Veritas Vineyard & Winery Wedding - Virginia Wedding Photographer
Veritas Vineyard & Winery Wedding, Virginia Wedding Photographer
I am a little behind on blogging, as the fall madness continues with a full schedule of weddings and sessions, but I couldn't wait to share all this gorgeousness with you! I travelled to the Charlottesville area earlier this month to photograph a stunning wedding at Veritas Vineyard & Winery.
If you have never been to Veritas, I highly recommend the trip! The vineyard is nestled in the mountains just outside of Charlottesville in Afton, VA. The service at the winery is impeccable, the food and wine are delicious and the views are absolutely spectacular! Seriously, it is pretty dang amazing. And what a perfect location for a wedding! I am so grateful to my talented friend Beth, of 3catsphoto, for inviting me to join her at Jackie & Josh's mountain winery wedding. We had a fabulous time shooting together and I was swooning all day long. (Charlottesville peeps -, Beth is amazing! Be sure to give her a shout if you are looking for engagement, wedding, family or senior photos).
Jackie and Josh were so sweet and laid back - they were just adorable together. And good gracious they planned a spectacular event! The sage green, gray and cream color palette was delightfully elegant. The reception details were graceful and charming , and the florals by Blue Ridge Floral Design were simply breathtaking! I really can't do it all justice with words, so I'll just let you feast your eyes on these sneak peeks. Grab a cup of something delicious - you may want to linger a while.
It was such a fantastic day! I am already missing the mountains. I am SO thankful for the opportunity to work with Jackie & Josh and all of the amazing vendors at this beautiful wedding. I am also very grateful to Beth for so graciously inviting me to shoot with her at this event. I can't wait to shoot my next mountain wedding!
I wish Jackie & Josh many more happy days filled with love and laughter.
WEDDING VENDORS: Venue, Catering & Cake: Veritas Vineyard & Winery; Coordinator: Jami Becker; Florals: Blue Ridge Floral Design; DJ: John Garland; Gown: Maggie Sottero, Groomsmen Attire: Men's Warehouse
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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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Woman's Club of Portsmouth Wedding Photography
Woman's Club of Portsmouth Wedding Photography
This month my calendar is packed with weddings, and I've got a beauty to kick it off! Mallory & David were married on Saturday in a lovely church ceremony, followed by a fantastic reception at the Woman's Club of Portsmouth.
It's hard to believe that it has been more than two years since Mallory and David booked their wedding photography package with me. These two young ODU grads impressed me from the start with their fun-loving spirit. They are hard-working, goal oriented professionals who always stay focused on their faith, their families and their commitment to one another. They also love to celebrate and enjoy life together. I knew their wedding would be full of sweet, joyful moments. Today I'm sharing some peeks from their gorgeous day!
Everyone gathered at the Woman's Club for hair, make up, and wardrobe changes. The Woman's Club has a great space for wedding party prep, and lovely outdoor space for portraits too.
Mallory and David opted to do a First Look before their ceremony. They were so happy that they planned this special time into their day (I was too). We were able to capture some sweet moments for them, and they were relieved to have the tension and emotional first look out of the way, so they could focus on having fun with their guests.
It also allowed time for outdoor group portraits, which would have been problematic with the rain later in the day.
After the first look, it was off to the church for the ceremony!
They did it! Officially Mr. & Mrs. Eason, they head of to the festivities to celebrate!
First dances and parent dances always give me all the feels. <3
At sunset, we snuck away for a few bride and groom portraits down by the river, and then the party continued into the night.
The best man and maid of honor gave heartfelt toasts for their besties.
Finally, guests lined up for the big exit, waving ribbon wands and sending the newlyweds off with love and well wishes.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Eason! I know you will have many happy years together as husband and wife. I can't wait to follow along on your journey, as I am certain you will accomplish great things together! Best wishes!! - Melissa
The talented vendor team for this wedding event includes:
Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography & Chava Lind
Ceremony: Pastor Smitty, Joliff United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: Woman's Club of Portsmouth
MUA: Elizabeth @Dhalia Edwards
Hair: Hair by Kristin (Kristin Byers)
Florist: Norfolk Wholesale Floral
Catering: The Catering Place
DJ: Chris @
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Wedding, Elopement & Engagement Photographer, Virginia & Travel Destinations
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!
