Family Lifestyle Photos, Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach

Family Lifestyle Photos, Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach

Even though it still feels like summer most days, fall is beginning to make its debut here in Hampton Roads. A few leaves are turning and the evening temps are starting to dip toward the cooler end of the thermometer. And if that’s not a sign, the gazillion photographers out shooting on weekends should tip you off that fall is here, ha ha!

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting this gorgeous little family for a sunset fall mini session. We met at the always lovely Pleasure House Point Natural Area in Virginia Beach. It was a beautiful evening and I had the best time with this sweet crew!

Don’t they look amazing?! Mom sure knocked the wardrobe out of the park!

Our session was short and sweet and tons of fun! Perfect for a family with littles to tend to.

Thank you Glover family for coming out to visit with me! I can’t wait to share your full gallery!

- XOXO, Melissa

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your lifestyle photography session, contact me today! melissablissphotography@gmail.com

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Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Norfolk Waterfront Engagement Session - VA Wedding Photographer

Norfolk Waterfront Engagement Session - VA Wedding Photographer

Today I am sharing a lovely little downtown Norfolk engagement session! Have I mentioned that I love shooting in the city? All the unique architecture, pops of color, and textures make for some awesome creative inspiration!

Peter is currently stationed in Norfolk, and Kathryn planned a trip to visit him and have their engagement portraits taken. They are engaged to be married in December and until then, they are making do with a long-distance relationship.

We planned a fun sunset session in the Freemason District for Friday after she arrived. Unfortunately, Kathryn got sick on her way into town, and she was only planning to be here for the weekend. We decided to reschedule for Sunday morning, in hopes that she would be feeling well enough for the session after a day of rest.

Fortunately, our Plan B worked out really well - she felt much better by Sunday, and we had a gorgeous sunny morning for our photoshoot.

I had a great time getting to know Kathryn and Peter during our session, and I am thrilled that we managed to get some beautiful shots for them while they had some time together.

Congratulations and best wishes you two! I know your winter wedding will be a stunning event! I wish you both many happy and healthy years together. -XOXO, Melissa

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Virginia Wedding Photographer, Tina & Chris's Beach Wedding

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Tina & Chris' Beach Wedding

Today I am sharing some sneak peeks from Tina and Chris’ gorgeous, but wild and windy, oceanfront wedding! I was fortunate to get to know Tina and Chris last spring when we shot their engagement portraits. They are such a kind and lovely couple. I was super excited for their early fall wedding celebration. September is usually a beautiful month on the beach, and we had planned to spend time taking full advantage of it. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.

The Tuesday before their wedding, Tina and Chris received the crushing news that both their rehearsal dinner AND their reception were cancelled due to the venues being located in the mandatory evacuation Zone A prior to the arrival of Hurricane Florence. They were devastated, as you can imagine. Just days before the wedding they had spent months planning, and their whole event was turned upside down. They had family and friends coming in from out of town, the weather was still a huge question mark at that point, and they had no where to hold their rehearsal dinner or reception. But, these two handled it with amazing grace, after a few tears of course. They decided to go ahead with their plans and find a way to work it out.

Fortunately, the church was not in an evacuation zone, and Chris, a talented local chef, had some connections in the hospitality industry. Amazingly, they were able to pull together a new plan to accommodate their celebration and guests! And it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day! The weather was a little wild and windy, but that mattered little as they were able to tie the knot and celebrate with the people that mattered most to them.

The Hyatt House Hotel at the Virginia Beach oceanfront did an amazing job of pulling together this event in only a few days! The entire vendor team, friends and family, all pulled together to make this wonderful day a success. I know Tina and Chris put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to revamp the entire event just days before it happened. I was amazed at all they accomplished! No one would have known it wasn’t planned that way all along.

Fortunately, the weather wasn’t nearly as bad as predicted. It was very windy, and we had some sprinkles throughout the day, but this couple and their awesome wedding party braved the beach nonetheless. We had a blast and ended up with some of my favorite images from the day!

I am so thrilled that, despite the challenges they faced, Tina and Chris were able to have the stunning wedding they deserved. It was an honor to be part of their amazing day. Stay tuned for updates with more photos of this charming wedding!

