Norfolk Engagement Photographer - Surprise Proposal at the Hague

Norfolk Engagement Photographer

Surprise Proposal at the Hague

On a cold, windy winter day in Norfolk, by the locks of love over the Hague River, he proposed. 

She said yes. 

Oh course this was all carefully planned ahead of time, and I was ecstatic to be a part of the behind the scenes! Liz was totally surprised and, as you can tell by the smiles and kisses, she was thrilled to say yes!

Jake was so eager and delighted to plan this big surprise! I had a blast working with him to make sure Liz was utterly unaware of the impending excitement we had in store. Liz is a med student at EVMS, and Jake is in the Army. He planned a weekend trip into town to visit, and set up a dinner out, like he normally did for the two of them. Since it was a reasonable walk from her apartment to one of their favorite restaurants, we decided the bridge across the Hague was a perfect spot to pop the question. This bridge is the one adorned with "Locks of Love." These locks are inscribed with the initials of lovers and locked onto the iron bridge by couples as a symbol that their love cannot be broken. Pretty romantic right?

After the shock and giggles subsided a bit, we spent some time taking a few shots around the Hague and Chrysler Museum. They are pretty adorable together don't you think?

It was a joy to meet these two lovely souls and be part of such an exciting day in their love story!

Congratulations Liz and Jake! Happy wedding planning!!

Hampton Roads Engagement and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you liked this post, please share it!

PIN IT:

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

Norfolk Engagement Photographers, Virginia Beach Engagement Photographers, Hampton Roads  Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer 

Hampton Roads Photographer - Chesapeake Newborn Documentary Session

Hampton Roads Photographer

Chesapeake Newborn Documentary Session

Some sweet baby goodness is coming your way today! Gosh I love in-home newborn sessions! Not only does it remind me of those first emotional, sleep-deprived, overwhelmed-by-love days with my own babies, but it brings me back to why I was so enamored with photography in the first place. I am a visual storyteller. I have always been drawn to human stories wrapped up in tiny fleeting moments - a gentle touch, a wistful look, a shared laugh, and even the cozy, personal details of a carefully planned nursery - they are all part of this baby's heritage. They are his roots and they will help him define his place in this world. The memories made in these kinds of tiny moments will carry him through future moments of doubt and sadness. They will also enrich all his joyful reasons to celebrate life. They are the tapestry of his life story. And they are SO worth hanging on to. 

I first met Jaime and Steve as we were planning their maternity session a few months back. I absolutely loved working with them, so naturally I was thrilled when they asked me to document their sweet boy's welcome into the family. The "Blizzard of 2017" swooped in and changed our plans for an early January session. It was no matter though, the day we shot turned out to be just perfect. Here are some highlights from our sweet-as-can-be in home newborn session:

Welcome to the world Alexander! You are loved.

If you enjoyed this post please share it!

PIN IT:

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com 757-646-7408

On location Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk Newborn Photographers, Virginia Beach Newborn Photographers, Chesapeake Newborn Photographers, Portsmouth Photographers, Sandbridge Photographers, Williamsburg Photographers, documentary photography

Williamsburg Family Photographer - Extended Family Photo Session

Williamsburg Family Photographer - Extended Family Photo Session

Less photo session, more fun session. That's my motto! I had a blast with this crew at our fall family session on the campus of Williams and Mary. 

I met the awesome Risseeuw family in Williamsburg for a session when they were in town visiting for the holidays. I love big families and shoot extended family sessions quite often. It makes for a ton of laughs, some stupendous family memories and dozens of photos that will be cherished for many generations.

After all, if you aren't having fun, you just aren't doing it right.

Thank you for visiting! If you enjoyed this post please share it.

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com

On location Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk, VA Photographers, Virginia Beach, VA Photographers, Suffolk, VA Photographers, Chesapeake, VA Photographers, Portsmouth, VA Photographers, Sandbridge Photographers, Williamsburg, VA Photographers

Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer - Vintage Tavern Suffolk Wedding

Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer

 Vintage Tavern Suffolk Wedding 

Have I mentioned how much I love fall weddings?! I'm sure I have a time or two. The color, the golden light and the rich esthetic of the fall season just sets my soul on fire.

And these two? Gah! Just plain stellar human beings they are. Lindsay and Jon are so warm and kind - absolutely amazing clients to work with! Don't know how I am so fortunate, but I am SO grateful to have had the opportunity to document their wedding. Highlights from their breathtaking Vintage Tavern Suffolk wedding follow:

Lindsay was a stunning bride, and the cozy ambiance at the Vintage Tavern was the perfect stage for this autumn event. It is a fantastic venue for small weddings and the staff is superb. As for the food, it was hands down the best meal I have ever had at any wedding - amazing!

The outdoor space at the tavern is absolutely gorgeous too. It sits on waterfront property, with lovely landscaped gardens and stone patios. 

The color in the trees in November was spectacular! See why I love fall weddings so much? 

Congratulations Lindsay and Jon! I loved being part of your amazing day. Best wishes for many happy years together! -M

If you like this post please share it!

