Intimate Norfolk Military Elopement - Virginia Wedding Photographer

Intimate Norfolk Military Elopement - Virginia Wedding Photographer

These two beautiful souls were married during a small private ceremony at the chapel on Norfolk Naval Base. While their elopement was to be a private affair, they did want some creative photos to celebrate their union. Devon and Andrew were high school sweethearts, and have been close for years. Andrew will soon be heading to Chicago, so they decided to tie the knot before the move. They will begin a new adventure as Mr. & Mrs. 

When we chatted about their session, they told me they wanted something outdoors and romantic, possibly at the beach. Not familiar with the area (they are both from Texas), they left the location up to me.

We did luck out with an unseasonably warm winter day for our session, but it was windy and I knew the beach would be unbearable. First Landing State Park was the perfect spot for some pretty water views, but also some trees and grasses to break the wind a bit. 

 The sun was out when we began our session, but the skies quickly turned overcast and the wind picked up. These two didn't mind though. As the chill came on, they snuggled into a familiar embrace to keep each other warm. I love how sweet and light-hearted they are together!

I must say, windy days are my favorite for shooting. I love how the wind dances with hair and fabric, adding movement and atmosphere to images. 

And this couple....so gorgeous!! I had a seriously difficult time culling down images for this blog post. The one below is definitely a fave from this session.

What a beautiful reminder of an important chapter in their love story. I hope they hang it big where they can see it often.

After getting some waterside shots, we headed to the woods to change things up a bit. I love the variety of natural beauty that abounds at First Landing. The Spanish Moss is magical and those earthy tones make my soul happy. 

We finished up back by the water for sunset. Even though it was cloudy and overcast, there was a warm golden glow that was lovely. 

I am so grateful that I got to meet and work with this charming couple to create some meaningful photographs for them. 

Congratulations Devon & Andrew! Sending all my best wishes to you for good fortune and many happy days together. - XO Melissa

VA Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer - Destination Wedding Photographer

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Wedding and Elopement Photography services in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville and world wide. 

Virginia Beach Photographer, Family Lifestyle Photos

Virginia Beach Photographer, Family Lifestyle Photos

I can't get enough of this gorgeous little family! They are the coolest, I tell ya. I did a session for the Groy's a few years ago, when their girl was less than a year old. I loved them, and was super excited to see them again recently for a lifestyle session in Virginia Beach.

They are every bit as awesome as I remembered -and then some because they have a little toe-headed cutie rounding out the family now. 

 I would give a kidney to have photos like this of my family when my kiddos were younger.

I can just see this beautiful mama, years from now, telling her grandbabies all about when their mom and dad were little adventurers seeking treasure under every leaf and rock.

It's hard to call this work when I giggled and played the whole way through! I am just smitten by these cuties and their laid-back, cool as cukes mom and dad.

These are my faves! Well, okay, it's super hard to choose, but I love the silly faces. :)

And the sweet, intimate snuggles too. 

Thank you SO much Groy family, for the opportunity to create these beautiful images for you! Let's play again soon! - XOXO Melissa

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Virginia Beach Maternity Photographer - First Landing Park Maternity Portraits

Virginia Beach Maternity Photographer - First Landing Maternity Portraits

I was fortunate to see another one of my favorite families recently for a lifestyle session in Virginia Beach! Golden light, stunning river views, romantic Spanish Moss, the sweetest family ever...this session has it all!

You may remember the Josephs from this family photo session last fall. They were due for some updated pics and had some BIG news - they are expecting a new bundle of wonder this spring! Yay! We scheduled a family maternity session at First Landing State Park, and a newborn session for when that sweet babe arrives!

It was a chilly, but gorgeous evening when we met. The golden light and warm tones of the natural surroundings were a stunning backdrop for our session.  We bottled up some of those bittersweet family moments as they grow from a tight knit little family of 3, to a beautifully blessed family of 4. These are some of my favorite images from our Virginia Beach Maternity session: 

Thank you Joseph family, for sharing your awesomeness with me again! I can't wait to see you in a few short months and meet your newest addition! XOXO - Melissa

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your creative photography experience, contact me today!

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January 10 on 10 - The Pursuit of Portraits

January 10 on 10 - A Personal Project & The Pursuit of Portraits

A New Year and  a new project! As we dig into 2018, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. I am incredibly grateful for the continued growth of my business during 2017, and for the many marvelous clients who put their faith in me. I love what I do, and I am honored to be able to meet and serve so many truly wonderful couples and families. I have gotten to know some seriously awesome peeps that I probably would not have otherwise encountered. That just plain rocks. 

I will admit though, that running a full time business requires a huge investment of time and energy, and I am guilty of letting my own personal agenda tumble down the priority ladder. This year, I'd like to get back to the fun and freedom of creating for no other reason than to feed my soul.

Taking time to experiment with new tools and techniques, or to simply pick up my camera and go wherever a whim takes me, is crucial to my growth as an artist and to my sanity. To that end, and for a bit of accountability, I have joined up with a group of insanely talented artists to participate in a 10 on 10 blog circle.  (Seriously, these women blow my mind on the regular and inspire me to reach higher. I know they will inspire you too.) We will each be posting 10 images on the 10th of every month, and linking within that post to another member of the circle. 

