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 fo 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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Virginia Beach Photographers - Sandbridge Family Lifestyle Session

Virginia Beach Photographers - Sandbridge Family Lifestyle Session

Hey friends! I hope your summer is off to a great start. I’ve been at the beach quite a bit lately, and I was so excited to have one of my favorite families come back to see me in Sandbridge this summer. I first met the Massie family in 2016 when they were a family of 3. Click here to view our first summer beach photo session.

They recently came back to Sandbridge beach on vacation as a foursome! We planned a follow up session to capture some fun-filled beach memories for their growing family.

Their oldest was just as spunky and animated as I remembered, but is now twice the size! And their baby girl was just the sweetest bundle of smiles and raspberries. <3

We spent a lovely evening playing along the shore at Little Island Park in the fading golden sunlight.

One of my favorite perks of this career is being able to watch families grow over the years.

Thank you, Massie Family, for another awesome family beach session! I loved visiting with you all and meeting your newest addition! Come back again soon. - XOXO, Melissa

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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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Lifestyle Photo Sessions - Virginia Beach, VA

Lifestyle Photo Sessions - Virginia Beach, VA

Here were are on the cusp of summer and my schedule is getting jammed packed! While I have not been spending much time blogging, I have been shooting quite a bit. I have maternity sessions, family sessions, engagement sessions, newborn sessions and a few weddings to share.

But, time away from shooting, editing, and sending contracts and correspondence is scarce, unfortunately, so I’ve decided to share a few sneak peeks in one blog post.

First up is Sarah & Erica’s beautiful Mariner’s Museum Park maternity session. Mariner’s Museum Park is such a lovely spot for a woodsy outdoor shoot. I love the earthy tones we captured in this sunset mini session.

I also met this happy little family just before Mother’s Day, and we had a fun-filled session at Red Wing Park in Virginia Beach. Red Wing is a great spot for young children because it is fairly safe from traffic, and there are lots of paths to explore.

Then I met the Wrightman crew for a family mini - not once, but twice in this spring! Our first session at Pleasure House Point was unfortunately spoiled by swarming gnats and raindrops. But, we made up for it another day at Red Wing, and this adorable little guy was much happier about that. :)

I also enjoyed a creative beach session with Jeremy - a talented local musician who is getting ready to release an acoustic album and needed some promo pics for his album cover.

Later, I was back at Pleasure House Point, fortunately on a gnat free day, for a family mini session with this sweet family! That little blondie in the overalls stole my heart!

And finally, it was back to the beach for a maternity session with the Mastins and their handsome pooch! We enjoyed a lovely evening shooting at the north end of Virginia Beach at sunset.

I think that’s enough for this post. I’ll be back soon to share a chic downtown engagement session, an Irish wedding at Half Moone Cruise Center, a rainy day Sandbridge Beach wedding, and some Sandbridge beach family sessions! Stay tuned…

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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Destination Virginia Beach Wedding, Blue Horizon Sandbridge

Destination Virginia Beach Wedding, Blue Horizon Sandbridge

Last week I started sharing Andrea and Elard’s Sanbridge beach wedding with you. Now, I’m back to finish up with the ceremony and reception photos from this lovely Blue Horizon beach house wedding in Virginia Beach.

The ceremony took place on the beach, just before sunset. It was a gorgeous blue-sky day, and a glorious breeze swept across the shore.

I loved the intimate feel of their ceremony, and the fact that they invited their parents to lead the guests in a blessing of the rings.

And have I mentioned that late September - mid-October is a perfect time of year for a beach wedding in SE Virginia? The beach is secluded and the skies are gorgeous!

And then they were Mr. & Mrs.!

After the walk back down the aisle, we gathered family and close friends for a few group portraits on the beach.

Then we took a little time for some intimate bride and groom portraits, while the guests enjoyed cocktail hour by the pool.

Aren’t these two just gorgeous together?! And that sky! It’s to die for! <3

After the bride and groom portraits, we headed to the reception for a few candid shots with the guests.

Then it was on to the cake cutting, before I bid them adieu.

Andrea and Elard, you two are magic together! Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your amazing wedding celebration. Best wishes for many beautiful years together!! - XOXO, Melissa

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Blue Horizon Beach House Destination Wedding, Virginia Beach

Blue Horizon Beach House Destination Wedding, Virginia Beach

Hello friends! I’ve got some lovely beach wedding inspiration for you today! I am excited to share Andrea and Elard’s beautiful destination Sandbridge beach wedding with you. They were married at the stunning waterfront Blue Horizon beach house, and it was an intimate and elegant affair.

The Blue Horizon is one of the largest and newest beach houses in Sandbridge. I have had the pleasure of photographing two weddings there in the past year, and this venue does not disappoint. The sweeping beach views, large rooms, and walls of windows make it a great location for a romantic wedding.

This was a destination wedding, and I had not had an opportunity to meet Andrea and Elard in person before their wedding day. When I arrived, I was greeted warmly by their families, and instantly felt right at home documenting this special day for them.