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VA Wedding Photographer - Lazy Days Winery Lynchburg Wedding
VA Wedding Photographer, Lazy Days Winery Lynchburg Wedding
Today I am rolling out some peeks from the amazing weekend I had. You see, my gorgeous niece, Ashley, did a thing. A BIG thing. She married this awesome guy, Chris, at a beautiful mountain winery near Lynchburg. (By the way, you can catch their engagement photos here.) It was fantastically fun! Annnnnd, I had the honor of photographing the wedding for them!
It was SO lovely - the weather was perfect, the food was marvelous, the sunset was stunning, puppies were involved...I'm tellin' ya, it was an outstanding affair. I couldn't wait to share some images from the festivities, so without further ado...here are some highlights from Ashley and Chris's Lazy Days Winery wedding. (You might want to grab a cuppa. I went a little crazy on the sneak peeks).
I loved the rustic setting at the winery, and they had a huge wedding party, which totally adds to the fun, festive atmosphere. It was one big ol' party!
Aren't they gorgeous?! Gah, so happy for these two!
Can you believe this crazy girl DIY'd all of the details - and almost the whole weekend! She did have help from some amazing family and friends, who pitched in to make it a perfect event.
Cake smash! He went all in.
We snuck away from the reception after dinner to capture this gorgeous sunset.
It was such a wonderful weekend! It was an honor to be trusted with capturing their wedding memories, and one that I enjoyed immensely.
Mr. & Mrs. Carasella, I wish you guys big love and much happiness always. XO
The amazing vendors for this event were:
Venue: Lazy Days Winery, Amherst, VA, Day of Coordinator: Candace Kingrea, Caterer: Blue Ridge BBQ, Lynchburg, VA, Cake: Sam's Club, Cookies: Serena Beale, Florals: Sam's Club, arranged by Ashley Carasella, Hair: Ashley Carasella, MUA: Jessica Rose Makeup, Lynchburg, VA, Music: Braxton Mann & Jonathan Shirey, Invitations: Zazzle, Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography.
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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.
Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Lynchburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers
Wedding Photography by Melissa Bliss Photography, Hampton Roads, VA
Wedding Photography by Melissa Bliss Photography, Hampton Roads, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire you?
You should hire me if you love my work, value documentary style images, and feel that we click well together (we don't have to be bff's but you should feel that I understand your needs, respect you, and value what's important to you). You should be confident in my expertise and ability to deliver the types of images you want of your wedding day. Chatting over coffee or on the phone is the best way to get a feel for how we'd fit together. Schedule a time to chat and let's see how it goes!
Why should I chose you over another photographer?
There is no shortage of photographers around, that’s for sure. What I bring to the table is several years of experience, a no-nonsense, low-key approach, a keen intuition and a heart for nostalgia. I am cool under pressure (not easily rattled by changing weather or timelines), I work efficiently and without a lot of fuss (quick and stealthy with my gear so it’s not a big production intruding on your day) and I am always professional (polite, punctual, friendly & accommodating).
I am fascinated by individual stories of life and love. Storytelling through photography feeds my soul and helps me make sense of the world and our human connection. I’d rather shoot a handful of weddings each season and give each love story my undivided attention, than crank out wedding after wedding. I am driven by emotion and feel a deep connection to the stories I tell. I don’t expect you to invite me to dinner or send me a birthday card. I’m sure you have plenty of awesome friends! But if I photograph your wedding, I will be all in. Heart and soul. It’s just the way I’m wired.
What kind of experience do you have shooting weddings?
I have been a professional wedding photographer for 7 years. I shoot 12-14 weddings per year, on average, and have photographed weddings of all sizes in many varied locations and venues. I do not shoot weddings every weekend and will not schedule another event back to back with yours. If you book a small elopement, I may schedule other sessions that weekend, but not in the same timeframe as your event.
What is included in your wedding packages?