I decided to start my blog series with some portraits for a few reasons: First, I am looooong over due for portraits of my kiddos - they are each at least 2 feet taller then the last time I did this! And while I prefer documentary style images most of the time, my mama heart does love a great portrait of those young faces every once in a while. I also find myself drawn to the portraiture of artists like Annie Leibovitz, Yousef Karsh and Helmut Newton. I've often pondered taking my work more in that direction, so it's worth exploring, right? Even if I fail, or never decide take my business down that path, I am certain to learn a few things along the way! And with this project - anything goes, so I won't hold myself to rules about lighting ratios, posing, or post processing a particular way. Freedom reigns!

So, these images of my children aren't particularly imaginative. I know. Like most kids with photographer's child syndrome, none of them are especially enamored with being photographed. They didn't dress up for the occasion and they gave me just a few minutes each. I try to be respectful of their limits and their privacy. My goal was to produce something that was unaffected and undeniably them. 

Simple portraits yes, but I love them. And truth be told, I think my kids enjoyed the extra attention. ;) Maybe next month I will delve deeper into portraits and see where I end up.  

Here are a few favorite portraits I have made in recent years. I'm curious, what's your favorite type of photography? 

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to check out the amazing images of my talented friends by continuing on with the circle. Up next, Shannon Kathleen Photography shares her artistry with you!

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Melissa Bliss Photography –  Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

Interested in scheduling your own creative photo session? I'd love to chat. Contact me today!

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Virginia Wedding Photographer - Snowy Winter Elopement in Hampton Roads

Virginia Wedding Photographer - Snowy Winter Elopement

On a cold and snowy day, Tia and Eric exchanged vows in a quiet little ceremony in Virginia Beach. Though the atmosphere outside was cold and brisk, the warmth these two radiate was as big as the sun. It was an honor to witness their marriage ceremony, and to be able to record these special memories for them. 

They traveled from North Carolina, to be married close to family. The ceremony took place at a quaint Virginia Beach home.

After the elopement ceremony, we headed to nearby Regent University for some outdoor wedding portraits. The snowy white landscape was a gorgeous backdrop for our session! I just love that clean, crisp snow blanketing the cool evergreens. 

Don't they look amazing?!

We shot outside around the snowy campus, until our noses and toes were numb. Then we popped indoors for a few quick shots, and a little dramatic window light, until we warmed up again.

What a beautiful and memorable day it was! Congratulations Tia and Eric!! May your hearts always be warm with love. - XOXO Melissa

Virginia & Destination Wedding and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Military's Couple's Rustic Engagement Photos - Norfolk Engagement Photographer

Military's Couple's Rustic Engagement Photos - Norfolk Engagement Photographer

I have a lovely rustic, fall engagement session to share today for this sweet Norfolk military couple. For privacy, I won't use their names but do have permission to share some images from their recent engagement session. We opted for the rustic, romantic setting at Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield to capture some charming and colorful photos that perfectly suited this fabulous duo. 

These two were introduced by a co-worker who had a hunch they would be a great match for each other. They met at a friendly gathering, and soon bonded over their love of Mexican food and adventuring. They often enjoy a spontaneous weekend road trip to explore the coast, while sampling some tasty cuisine along the way!

Though they grew up in different parts of the country, they both love spending time outdoors and traveling to new places. As we wandered the grounds, stopping for photos here and there, I found their sweet and playful bond absolutely endearing. I have no doubt that they will have many memorable adventures together throughout the years.

I love that Windsor Castle Park offers such a great variety of scenes to explore. And barn light is the dreamiest! It makes my photographer heart swoon every. single. time. I was a bit disappointed to see that the city had recently done some repairs to the historic barns and buildings on site, including putting vinyl *gasp* siding on the ramshackle old house on the corner of Jericho.  I'm sure those old buildings require quite a bit of maintenance, but the modern "upgrades" just seem to kill some of the rustic charm of the place. It is still a beautiful park, and quite unique, but this nostalgic dreamer cried a little inside, ha ha. 

During our consultation, Miss K confided that her fiancé never smiles for photos. She was really hoping to get at least one smile for their engagement announcement.  Mission accomplished. But really, how could he not smile with that gorgeous girl on his arm??

I loved getting to know these two during our session, and I wish them a lifetime of happy adventures together!

Virginia Wedding and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Family Lifestyle Session at First Landing State Park Virginia Beach Photographer

Family Lifestyle Session at First Landing State Park Virginia Beach Photographer

I have a sweet, sweet Virginia Beach family lifestyle session to feature for you today!

The Lovett Family contacted me to book a family lifestyle session after I photographed a family maternity session for Mom's sister last summer at Chick's Beach. Charlie (Mom) loved the photos I captured for her sister's family, and wanted a similar session for her own sweet little crew - only fall themed. So, we booked a date for early December at First Landing State Park. 

Despite a chilly start with a few sprinkles here and there, we pressed on and captured some fun, and silly, family moments among the wooded trails and unique waterfront vistas at the park. Their darling girl had just turned one, so we took a few extra photos of her at this sweet stage.

The fall color was gorgeous! Mom did an awesome job with the wardrobe for the whole family, which complimented those rich golden autumn tones.

Even though it was a cloudy, gray day, their images turned out with a warm and cozy feel. A whole lot of family love, some silly antics, and a dash Photoshop magic did the trick! ;)

I loved photographing this lovely little family! I am so happy I got to meet them, and can I just say that this entire family is ridiculously gorgeous? I mean, I was seriously smitten with the Dierstein's at their beach maternity session, and then this stunning crew rolls up. Look how adorable those little siblings are!! I bet they are just too cute for words when they get together their cousins. I'd probably just melt into a puddle if I had them all in front of my camera at once. 

Thank you Lovett Family for sharing your sweet family story with me! I hope to see you again soon! XOXO - Melissa

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