Norfolk Botanial Garden Wedding Portraits - Norfolk Wedding Photographer

Norfolk Botanial Garden Wedding Portraits - Norfolk Wedding Photographer

Norfolk Botanical Garden Wedding Portraits, Bride & Groom

A few weeks ago I shared some images from Hyosik and Rahee’s sunset beach session. Today, I’m sharing part two of their wedding photos, which were taken during a separate session at the always lovely Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Norfolk Botanical Garden, Renaissance Court Wedding Photography

Norfolk Botanical Garden is beautiful year round, but these portraits were taken in early October. It was actually unseasonably warm and in the 90s that day. You wouldn’t know it from their photos, but we were all melting during our shoot!

We started our bride and groom portraits in the Renaissance Court, which is a beautiful formal garden where many wedding ceremonies are held. Our sunset beach shoot was playful and informal, and the couple wanted something a bit more traditional from our photo session at the garden.

After spending time at Renaissance Court, we made our way to the romantic rose garden as the sun began to set.

Rahee & Hyosik were an absolute joy to photograph. They are truly lovely people inside and out. Having had a very private and intimate wedding ceremony, without photos, they wanted an opportunity to capture some wedding portraits they could use for an album, and share with family and friends, many of whom reside in Korea.

Norfolk Botanical Garden, Rose Garden Bride and Groom Wedding Portraits

The Rose Garden at NBG is absolutely stunning, and I love that it is still so full of color in the fall months! It is a perfect location for wedding portraits.

Following our time in the rose garden, Kyosik and Rahee changed into their traditional Korean wedding hanbok for some final portraits near Baker Hall. I really love these beautiful portraits that celebrate their Korean heritage.

Thank you for visiting! If you would like to see more photography from Norfolk Botanical Garden, pop over to this post. If you enjoyed this post, please share it.

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Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.

To find out more about my wedding photography services, contact me today! Serving VA & NC. Also available for travel destinations worldwide.

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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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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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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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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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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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Beautiful Historic Post Office Wedding - VA Wedding Photographer

Beautiful Historic Post Office Wedding - VA Wedding Photographer

Regina and Josh had the most beautiful wedding at The Historic Post Office in Hampton. Today I’m happy to share some sneak peeks of this lovely event with you!

This was a destination wedding. Regina & Josh no longer live in Hampton Roads, but they came home to celebrate their marriage with family and friends. I was so thrilled to be able to work with this sweet couple! They, and their families, are such genuine and kind people. And, The Historic Post office in Hampton is a really beautiful venue for a wedding!

Regina and Josh had their wedding ceremony at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church at Fort Monroe - another uniquely beautiful location!

Every last detail of this wedding was simply stunning! The vendor team did an amazing job pulling off this event.

The entire wedding day was so full of love and joy! It truly was an amazing celebration. Congratulations Regina & Josh! I wish you many happy years together. - XOXO, Melissa

Ceremony: St. Mary's Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe, Fr. Steve Deleon
Reception: The Historic Post Office, Hampton
Coordinator: Christy Hooper, Truly Yours
Florist: Costco, Eve Wheeler
Hair Stylist: Lisa, Hello Beautiful Studio
Makeup Artist: The Makeup School by Sarah Rillion
Caterer: Montero's 
Bakery: Incredible Edibles
Event Rentals: Distinctive Event Rentals
Entertainment: Astro Entertainment
Videographer: Jony Photos
Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography 
Second Shooter: Chava Lind Photography

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.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Wedding - Ali & Alex Part 2

Virginia Beach Museum of Contemporary Art Wedding - Ali & Alex Part 2

When last I blogged, we were in the midst of Alex and Ali’s beautiful Virginia MOCA wedding, at the Museum of Contemporary Art near the Virginia Beach oceanfront. If you missed Part 1 of this series, you can check that out here.

I left off after the bride and groom portraits in that pretty late afternoon light, so we’ll begin here with the ceremony. Alex and Ali were married in the Rodriguez Pavilion at the museum, which features walls of windows and a stunning 16 foot Dale Chihuly Chandelier. I loved how they personalized their ceremony with vows they wrote themselves. There were laughs and tears all the way through. Before long, it was official. They were Mr. & Mrs. Miller!

Post ceremony, we headed back outside for formal portraits of the wedding party, and the families of the bride and groom.

Then, the reception kicked off with a bang, as the wedding party danced their way into the Atrium and the bride and groom had their first dance.

Next, there were parent dances, which always kick me in the feels.

Followed by dinner, and several hilarious toasts.

And lots more dancing, photo booth fun, and all out partying before the cake was cut.

This wedding was SO full of life and love and fun! It was an amazing celebration of two very cool people, and the love they share. Congrats Ali & Alex! I hope you continue to celebrate many happy years together!

- XOXO, Melissa

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach is a beautiful venue for weddings and events. Check it out, plus all of these other great vendors too!

Wedding coordinator: Beth Couillard, Richmond, VA

Officiant: Lisa Chisholm (friend)

DJ/Entertainment: Riza Aleemi (friend)

Wedding florals: Flowers at Hilltop

Wedding cake: Incredible Edibles

Invitations: Minted.com

Catering: Creative Catering of VA

Bride’s Make Up Artist: Vanessa Underwood (friend)

Bride’s Hair: Dana Ange, Gary Allen Salon

Videographers: Live Oak Films

Wedding Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography

Second Shooter: Rita Hsu, Perspective Photography

Melissa Bliss Photography is a Creative Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer serving Hampton Roads, VA & Travel Destinations World Wide

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Sandbridge Beach Cottage Wedding Photos - VA Wedding Photographer

Sandbridge Beach Cottage Wedding Photos - VA Wedding Photographer

I am finally sharing some images from Bree & Keith’s beautiful Sandbridge Beach wedding today! This was a destination beach wedding, and all of their loved ones gathered from near and far to celebrate this lovely couple.

Bree and Keith are hard working New Yorkers. He’s a firefighter and she is a news reporter. A beach wedding was the perfect getaway for them to relax and take advantage of some laid back summertime vibes.

I arrived just before Bree put on her wedding gown, which was absolutely gorgeous, and we captured a few sweet quiet moments of her with her mom. She was such a stunning bride. I LOVE that dress!

Afterwards, I spent a few minutes gathering some detail shots and candids of the guests before I headed down to the pier with the bride and groom for pre-wedding portraits.

It was a blazing hot summer day, and the beach was very crowded with visitors over the Labor Day weekend. I did my best to keep it short and sweet so we could get out of the heat, while also making sure Bree & Keith could enjoy a few intimate moments together.

After our wedding portrait session, it was back to the beach house for the seaside ceremony.

Bree and Keith have a super adorable son, who made a brief cameo at the end of the ceremony.

We took a few causal family portraits, and then took advantage of the sunset light for some more bride and groom photos.

The reception was intimate and casual, and they only asked me to stay for a quick dance, the cake cutting, and then a few sparkler shots.

I truly enjoyed getting to know this couple and their beautiful family. Congrats Bree & Keith! I wish you a lifetime of happy memories together. - XOXO, Melissa

Many thanks to the vendor team for all their hard work:

Venue: Oceanic Serenade, Sandbridge Realty

Event Coordinator: Vanessa Watts

Bride’s Hair: Stephanie Michelle

Bride’s Make Up: Melissa at Dhalia Edwards

Florist: Kate Flore

Catering: Mobile pig-nic

Entertainment: Astro DJs

Cake: Carolina Cupcakery

Wedding Photographer: Melissa Bliss Photography

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Creative Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer, Virginia & Destination Weddings

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