Family Lifestyle Photo Session - First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach

Family Lifestyle Photo Session - First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach

The temps are finally cooling and it is feeling more like fall around here! I’m feeling super excited for all the fun sessions and weddings I have scheduled this season.

Today I have a lovely fall family lifestyle session to share with you. I met the Chartier family at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach to capture some fun fall memories for them.

Their little one was turning one, so we took some time to document that first year sweetness.

Isn’t she adorable?! Have I mentioned lately that “toddler “ is my favorite stage of human? They are just so curious full of personality!

We explored the park trails for a bit, and then paused for a quick wardrobe change before capturing some first year portraits of Little Miss.

What a perfect model she was! :)

Finally, we hit the beach to take full advantage of the soft sunset light. Mom and Dad had brought a few props to incorporate into their portraits, and I think it all came together beautifully!

Thank you, Chartier family, for trusting me with your family memories. It was a joy to visit with you! Come back and see me again soon! - XOXO, Melissa

Creative  Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer in Hampton Roads

Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule a session, contact Melissa today!

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Virginia Beach Lifestyle Photographer - First Landing Family Photo Shoot

Virginia Beach Lifestyle Photographer - First Landing Family Photo Shoot

While I still have several beach sessions to share, I am soooo excited that fall is here! I adore that golden fall light, and the amazing color display that Mother Nature puts on every year! Plus, apple pie a la mode.

And getting to photograph beautiful families and couples snuggled up together against the chill, well that just can’t be beat!

I met the adorable Thomas family for a lifestyle session at First Landing State Park at sunset. The golden light, and those sweet little faces just make me all kids of happy!

We had a fun time exploring the park trails, and making family memories as their cuties discovered new treasures along the shoreline.

I love that this park has so much to offer. It’s perfect for families, seniors, and engagement sessions. First Landing does require a permit and fee to shoot on site, but it’s worth every penny in my opinion. It is one of my favorite spots for sure, especially in the fall!

I had such a great time with this charming family - thank you Thomases!! I hope to see you all again soon. :) - XOXO, Melissa

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Newborn Lifestyle Photo Session - Newport News/Williamsburg Photographer

Newborn Lifestyle Photo Session -

Newport News/Williamsburg Photographer

A few years ago, I had the honor of photographing a gorgeous beach wedding for two of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. Marlaina and Shean were a joy to work with from the moment we met to discuss their engagement session.

So, naturally, when they contacted me to let me know they were pregnant, I was over the moon for them! It was such a special treat to meet their beautiful baby girl, and to document these first sweet moments for them as a family.

Meara - don’t you just love her name?? - is every bit as perfect as I knew she’d be. She is a delightful little beauty. And she is loved beyond measure.

Of course, her older (slightly furrier) sibling was keeping a careful watch over the newest family addition.

Those sweet little hands and feet, and that fuzzy baby hair…I just couldn’t get enough!

Our session concluded with a serenade from Dad, which sent Little Miss M. off into sweet slumber, and then a quick tour of the nursery. I love the charming details of this mermaid girl’s room decor. Mom and Dad did a great job of making a unique space for her!

It was truly a joy to spend time with this sweet family! I was grateful to be able to capture all that lovely newborn newness for them. Congrats Flynn family! Much love always!! - XOXO, Melissa

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Engagement Photo Shoot Downtown - Norfolk Wedding Photographer

Engagement Photo Shoot Downtown

Norfolk Wedding Photographer

Today I’m sharing a stunning urban engagement session with you! Kamauria and Isaiah met in Chicago, and they wanted to shoot their engagement photos in a downtown setting reminiscent of their early dating days.

Admittedly, Norfolk is quite a bit smaller than Chicago, but there are some lively downtown areas, and some interesting architectural features that make for beautiful urban backdrops.

Plus, these two are so adorable and undeniably in love, that photographing them is a dream! I had the best time getting to know them as we explored the city.

Their fun-loving, carefree spirits really come through in their images!

Plus they are absolutely gorgeous, inside and out!

They are planning an amazing wedding in North Carolina, and will have friends and family come to celebrate from all across the U.S.! I know they will be make a stunning bride & groom.

