Beach Wedding Photographer - Shifting Sands Damneck Wedding

Beach Wedding Photographer - Shifting Sands Damneck Wedding

Today I'm sharing some sneak peeks from Morgan & Liam's spring wedding! Morgan is a recent graduate from Old Dominion University and Liam is a service member in the Navy. They were married at a small beach ceremony at the Shifting Sands Beach Club, on Dam Neck Naval Base in Virginia Beach.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very windy, rainy spring day. These two braved the elements and were married on the beach despite the less than ideal conditions. They were surrounded by their closest family and friends. 

The wedding ceremony was short and sweet, but SO full of love and joy. After their "I do's" were final, we took a couple quick shots on the beach before heading for cover. 

Their wedding reception was held at The Founder's Inn in Virginia Beach, which made a lovely location for some indoor portraits of the bride and groom. 

Congratulations Morgan & Liam! May your days be filled with warmth and love, even if the sun doesn't shine.

If you would like to find out more about the MBP wedding experience, contact me today! melissablissphotography@gmail.com

Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer, Hampton Roads, VA & Beyond

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stores in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Chick's Beach Engagement Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

Chick's Beach Engagement Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

I have had the opportunity to meet some pretty awesome couples through my work as an engagement and wedding photographer in Virginia. Getting to know so many cool new people from all over the country is pretty amazing. Since Hampton Roads is a military hub, with service members transferring in and out all the time, I often meet couples and families from far and wide. It is always fascinating to hear their stories and learn about what brought them to Virginia.

Dan and Jackie met in medical school in New York and both work at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth. They enjoy the beach in their time off, so we chose Chick's Beach as the perfect location for their engagement photos. 

It was a perfect evening for a romantic, sunset session on the bay. What a gorgeous couple they make too!

On the rare weekends when their busy schedules coordinate, they take off on road trip adventures together. It was on one such trip that Dan proposed. He compiled an album of photos from their travels to give to Jackie as a surprise gift. The very last page of the book included a heartfelt proposal. How cool is that?! 

I'm so excited for you guys! It was such a pleasure spending time getting to know you both. Congratulations on your engagement Jackie & Dan!

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today!

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Family Vacation Photos - Virginia Beach Photographer

Family Vacation Photos - Virginia Beach Photographer 

I met the sweetest family of four for a sunset beach session recently in Virginia Beach. They were in town for a long weekend of family fun and relaxation. Since they don't get to the beach very often, mom decided a family portrait session was in order. I suggested that we meet at the north end, where the kids could roam and explore freely.

The little ones enjoyed the sand, but weren't so sure about the water and waves. The water temp was still pretty cool too, so we stayed out of the waves and kept the kiddos happy playing by the dunes. They loved collecting sea shells and showing their treasures off to mom and dad. :)

As a photographer, it's the small simple moments that make me happiest. And that hazy sunset glow - that makes me pretty happy too!

I am SO glad I had the opportunity to create some beautiful memories for them. It was such a treat to meet this lovely young family! I adored those chubby little dimpled cheeks and mom adored her photo gallery - win/win!!

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Fort Monroe Engagement Session - Norfolk Photographer

Fort Monroe Engagement Session - Norfolk Photographer

Ashley and Christ are getting married this July at The Lazy Days Winery near Lynchburg, VA. We've been chatting about their wedding plans and I am SO excited to be their wedding photographer!

Ashley is my niece and I love this girl to death. I was actually her nanny for a while, way back when she was just a wee lass. I am over the moon that she has found a guy who adores her and treats her like gold. And she clearly makes Chris happy too!

Ashley is from Virginia Beach and Chris is from Yorktown. They met in Lynchburg but both still have family here in Hampton Roads. We tossed around a few ideas for engagement session locations and finally decided on Fort Monroe in Hampton. Fort Monroe is such an awesome location for portraits! I love shooting here because there is a ton of variety of scenery and architecture all within reach.  Plus, I'm a sucker for history and this place is steeped in it. 

We spent a lovely evening celebrating their engagement and creating beautiful images that reflect their connection to each other. I can't wait for their July winery wedding!

