Virginia Beach Photographer, Lifestyle Family Beach Photos

Virginia Beach Photographer, Lifestyle Family Beach Photos

This post is long overdue, but I am finally getting around to blogging one of my favorite family sessions to date! Last year I did a call for submissions for Beauty Revived's 50 Most Beautiful Children Campaign.  The mission of Beauty Revived is to tell the stories of real women and children with real beauty.

Photographers donate one session to a deserving woman or child who shows attributes of kindness, courage and strength. These sessions are featured on the Beauty Revived website and in their quarterly magazine. Beauty Revived was established in 2014 and has held 14 national campaigns, has a network of 1500 photographers and has told the stories of 600 women in print with 9 magazines published.

Mingmei was selected for my campaign session. She is a spunky little beauty who is curious, kind and wise beyond her years. I had such a fantastic time with Mingmei and her family at our beach session. It was a gorgeous evening with a spectacular sunset. It was truly magical!

Mingmei's family is one of the sweetest I have ever met! You can read more about Mingmei in her Beauty Revived article, but I am finally sharing some additional images from our session here. I hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making them!

It was an absolute honor and a complete joy to do this session for MIngmei and her lovely family. I am thrilled that she enjoyed "being famous" in a magazine, and that I was able to create these beautiful memories for her family.  XOXO -Melissa

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 Creative Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer in Virginia + Travel

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Family Lifestyle Photos at The Hermitage Museum, Norfolk Photographer

Family Lifestyle Photos at The Hermitage Museum, Norfolk Photographer

I met this beautiful young family of four for an afternoon of exploring the Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk. The grounds at the Hermitage are so lovely, and it is a great place for kiddos to embark on a little outdoor adventure!  Tucked away on the river, away from busy street traffic, it is a quaint little slice of nature and beauty. 

“You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong. ”

— Sue Fitzmaurice

We wandered through tall grasses, artistic sculptures, charming gardens and riverfront shores. 

Keeping little ones moving and happy is the name of the game. They loved every minute! There was a slight chill in the air, so we stopped along the way for cuddles and tickles too. 

I loved meeting the Millars! I am so glad we had a chance to get acquainted and enjoy this little outdoor adventure together. 

 Lifestyle Family and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Top 2018 Wedding Trends

Top 2018 Wedding Trends

'Tis the season for engagements, and that means wedding planning becomes a top priority for many couples over the next several months. Today I'm talking wedding trends! So, what's the scoop on wedding trends for 2018?

Pantone's color of the year is ultra violet, so that will influence many details like florals, tablescapes, and invitations. Dresses are becoming a bit more modest than last year, and more romantic, with sheer sleeves, minimal veils and simple floral touches. Other trends include hanging florals or greenery, wreaths (not just for Christmas anymore), and transparent or glass touches for everything from venues (think greenhouse) to  invites, and to tabletop displays.

I've put together a fun little graphic that covers more of the style changes likely to dominate weddings this year:

Some other popular trends for 2018, according to their popularity on Pinterest, include rose colored dresses, messy up-dos, long lush lashes and metallic cakes...what are your favorite wedding trends?

You'll find lots more 2018 wedding trends and wedding style inspiration on my Pinterest Board below: 

I'd love to hear about your favorite wedding styles and trends! What makes you swoon? What makes you cringe? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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Wedding Photographer Hampton Roads, VA + Destinations World Wide

Wedding Photographer Hampton Roads, VA + Destinations World Wide

'Tis the season for love!

To celebrate new beginnings, rad love stories, and my awesome clients, I am offering a pretty sweet deal this February! 

If you know someone who is planning to propose, who is recently engaged, or who is planning a wedding, I'd love to hear from you! I love working with couples to create images that document the bond that tethers their souls. Send me all your amazing love stories!

And, when you refer a couple who books a regular wedding package, now through March 15th, 2018, you will receive a free mini session as a special thank you! Plus, the couple who books with me will receive a free mini engagement session. Pretty sweet right? 

So tag a friend, share this post, and tell all your favorite couples!

I can't wait to celebrate all the amazing love stories you have to share. 

Offer valid when a standard wedding package is booked on or before March 15, 2018. Signed contract and initial invoice payment must be received by midnight on 3/15/18 to be eligible for bonus. Mini sessions must be reserved within 30 days of notification, via email, of eligibility. Signed contract & model release required for all mini sessions. Subject to available dates and times. Mini Sessions will be booked for a location within 30 miles of 23703. Offer is non-transferrable. Bonus offer cannot be exchanged or combined with any other offers and has no cash value. One bonus per person. 

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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February 10 on 10 - Portraits in the City- Norfolk, VA

February 10 on 10 - Portraits in the City- Norfolk, VA

If you popped in last month you may remember that I've taken on a new personal creative project and joined a fantastically talented group of photographers in a monthly 10 on 10 blog circle. On the 10th day of each month, we will each post 10 images and link to another member of the blog circle to create a loop of shared creativity. Sounds fun right?

Earlier this month I took my girls to Norfolk's NEON art district for a mini shoot. It was a warmish, sunny afternoon and we enjoyed exploring the local shops and murals. I love the long shadows the sun creates in the cityscape, and the bright pops of color everywhere. 

There are tons of cool paintings and interesting spots to explore, all within just a few blocks. We wandered and shot for about 45 minutes, then grabbed a couple smoothies and a cappuccino at a local eatery. It was a fun little outing and I'm delighted with the unique images I was able to create in a short amount of time. 

I always love shooting in the city. I don't know why I don't do it more often. I can't wait to go back and shoot some more. Now I'm wondering, if you could have a session anywhere, where would you love to go? 

That's it for this month. I hope you will continue on with the circle and see what awesomeness my friend Brandi at Retro Angel Photography has created this month. Thanks for visiting! -Melissa 

To schedule a photo session in Hampton Roads, VA, contact me today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com

Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer

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Norfolk Photographer - Freemason District Maternity Session

Norfolk Photographer - Freemason District Maternity Session

How great is it that we live in an area where mild, sunny day winter sessions are possible?  It was just one such gorgeous day when I photographed Stephanie & Koen's maternity session in Norfolk's lovely Freemason District. 

Stephanie and Koen met in Montreal while in college. Koen is from Belgium and she is Canadian. They dated for about 6 years before marrying. During that time, they lived in Montreal and Antwerp before moving to Norfolk. 

They are both lovers of the great outdoors and also great coffee! They enjoy spending time running, skiing, cycling, ice skating and exploring Norfolk with their first baby, Hunter, a very well behaved Brittany Spaniel. (Isn't he handsome?)

Stephanie and Koen are looking forward to welcoming their first child early this spring and wanted to some maternity photos to share with family and friends back home. We spent an afternoon making photos along the downtown waterside area, to incorporate some of their favorite Norfolk scenes. 

I lived in Norfolk for many years, and there are so many great spots to explore. I really love shooting in the urban downtown area and in the arts district for a fun change of pace. 

Stephanie, Koen and Hunter, it was a pleasure getting to know you all! Thank you for spending the afternoon with me. I look forward to meeting your newest family member. Best wishes! XOXO -Melissa 

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Lifestyle Maternity Portrait and Wedding Photographer

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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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