Thank you Kamauria and Isaiah, for choosing me to photograph your engagement session. It was truly an honor and a pleasure to be part of your love story. Best wishes!! - XOXOX, Melissa

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today!  Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

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Hampton Roads Lifestyle Photographer - Virginia Beach Photo Sessions

Hampton Roads Lifestyle Photographer - Virginia Beach Photo Sessions

Yikes, I can hardly believe it has been almost a month since I’ve posted here! This summer has been hectic with lots of family sessions, weddings, engagements & elopements…and also carting my 4 kids all over hampton roads to camps, parties and activities as well. Summer just seems to be slipping away! I have posted peeks on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, but have sadly neglected the blogging.

Well, it’s high time that I fixed that, so today I’m sharing some favorites from several lifestyle family beach sessions I shot this summer in Virginia Beach.

From the southern tip of Sandbridge to the north end of bay area, I have met many beautiful families to capture some fun beach vacation photos. I have to say that it is pretty great to be able to enjoy so many beach sunsets as I’m working my way through the summer!

I have met lots of new families this summer, and have also been fortunate to visit with some old familiar friends.

Just like the families themselves, each session is unique! I love getting to know each family, so that I can capture the moments that are authentic to their stories.

That’s it for today! I have plenty more to share, but my editing que is calling. One of these days I’ll learn to be a better juggler, perhaps. Tell me, how has your summer been? Relaxed and easy livin’, or packed full to the brim? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. - XOXOX, Melissa

Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.

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If you are in the coastal, VA or NC area and would like to schedule your lifestyle photography session, contact me today! melissablissphotography@gmail.com

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Over The Moon Sandbridge Beach Wedding - VA Wedding Photographer

Over The Moon Sandbridge Beach Wedding

VA Wedding Photographer

Dannie & Arty planned their east coast destination beach wedding from their home in New Jersey. Dannie had dreamed of a beautiful beach wedding, and they looked up and down the coast for the perfect location. They settled on a lovely beach house in Sandbridge, in southern Virginia Beach.

I was thrilled to be part of their amazing day, and couldn’t wait to meet them, since we had only communicated via email up until their wedding day. When I arrived in Sandbridge, it was rainy, foggy, and quite wet. Dannie and Arty will in high spirits though, and determined to go ahead with their beach plans, rain or shine!

Friends and family, and their amazing vendor team, rallied around them so the ceremony went on as planned. With a few dozen added umbrellas, of course!

Afterward the I do’s, the rain lightened up and a soft fog rolled in. It was absolutely dreamy!

Fortunately, we had just enough time to capture some beautifully romantic shots on the beach before heading up to the beach house for the reception.

Then, Mr. & Mrs. Kambo were announced! The party began, and all the stress and worry of the day just melted away.

It was so much fun to see the love and joy shared by Dannie, Arty, and their closest friends and family, as the celebration continued into the night.

Congratulations Dannie & Arty! I wish you many happy days, and many silver linings. - XOXO, Melissa

Special thanks to the outstanding vendor team for this event:

Venue  |  Over the Moon, Sandbridge Realty

Catering  |  Yummy Goodness Catering

Hair  |  Stephanie Michelle

Makeup  |  Dhalia Edwards

Rentals  |  Distinctive Event Rentals

Cake  | E and E Special Events

DJ  |  Elite Entertainment

Photography  |  Melissa Bliss Photography

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If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

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Sandbridge Beach Annual Family Pictures - Virginia Beach

Sandbridge Beach Annual Family Pictures - Virginia Beach

The Grimaldi Family has been coming to see me for their annual family beach photo since 2015. I love visiting with them each year! It is always a treat to see them and catch up on their news.

It seems a storm is never far behind our sessions, and we usually have to adjust our timing on the fly - not always easy since they only get a couple of days all together at the beach. But, we always find a way to make it work because these family photos are important.

When Tara (Mom) booked their first session with me, she told me that she had recently lost her mom. After her mom passed away, she realized that she only had a small handful of photos of her mother. That just broke her heart. From that moment on, she vowed to make time for annual photos with her kids, so that those images and memories would live on for future generations.

I truly enjoy and look forward to seeing this family every year. And I think it is absolutely wonderful that Tara is keeping this tradition of getting into the frame with her children. She is always so grateful for these images and thanks me profusely for “capturing her heart.” And I am always honored.

Thank you, Grimaldi family, for upholding this beautiful tradition, for dodging storms with me, and for inviting me to photograph the heart of your sweet family! See you next year! - XOXO, Melissa

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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