Congrats Ashley & Chris!

Be sure to follow MBP on Facebook and Google+ to catch the first glimpse of session peeks and stay up to date on our news!

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 Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today!

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Best Photography Locations Hampton Roads - Parks in Virginia Beach

Best Photography Locations Hampton Roads - Parks in Virginia Beach

When you schedule a photo session for family photos, engagement portraits or senior portraits in Hampton Roads there are many options for where to shoot. One of the first questions I am asked is, where is the best location for photos? The answer may vary depending on your hobbies, personal taste, and the time of year. Fortunately, Hampton Roads offers a wide variety of locations so there are plenty of places to suit just about any purpose.

Since this question comes up so often in client consultations, I thought it would be helpful to put several ideas into a blog series for easy reference. Today I am sharing some awesome locations for a photo session in Hampton Roads in a park setting. This list is not exhaustive, but will offer some helpful examples of what's available. Keep in mind even dog friendly parks require animals to be leashed, and all parks close at sunset.

1. First Landing State Park: located in Virginia Beach, this park offers miles of walking trails, marshy waterfront areas and beach front property. There are two entrances, one off Shore Drive and one at 64th Street. This is a lovely location year-round, though in the summer months it can be very buggy in the wooded areas, and in the spring-fall some parts of the park can be inaccessible due to tidal flooding. I especially love shooting here in the fall. When the leaves change in early November, it's pretty spectacular. It is a popular spot for photography and is also dog friendly. There is a $5 fee to enter & park on site. 

Red Wing Park: located in Virginia Beach off General Booth Boulevard. Red Wing Park offers wooded trails, a lovely Japanese garden and gorgeous rows of Cherry Trees blossoming in the spring. There is also a rose garden and a playground area. This park is dog friendly and there is no fee to enter the park. 

Great Neck Park: This park in Virginia Beach is located off Great Neck Road. It's a smaller park than the other two, but still offers wooded areas, a gazebo overlooking the water, an open field and a playground. It's lovely year-round and is dog friendly. There is no fee to enter this park. 

Regent University: Centrally located near the border of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Regent University is a beautiful private campus with well manicured gardens, green space and wooded areas. It is pretty year-round and offers some lovely variety all within a short walk. Regent does require a prior reservation and permission to use the premises and they charge a substantial fee for large sessions or anything longer than a mini. 

These are just a few examples of some of the great park locations available for photography sessions in Hampton Roads. There are many options so check back soon for part two of this location series. Coming soon...even more park areas around Hampton Roads, beach locations, urban sites and more!

Looking for tips on what to wear for your photo session? Find lots of helpful wardrobe advice here?

Hampton Roads Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today!

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2017 Mom & Me Mini Sessions at the Beach, Virginia Beach Photographer

Mom & Me Mini Sessions at the Beach, Virginia Beach Photographer

Hey friends! Due to an event cancellation I have an opening next weekend on Sunday, May 7th. I've decided to offer mom and me mini sessions that evening! I only have two appointments open at sunset. I am offering these at a discounted rate since it is SO last minute and I know a few moms out there who deserve a special treat!

Contract and invoice payment required to reserve a session. First come, first served. Images will be ready in time for Mother's Day! These will go quickly so act fast. Click here to contact me. :)

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Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today!

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Lifestyle Photographers Hampton Roads - Gift Certificates

Lifestyle Photographers Hampton Roads - Gift Certificates

Mother's Day is May 14th! Are you still searching for the prefect gift for your mom, your wife or your mother-in-law? 

Why not give the gift of beautiful memories this Mother's Day? We offer lifestyle photography sessions that are sure to please any mom or grandma! All of our session packages include a client consultation, wardrobe assistance, location scouting and digital images with a print release. We make it easy for your gift recipient to have a wonderful experience. 

Our gift certificates may be used toward session fees or print products and come in increments of $25 so you can chose the right amount to suit your budget.

Plus, when you purchase a gift certificate by 5/14/17, we'll include a FREE set of prints just for mom!  Your gift will include two 5" x 7" and one 8" x 10" prints of her choice. Contact us for more information today!

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Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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