bottles and glassware displayed on shelves in the background.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment at a dimly lit upscale bar with elegant globe light fixtures overhead.

This session meant a lot to me. Gillian and Sam aren’t just clients. They’re close friends, and getting to photograph this season of their life feels like one of those full-circle moments.


We met at One13 Social in Carlisle for their engagement session at the end of November. If you haven’t been there yet, it’s the kind of place that instantly feels warm and intentional. The atmosphere, the textures, the lighting, the personality in the design… everything about it feels thoughtful and inviting. It couldn’t have been a better setting for these two. I truly hope One13 Social sees this, because this space deserves to be seen and celebrated just as much as couples like Gillian and Sam do.


If you’ve followed my work for a little while, you’ve probably seen Gillian’s face a few times. She’s an up and coming country artist and someone I’ve had the privilege of working with over the last couple of years. I’ve flown to music festivals with her, filmed music videos, photographed promos, and been part of some pretty unforgettable milestones in her career. Watching someone chase something so meaningful is inspiring. Watching her do that with Sam beside her is even better.

Personally, these two mean a lot to my family. Gillian loves our kids and they love her right back. Sam fits right into that relationship in the most natural way. There’s a comfort to who they are as a couple. It feels steady, honest, and real, and sessions like this are some of my favorites to document.


Earlier this year I had the honor of photographing their proposal, and now being the one who gets to document their engagement and upcoming wedding is something I don’t take lightly. This isn’t just another shoot on my calendar. It’s a story that I’ve been lucky enough to follow and photograph as it unfolds.


So here’s to Gillian and Sam. To friendship, to love that feels like home, and to the next chapter that’s right around the corner. I can’t wait for the big day!


Learn more about One13 Social here: https://www.one13social.com/

& Gillian Smith here: https://gilliansmithmusic.com

A romantic couple shares an intimate moment in a wood-paneled room with dramatic lighting.
A romantic moment between a couple dancing and embracing at a bar with bottles in the background.
A romantic couple shares a passionate kiss at a dimly lit bar with shelves of bottles in the background.
Romantic couple embraces in elegant attire at dimly lit bar with glowing pendant lights overhead.
A black and white photo of a couple kissing while sitting on a bench in an urban setting.
Romantic wedding couple embraces in an intimate moment between brick walls during their wedding photoshoot.
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