Virginia Photographer - Virginia Beach Boardwalk Family Session

Virginia Photographer

 Virginia Beach Boardwalk Family Session

I love shooting in new locations. It's always exciting to explore the creative possibilities of an new site. And while I do enjoy the beach quite a bit, I also ADORE urban themed sessions. The lines, the architecture, the way the light bounces around off walls and windows, the busy street scene, these are all things that draw me to this type of session. So when the Walters family asked to shoot their session around the boardwalk area in Virginia Beach, a place they frequent often, I was game! 

I love that their gallery is a reflection of their lifestyle and personalities. I had a blast exploring the Virginia Beach oceanfront area with mom & dad and their adorable boys! Here are some of my favorites from our recent urban family session:

Hampton Roads offers a ton of variety in scenery for family, engagement, and senior sessions. We really are lucky to live in an area that includes beach, riverfront, historic, urban, rustic and wooded natural areas, all within driving distance. There are so many possibilities to explore. I can't wait to see what my next session brings! What's your favorite session for a photo session?

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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 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,

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Virginia Beach Photographer - Spring Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions

Virginia Beach Photographer

Spring Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions

Spring is on it’s way and the gorgeous Cherry Trees will soon be blooming! I have time this year for only three mini sessions during the bloom season. These are some of my favorite sessions throughout the entire year! These gorgeous blossoms can’t be beat for the perfect spring portrait back drop. If you wish to snag one of these appointments, don’t delay. These spots will go quickly!

Details about these seasonal portrait mini sessions:

 $200: Session includes 20 minutes of the photographer’s time. Up to 4 family members may be included in your session. Additional subjects will incur an additional fee. 5 retouched high resolution digital images will be available for download from your online proofing gallery. Gallery will be ready two weeks after session date. Print purchases may be placed a la carte through your personal online gallery. A contract and invoice payment are required to reserve an appointment. VA Sales tax will be added to invoices when applicable. Please note:  Peak bloom time varies from year to year. Appointments will be scheduled for late March/early April. I only schedule a small handful of these sessions to allow flexibility for weather and bloom time changes. I cannot, however, guarantee that blooms will be at their peek for your session date. I will make every effort to schedule appointments for peak bloom days.  All appointments will take place in the evening. Please inquire for further details.

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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 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

Virginia Beach Photographer - First Landing State Park Maternity Session

Virginia Beach Photographer

First Landing State Park Maternity Session

“For when the cold winds blow, I will close my eyes calmly, knowing I am anchored to you.”

— Tyler Knott Gregson

Today I am sharing some stunning images from Danielle and Chris's maternity session at First Landing State Park. They are nature lovers who met through work and married in the UK. Being the adventurous souls that they are, 6 months into their marriage they decided to uproot and move to the USA. They have lived in Virginia Beach for a few years now and enjoy exploring the outdoors together. They tell me they love the mild weather and often enjoy hiking, climbing and then savoring the sunset hours over a bottle of wine (when not expecting, that is). Chris is a photography enthusiast, so he enjoys documenting their adventures together with his camera. 

We decided that First Landing State Park would be a beautiful choice for their maternity session. The park offers plenty of trails for exploring, and a variety of gorgeous natural scenes, both wooded and waterfront. It was indeed the perfect backdrop for a session that celebrates not only the love these two share, but also the amazing new adventure they are embarking on together. Here are some highlights from our recent Virginia Beach maternity session: 

Getting pregnant wasn't an easy road for these two, but their love and strength carried them through that journey together. I am beyond thrilled that they are expecting a sweet baby girl, and I know they will be amazing parents. 

“Just a little light,
that’s all I need,
just a little sunlight from you
and I promise I will grow.”

— Tyler Knott Gregson

Congratulations Dani and Chris! I wish you and your sweet girl a beautiful life filled with joy and happy memories. XO - Melissa

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On location Lifestyle Maternity 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 schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today!

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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

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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

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.

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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 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

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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

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