I gathered a few detail shots of the special mementos and personal touches they had incorporated, and then met the bridal party during their final preparations for the ceremony.

Soon it was time for Andrea to don her stunning bridal gown. I adore the simplicity and clean lines she chose. She looked so gorgeous and elegant!

Next, it was time for a father-daughter first look. It was definitely difficult to keep dry eyes through this emotional greeting!

After a few heartfelt moments with Dad, I grabbed the bride and groom, separately, for a few wedding portraits before we gathered for the ceremony on the beach.

I’ll finish up the second half of this beautiful beach wedding in the next post. Stay tuned for more soon! - XOXO, Melissa

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Lifestyle Family Beach Session, Virginia Beach, VA

Lifestyle Family Beach Session, Virginia Beach, VA

Beach season is back! I know it’s still a little chilly for a swim, but the temps are warming and the beach is beautiful!

Every summer there are families that I really look forward to photographing, and the Brumfields are definitely one of those.

I’ve shot for them for 3 years now, and every session is such a blast! They love to have a documentary feel to their images, which I adore. It allows me to get some of the most creative shots for their family.

They are big time beach lovers, and have the cutest, most active, young kiddos. They sure keep me running from start to finish, but they keep me giggling too!

I love that mom and dad let their kids just be themselves, which means they have tons of fun, and their personalities shine.

I also love that their grandparents are included in each session, and that they are game for full on beach shenanigans too!

I mean, what better summer family memories could a kid have than frolicking freely on the beach with their entire family crew of several generations?!

These memories they will carry with them for a lifetime. They are memories that will help to keep them rooted in that family togetherness and acceptance.

Clearly they felt safe, and loved, and happy!

It truly is an honor to be able to do what I do. And when it’s this much fun, it is an absolute joy too!

Thank you, Brumfield family, for entrusting me with your amazing summer vacation memories! I can’t wait to see you again next time! - XOXO, Melissa

Let's make a date to document those little moments with big heart for your family!

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area, or plan to be, contact me to schedule your spring/summer lifestyle photo session!

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Creative Senior Portraits, Norfolk's NEON Arts District

Creative Senior Portraits, Norfolk's NEON Arts District

Mural OXOXO by Jacob Eveland, Richmond based artist

Fair warning, this will be a long post! I had SO much fun with Peyton at her senior portrait session in Norfolk’s NEON arts district, and there are tons of photos to share. I loved so many of them, I just couldn’t weed many out.

Mural OXOXO by Jacob Eveland, Richmond based artist

Peyton is a creative soul who is headed off to college next year to study art and music. She’s smart, spunky and fun to have around!

Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

We had blast exploring the streets in the NEON district and shooting around the amazing painted murals in the area. There is some awesome talent on display.

Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

Peyton brought her sweet pooch and best bud Orbi to our session to star in a few photos. Orbi is a super hero rescue pup. Peyton has been through the certification training process with Orbi, who is a full-fledged therapy dog. <3

Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

We Can Create What We Can Imagine, Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

We Can Create What We Can Imagine, Artwork by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers

Peyton plays the ukulele and sings, in addition to many other talents, so we incorporated a nod to her musical abilities into our session as well.

These shots below are probably my favorites from the day - the stunning artwork by Nils Westergard is so dramatic and memorable. I just love it!

Artwork Kaiya with Finch by Richmond artist Nils Westergard

Artwork Kaiya with Finch by Richmond artist Nils Westergard

Artwork Kaiya with Finch by Richmond artist Nils Westergard

Peyton has a great sense of style too, and we were able to incorporate a lot of variety in her gallery between the wardrobe changes, and the fun, unique architecture downtown.

Painting by @onietonie, Troy Summerell

Transparent Seas artwork by Jason Levesque of Norfolk

Artwork: The Nature of Unity by Ivan Roque, Miami based artist

Thank you Peyton (and Peyton’s awesome mama!) for an amazing and unique session. I had THE best time getting creative with you!! - XOXO, Melissa

I also want to express my deep gratitude for the incredibly talented artists who have shared their gifts with the city of Norfolk. If you have not been to the NEON district to see these beautiful paintings, I highly recommend that you check them out! There are many more murals, sculptures, and unique pieces to see, but the artists whose work appears in the background of these images are listed here:

Mural OXOXO by Jacob Eveland, Richmond based artist; We Can Create What We Can Imagine by New York painter Esteban del Valle and glass artist Julia Rogers; Kaiya with Finch by Richmond artist Nils Westergard; Painting by @onietonie, Troy Summerell; Transparent Seas artwork by Jason Levesque of Norfolk; The Nature of Unity by Ivan Roque, Miami based artist.

Sadly, just weeks after our session, Orbi was diagnosed with cancer and has since passed. I am so heartbroken that he is gone, but also so grateful that I was able to meet and photograph this sweet soul. Rest in peace Orbi. You are dearly missed and will not be forgotten.

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