Intimate Virginia Beach Oceanfront Wedding

Intimate Virginia Beach Oceanfront Wedding 

I have been so busy this fall that I have a backlog of sessions and weddings to blog. Things are just starting to calm down a bit and it is high time I shared this beautiful, intimate, sundrenched beach wedding with you! 

When I met Elaina and Matthew at Cure Coffee to chat about their wedding plans, I knew it was going to be an emotional event. They had been together for many years, and I could tell the bond they shared was deep. In fact, they had been together so long that their friends and co-workers had practically given up on them ever getting married.

They planned a small beach ceremony just for immediate family, and kept everything hush, hush. That way, they could surprise their friends and extended family with a big announcement and party in the spring. Of course, wedding photos were important! They would need proof after all. :)

They were married on a gorgeous, sunny September day at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach.  When I say sunny, it was full sun for the ceremony. Not exactly ideal lighting conditions, but I love how the contrast of the harsh light brings out the blue sky! 

Their personal vows were so sweet, heartfelt, and funny - there was laughter and tears all the way through. 

After they tied the knot - yay, finally! - we headed toward the dunes for some family portraits. 

By the time we were through, the sun was setting and softening.

That glorious golden glow was perfect for some intimate bride and groom portraits!

We took full advantage of all that buttery sunset light! I have to say, September beach days are my favorite. The beach is calmer, less crowded, and the light is just stunning!

It was such an honor to witness and photograph this beautiful wedding! Congratulations Elaina and Matthew! All my best wishes for many happy years as Mr. & Mrs.  - XOXO, Melissa 

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Virginia Wedding and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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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Lifestyle Photo Session - Norfolk Newborn Photographer

Lifestyle Photo Session - Norfolk Newborn Photographer

Today I have a super sweet newborn lifestyle session to share with you! This baby girl and her family stole my heart and gave me a case of baby fever. And that pooch?! The sweetest!

Mallory contacted me a couple of months ago to schedule an at home newborn lifestyle session for late November. Her sweet baby girl, Penelope, would be a month old then, but it would be the first time her daddy was home to spend time with her. He was on deployment during her birth, so Mallory wanted to make sure they had some beautiful family photos to celebrate his homecoming, and their first days as a family of three. I am a huge baby lover, and have a soft spot for military families (I know the struggles first hand), so I couldn't wait for our session!

I spent an hour with them as they snuggled, soothed and loved all over sweet Miss P. My heart just melted over the way her daddy looked at her, and the way her mama soothed her cries. And their pup was so gentle and eager to be a part of it all - I fell in love with her too!

I honestly wish I shot more newborn lifestyle sessions. They always tug at my heart so. What is more precious than those first few days with a newborn?!

I adore this beautiful family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. I am so happy that we were able to create these images so that they can hold onto these cherished fleeting moments for years to come.

Congrats on your new addition, Tassone family! Enjoy that sweet bundle of love!! - XO, Melissa 

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule a session, contact me today! melissablissphotography@gmail.com

Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer serving Hampton Roads, VA. Available for travel.

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Fall Family Photo Session in Williamsburg, VA

Fall Family Photo Session in Williamsburg, VA

I met the Smith family for a fall photo session in Williamsburg over Thanksgiving weekend. They are alumni of the College of William & Mary, and were in town visiting family for the holiday. We decided the William & Mary campus was the perfect spot for some gorgeous fall photos and we met there for our session. 

It was a brisk, breezy day, but so beautiful with all the color in the leaves! I love to keep my sessions moving, so that no one gets bored. We kept their kiddos busy playing games and running through leaves. Not only did it produce some awesome giggles, but it kept them warm in the wind too!

Perfect childhood moments. Can you think of a better way to spend a golden fall day?

I loved getting to know this beautiful family! I am so glad they schedule a lifestyle session for their visit to CW! It is one of my absolute favorite locations for fall sessions. The scenery never disappoints! And I got to sneak in a side trip for some delicious Colonial Williamsburg ginger cakes too - yum!