Every package includes a specified number of hours, light retouching, an online gallery to share with family & friends, a download of your high resolution images with a print release, and the option to order prints a la carte. Custom packages are available with options such as an engagement session, wedding albums, canvases, etc. Let’s chat about what you’d like to include. I will help you create a timeline to maximize our time together. You are my number one priority. I do not have a hidden agenda to win umptyjillion magazine & blog features, so I won’t spend your time shooting just to promote my business. I will shoot what is important to you and your story.
Do your packages include a second shooter or assistant?
I do offer those options. I am also completely comfortable shooting a wedding alone and have done so many times. Unless you are planning a large scale event, or will have several locations to visit on your wedding day, you may not need a second photographer. I would be glad to go over your timeline to decide what makes sense for your event and budget.
Have you shot at my venue?
I have shot at many Hampton Roads venues and several others up and down the East Coast (and would LOVE to travel farther if that's in your plans!) If I have not shot at your venue, I probably have experience at a similar location. Shooting almost daily for the past 10 years has given me experience with all types of lighting, locations, personalities, and weather. I actually love shooting in new locations as it fuels my creativity! Let’s talk about your venue and I will share examples of my work.
Can I have all of the images you shoot at my wedding?
Nope. Why? Because group shots almost always include blinks and “off” expressions, receptions are usually crowded and dark resulting missed shots and unexpected movement, and beautiful portraits require a bit of finesse. I often take several shots to get the money shot. You don’t need the 9 “Not Quites” that lead up to the “Yessss! That’s the one!” And honestly, if I gave you 1500 photos you wouldn’t look at 90% of them ever again. No sense wasting hard drive space or having to dig through hundreds of photos to find the few shots you want to print or post online. I get that the photos and the people in them mean a great deal to you. I will give you everything you’d want to look at or share with others. I promise.
So, how many photos will I get?
I do not limit the number of images in your gallery. I weed out the missed shots and edit all the best images for you. This varies based on how much time you book and how your sequence of events unfolds. Generally, you can expect 30-50 images per hour of photography. That’s about a shot every two minutes - plenty to tell the full story of your incredible day.
Can I see a full wedding gallery?
Sure! Tell me about your wedding plans and I will provide a gallery from a wedding that was similar.
What is your booking process?
The best way to start is to fill out this contact form or give me a call with a few details about your plans. If I am available on your date, we’ll discuss what package best suits your event. I’d love to meet over your favorite beverage, but if you have a tight schedule or are out of town, a phone call or online convo work fine. I want to make sure all of your concerns and questions are addressed up front, so don’t be shy! Ask away.
Once you are ready to book, I’ll need your contact details, venue address, package selection, etc. to prepare a contract and invoice for you. A signed contract and reservation payment secure your date and package. Package payments are split into thirds, with the final payment due 30 days prior to your event. If you prefer a different payment plan, we can work that out too.
I will also send a questionnaire and timeline for you to fill out, which we’ll go over a few weeks before your wedding to make sure we are well prepared for an amazing day. If your package includes an engagement session, we’ll plan a location and date for that as well, to reserve it on my calendar as early as possible.
Then, I will be available to answer any questions that come up, to help with timeline planning, to consult with your other vendors, and to support you along the way in the months leading up to your event.
If you have other questions not addressed here, please get in touch!
melissablissphotography@gmail.com 757-646-7408
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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.
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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 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
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
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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
Norfolk Wedding Photographers - Charming Southern Summer Wedding
Norfolk Wedding Photographers Charming Southern Summer Wedding
I have some sneak peeks to share today from last weekend's outdoor wedding in Wakefield. It was one of the hottest days of the year, but this awesome wedding party didn't let that stop the fun! They were such troopers during the formals, when I know everyone was ready for some cold beverages.
Don't they look amazing in their mint and pink palette? You'd never know that we were all soaked through from the heat! So many family members and friends came together to make this day special for Angel and Josh. Every detail of this southern DIY wedding was well tended, and SO beautiful! Also, the food was mouth-watering! Hands down THE best brisket I have ever had. And of course no southern wedding would be complete without some smokey pork BBQ, yum!
Here are a few highlights from Angel and Josh's summer wedding in the woods:
Congratulations and best wishes Mr. & Mrs. Whisenant!
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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
On location Lifestyle Portrait and 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