Congratulations Tina and Chris! May your love and faith carry you through all of life’s trials with grace and resilience. I wish you many happy years together! - XOXO, Melissa

Special thanks to the fantastic vendor team who made this wedding a success!

Church: Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Virginia Beach
Reception/Catering: Hyatt House Hotel, Virginia Beach
Hair & MUA: Jenna Kathleen Miller 
Bride's Gown: Allure Bridals, Studio I Do
Groom's Attire: Jos A. Bank
Florist: Gather Floral, Mariah Breitenberg
Cake: Sugar Plum Bakery
DJ/Entertainment: Mario Espinosa
Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography 
Second Shooter: Rita Hsu, Perspective Photography

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Motherhood Photo Session, Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Motherhood Photo Session, Virginia Beach Oceanfront

I’ve been shooting for this sweet family for a few years now and I love getting to see them so often! Last spring I held a few Motherhood Mini Sessions, and this lovely Mama, also a Melissa, jumped at the chance to finally have some mom + me beach photos with her kiddos!

Unfortunately, we had to reschedule several times due to the weather, sick kiddos, the weather and more weather. It was seriously crazy how many times - 7 or 9 I think! It became comical how bad our luck was.

But, we finally made it happen last month - hallelujah! We ended up with a perfect evening and it was a blast!

Perseverance paid off. I had so many favorites, and felt so badly that Melissa had to wait all summer to get this session done, that I gave her a big fat gallery bursting with happy, carefree childhood moments. Little Miss Footloose and Fancy Free was having the time of her life! Isn’t she a doll?!

I love how even shy kiddos can’t help but let loose a little on the beach. It can take them a little time to get comfortable, but the relaxed atmosphere, the wind and waves, and the wide open space always tug at their curiosity until they can’t resist exploring a bit.

Thank you, Gegick family, for trusting me once again to capture your story in pictures! I couldn’t be happier that you now have images of these delightful memories to share throughout the years. - XOXO, Melissa

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Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your creative portrait session, contact us today!

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First Anniversary Session - North End Virginia Beach

First Anniversary Session - North End Virginia Beach

I'm sharing a lovely little first anniversary session today. These two came to Virginia Beach to celebrate their first wedding anniversary in August. They booked a mini session to take advantage of some sunset beach portraits while they were in town. 

We enjoyed a really gorgeous evening on the beach, and I had a great time shooting with them! 

Congrats and best wishes Mr. & Mrs. D! I hope you have many more happy years together. Come back and visit soon! - XOXO, Melissa 

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Lifestyle Family Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

Lifestyle Family Session - Virginia Beach Photographer

This beautiful family of 5 came from West Virginia to visit our lovely coast. They were overdue for family photos, so we planned a fun sunset lifestyle session at Little Island Park in Sandbridge. Their two youngest are 2 year old twins! And, adorable little blondies at that.

Big sister was a huge help in keeping her toddler siblings occupied and happy. It was a bit past bed time, but we splashed and played the evening away to keep the crankies at bay.

I'm so happy I got to spend an evening with this sweet family while they were here on vacation. They are seriously some of the nicest people you'll ever meet! I hope they treasure these memories for years to come! - XOXO, Melissa 

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your creative portrait session, contact us today!

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Creative Fall Lifestyle Photos - Hampton Roads Photographer

Creative Fall Lifestyle Photos - Hampton Roads Photographer

Hey friends! It's that time of year again. Summer is winding down and back to school sales are exploding everywhere. As much as I hate to say goodbye to summer, it is time to gear up for fall sessions!

There are tons of beautiful locations in Hampton Roads that make the perfect backdrop for a fall family session, or holiday photos. We're fortunate to enjoy mild weather and stunning color throughout most of the season. 

If you are wanting holiday card photos of update family lifestyle pictures, now is the time to plan your session.

My appointment calendar is nearly full for the remainder of the year, with family sessions, engagement portraits, and fall weddings. If you need holiday portraits, be sure to snag one of the few session appointments I have left before they're gone!  I can wait to create some fun memories with you! - XOXO, Melissa 

Creative Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer, Virginia + Travel Destinations 

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your creative portrait session, contact us today!

Norfolk Family Photographers, Virginia Beach Family Photographers, Suffolk Family Photographers, Chesapeake Family Photographers, Portsmouth Photographers, Williamsburg Photographers, fall pictures