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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: melissablissphotography@gmail.com

 Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

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Norfolk Family Photographer - Holiday Mini Sessions

Norfolk Family Photographer - Holiday Mini Sessions

So many families! So many sneak peeks! I am working like crazy to keep up, and have a back log of sessions to share. I thought I'd combine a few peeks into one post to share some recent work with you. The fall color has finally peaked and we have had some beautiful sunny days. There are so many great locations in Hampton Roads for woodsy outdoor sessions too. Recently I have been to the Mariner's Museum Park, Oak Grove Lake Park, Great Neck Park, and First Landing State Park - all gorgeous this time of year!

I love meeting so many gorgeous families! I really am fortunate to have such amazing clients. 

Documenting the love and connection between families big and small, whether they are new faces and familiar friends, always warms my heart. I am SO thankful to have the opportunity to photograph so many beautiful souls. Six years ago I started out with a camera and a dream, and this journey has inspired me to grow and change in ways I could never have imagined. I will always be grateful for the many wonderful clients who have supported me along the way. 

There are many more peeks to come. Stay tuned! :)

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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Norfolk Photographer - Noland Trail Engagement Photos

Norfolk Photographer - Noland Trail Engagement Photos

I recently had the pleasure of meeting these two lovely souls for an engagement session. They were in the mood for a rustic fall setting and the Noland Trail in Newport News was absolutely gorgeous will fall color! 

Kimberly and Michael met in California when he was stationed there with the Marine Corps. They hit it off right away and found they had a lot in common, including a love of sports and the beach. He has since moved to Virginia. Unfortunately, Kimberly is still in CA, so they are playing the long distance game with 2,100 miles between them most days.

Michael recently spent some down time visiting Kimberly in CA, and on that trip he proposed! She said yes, so a home together is in their near future!

I had such fun getting to know them during our morning together out on the trail! They make a gorgeous couple, and their connection to one another is undeniably authentic. 

Congrats Kimberly & Michael! I wish you both many happy homecomings and a lifetime of joyful togetherness!  - Melissa 

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, 

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Oak Grove Park Family Mini Session - Chesapeake Photographer

Oak Grove Park Family Mini Session - Chesapeake Photographer

I met the most beautiful little family for a mini session at Oak Grove Park a couple of weeks ago! Grandma had purchased a gift certificate for their mini session - what an awesome gift! We scheduled their portraits in time to take advantage of the beautiful fall color, and to commemorate this cutie's first birthday!

I've always been in love with ginger-haired babies and this little one stole my heart at hello! 

Our mini session was short and sweet, but full of beautiful images and happy memories nonetheless. It was the perfect amount of time for a busy one year old, for sure. I, on the other hand, could have photographed these lovely folks all night. (Bring me all the redheads please!)

Thank you Condon Family, for coming out to play with me!  I look forward to seeing you all again! - Melissa

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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!

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

Photography Gift Certificate Sale - Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake

 Photography Gift Certificate Sale - Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake 

   Why not give the gift of beautiful memories this year? It is a thoughtful and lasting gift for family and friends. Or, you could even reward yourself! Purchase a gift certificate of $150 or more, and receive an additional $100 credit. But hurry! Sale ends at midnight on 11/27/17!

GRAB YOURS NOW!

 Gift Certificates may be used toward session packages, digital files, prints and products. They may be purchased in increments of $25. 

Forget the shopping hassles and long lines. Make your purchase online today! Gift certificates will be sent as a digital file, or can be mailed to your recipient upon request.

Please share if you know someone who might be interested in this deal! 

Wishing you and yours the Happiest of Holidays!! 🎁

 Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Norfolk Photographer, Virginia Beach Photographer, Suffolk Photographer, Chesapeake Photographer, Portsmouth Photographer, Williamsburg, VA Photographer