PIN IT:
 

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com

Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stores in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Suffolk Wedding  Photographers, Chesapeake Wedding Photographers, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographers, Williamsburg Wedding Photographers

Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer- Shifting Sands Beach Club Wedding

Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer

Shifting Sands Beach Club Wedding

I can't get over how amazing this wedding was! When I met Shean and Marlaina last year I knew I was going to LOVE working with them. They are two down-to-earth, warm-hearted, friendly, open and absolutely in love individuals. We hit it off right away at our initial meeting. As we planned out their engagement session and talked wedding details, I got more and more excited to shoot for them. So it was no surprise when their wedding turned out totally gorgeous and full of heart-warming moments. But holy cow! I was seriously blown away by how perfectly it all came together and by how amazingly honest and loving their relationship and their families are. There were SO many jaw-dropping, teary-eyed moments at this wedding. I think my heart melted 1000 times. 

I know I can't even begin to put into words how truly special it was.  I hope these images show you a glimpse of the love they share, and the incredible bond that now unites these two families.

The following fantastic group of talented Hampton Roads wedding vendors came together to make this beautiful beach wedding such a huge success:

Getting ready venue: Cottages at Dam Neck, Wedding & Reception venue: Shifting Sands, Florals: Palette of Petals, Cake: Bliss Bakery, DJ: Colonial DJs, Hair: Lauren Barefoot, Make Up Artist: Rachel Croushore, Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography, Second Photographer/Assistant: Chava Lind

This is just a small glimpse into this amazing event.  Stay tuned for more photos of this gorgeous Virginia Beach wedding!

If you enjoyed this post please share it!

Wedding Inspiration PIN IT:

On location Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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

Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Photographer, Smithfield Photographers

Women's Club of Portsmouth Wedding - VA Wedding Photographer

Women's Club of Portsmouth Wedding

 VA Wedding Photographer

Who doesn't love a big southern wedding? Packed with pretty details, fresh florals, delicious BBQ, gobs of friends & family, and a big 'ole party, Lori and Zach's Women's Club of Portsmouth wedding was an affair to remember! I met with Lori and Zach a few times before the big day to help them iron out a schedule of events. As they hammered out the details for their dream wedding, they decided to go big on everything! From the guest list to the wedding party, and the cakes to the venue, all-inclusive was their motto for their wedding day. 

A teacher by trade, Lori was meticulous about planning all of the little details. I'll admit I was pretty amazed when she showed up with a poster-sized print of the floor plan and seating arrangements! She did have some top notch help from Kelsey Ann Events, her fabulous wedding planner, who made sure every detail was carefully tended throughout the entire day. The Women's Club of Portsmouth, with it's old southern charm, was the perfect venue for this navy, pink and gold summer wedding!

As I mentioned, Lori and Zach went big on the whole event, so grab a cuppa joe and relax because the highlight reel from this wedding is big too!

As with all of the weddings I shoot, I spent 95% of the day shooting from a documentary perspective. I prefer to photograph the details and events of the day as they unfold naturally, so that the story of your wedding remains rightfully about you. Lori and Zach chose to have two photographers for their event and we spent 9 hours photographing wedding day.

I love this wedding venue! The gleaming floors, high ceilings and natural light are stunning.

Unfortunately, even best laid plans are sometimes thrown awry by Mother Nature. This day was sweltering hot and it poured down rain most of the time. Some quick juggling was done to move cocktail hour to a new location and whip the ceremony space into a reception hall, all while getting dinner served up. While all of that was being taken care of, our only option for formal portraits was a small entry lounge. It was a bit of a tight squeeze with such a big wedding party, but we made it work. 

Fortunately, the rain let up just long enough to run out for some quick bride and groom portraits. It was soooooo hot and humid out that my lenses would fog up almost as soon as I wiped them off. But these two were great sports and went with the flow. When it started to sprinkle we headed back indoors so Lori and Zach could join their guests. 

All in all it was a beautiful and memorable event, packed full of heart-felt moments, joyful celebration and big love.

Congratulations Lori and Zach! Best wishes for many happy years ahead!!

On location 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 find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today!

Portsmouth Wedding, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Hampton Roads Photographer, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer

Virginia Beach Photographer - Oceanfront Surprise Proposal

Virginia Beach Photographer - Oceanfront Surprise Proposal

I love shooting proposals! It is always so exciting and slightly nerve-wracking but absolutely a joy and honor. Ryan's mom actually contacted me before the holidays to schedule a session for him. He was afraid his girl would find out about the secret details, so his mom and I did all of the behind the scenes planning. We set it up as a couples session with the aim of getting some portraits for a Christmas card. 

Ryan and Alex are beach lovers so we met at the shore in Virginia Beach. We were fortunate to have a mild day in December! I could tell right off the bat that these two are meant to be together. We started shooting at one of their favorite spots and within about 10 minutes Ryan was  down on one knee popping the question! Alex was clearly surprised and overjoyed by his proposal! Her reaction was priceless. 

We started shooting at one of their favorite spots and within about 10 minutes Ryan was  down on one knee popping the question! Alex was clearly surprised and overjoyed by his proposal! Her reaction was priceless. 

After a few minutes of hugs, kisses, and happy giggles, she turned to me and asked if I was in on the plan. I admitted my part in the scheme, which went off without a hitch. I don't think it could have gone any better! 

Witnessing this special occasion and being able to document it for these two lovely people absolutely warmed my heart. Ryan and Alex were so warm and kind and amazing to work with. I wish them both many, many joyful years together!

Congratulations Ryan and Alex! Happy wedding planning!!

If you enjoyed this post please share it!

PIN IT:

On location 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 find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today!

Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Hampton Roads  Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer