Beach Maternity Portraits - Creative Maternity Photos in Virginia Beach
Beach Maternity Portraits - Creative Maternity Photos in Virginia Beach
I’m not gonna lie. This will likely be a long post! But, if you’ve come in search of inspiration for a lifestyle beach maternity photo session, you are in the right place! Today I have some gorgeous images to share from my recent winter maternity session with Christie and Zack.
I kinda fell in love with this sweet couple, and subsequently their entire winter beach session, so I had a super hard time culling down images from our session.
After years of fertility struggles, these two deserve all the joy, love and beauty life can send their way. They will soon be welcoming their first born, and I couldn’t be more excited for them!
Christie & Zack live in Richmond, but had envisioned some beachy images for their maternity session, so that is just what we planned on. I was a wee bit nervous that the weather wouldn’t cooperate for a January session, but we lucked out with a breezy afternoon in the mid-60’s!
Other than an occasional chilly gust from the north, it was the perfect day for a relaxed beach shoot by the water.
These two lovebirds have been together for several years, and are clearly best friends. They told me that they hadn’t had professional photos since their wedding day, and they were a little unsure of what to do in front of the camera.
I was quick to let them know that all they had to do was hang out and enjoy each other, and I would do all the hard work. (Truthfully though, it wasn’t hard at all! I could have photographed these two alllll day.)
The camera loved them. The wind and clouds were perfect. And they were just so adorably sweet and in love with their life together. How could I not take so many lovely shots of these two?
I mean seriously! I looked like a stick figure that swallowed a basketball when I was pregnant. Christie looks like a goddess!
I have four beautiful kiddos, but I have zero maternity photos from any of those pregnancies. Which I totally and absolutely regret. (I was never a big fan of studio work, and photography has come a long way since then, but still, I wish I had something. Anything. To transport me back to those days for a moment or two).
So word to the wise - just do it. It doesn’t have to be scary! Find a photographer whose work you love and make it happen. You will cherish those images always. Especially when your babies are grown and ready to leave the nest.
Anyway, back to this stunning couple! We had such a dreamy session. I love late fall through early spring when the beach is secluded - it can’t be beat!! We managed to get a ton of beautiful shots for them in a just an hour. They thanked me for such a fun and relaxing session, but I thanked them bigger for being so open and awesome! :)
Congratulations Christie & Zack!! I’m SO happy that you have the opportunity to share your love with a sweet babe all your own. I know that you will be amazing parents! Come back to Virginia Beach soon so I can meet that little one! - XOXO, Melissa
If you enjoyed this post, please share it. Thank you for visiting!
PIN IT:
Lifestyle Maternity and Wedding Photographer
Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.
If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your creative photography experience, contact me today!
Unique and Gorgeous Lifestyle Maternity Photography in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Williamsburg and the surrounding Hampton Roads areas
Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center Irish Wedding - Norfolk Photographer
Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center Norfolk
Irish Themed Wedding
Maggie and Sean got married, and it was amazing!! I have lots of images to share with you from their gorgeous Irish themed wedding at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk . These two beautiful humans stole my heart when I shot their engagement session photos in downtown Norfolk, and I knew their wedding would be a fantastic celebration of love and life.
The day started off gloomy and rainy, but that didn’t put a damper on anyone’s spirit. These two belong together, no matter the weather. (And I love a good dramatic sky, so you won’t hear me complaining!)
Maggie and Sean chose an Irish theme to celebrate Sean’s family heritage. I love those deep greens! The greens mixed with classic gray and sparkly champagne tones were the perfect touch of elegance for the lovely Half Moone venue.
Even though it was gray and drizzly out, we popped outside as often as we could to take some group shots. The boys were buttoned up and ready to go in style!
These beauties are besties. Together through thick and thin - and wind and rain! I think they look like super models.
A final prayer and embrace, and it was time to head down the aisle.
Between the gorgeous bride, handsome groom, and lovely light reflecting all over the Grand Rotunda, I was swooning all over the place.
Their ceremony was absolutely stunning, but also heartfelt, intimate, and so full of joy.
Soon the announcement was made, and they were officially Mr. & Mrs. Sweeney!
After the I do’s, we headed back outside for some group photos with the bride and groom.
Once the groups were done, I took Maggie and Sean down the the Armed Forces Memorial on the Norfolk waterfront for some bride and groom portraits. Sean is a Navy helicopter pilot, so the memorial was a meaningful spot for some photos of this military couple.
After only a few minutes, the wind and rain picked up and chased us back inside. Look at that storm cloud!
The couple was announced to a roaring crowd at the reception, and the dancing began.
Omar’s Carriage House, local to Norfolk, put on a delicious spread for all of the guests.
And the Tidewater Drive Band were amazing entertainers!! They kept the party rocking all night long and the crowd loved every minute!
Between the tearful toasts and cake cutting, complete with a sword and delicious donuts from the Sugar Shack, we snuck back out to the waterfront for some more bride and groom portraits. This time with umbrellas, just in case!
Then it was back to the party to dance the night away with family and friends! It was an epic night of love and shennanigans!
Congratulations Maggie & Sean! I wish you a life filled with love and sweet memories. XOXOX- Melissa
Stellar Vendor list for this fabulous event:
Venue: Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center, Lisa Fisher
Brides Hair & Make Up: AOC Salon, Norfolk, Audrey Lane
Bride's Dress: Here & Now Bridal
Groom's Attire: Macy's, Calvin Klein
Event Coordinator: Sarah Hough
Officiant: Pat Sweeney, Uncle
Florals: Norfolk Wholesale Floral
Dessert: Sugar Shack
Custom Rings: Lorak Jewelry, Selden Arcade
Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography
Special thanks to Debbie Lawrence, FocusArtStudio, for shooting with me.
And amazing entertainment by the one an only Tidewater Drive Band!
PIN IT:
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 – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.
Norfolk Wedding Photographer, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer, Half Moone Norfolk Wedding, Portsmouth Wedding Photographer, Sandbridge Wedding Photographers, Williamsburg Wedding Photographers
January Head Shot Special - Norfolk Lifestyle Photographer
January Head Shot Special - Norfolk Lifestyle Photographer
To kick off the New Year, I’m offering a limited time special on head shot sessions!
Have you been putting off a new set of professional portraits? Is it time for an updated and polished profile pic?
Why not head into 2020 with a fresh start? Book by January 31st to take advantage of this special offer and check those updated portraits off your to-do list.
Head shot sessions are 20 minutes and include an online proofing gallery, and a download of your 5 favorite images.
These sessions are short and sweet, but offer a nice variety of looks to suit your professional needs. They are perfect for social media profiles, business cards, and website bios.
I make it easy and fun, so that you can relax and feel confident in presenting your best self to the world.
I know not everyone likes to hop in front of the camera (me included!) - it can be nerve-wracking. But, I promise to make it painless. And when you have some beautiful updated photos, you’ll be so glad you did it!
Here are a few tips for having a great head shot session:
Communicate clearly the look and style you are going for. It will be helpful for your photographer to know how you plan to use the photos, and if there are any guidelines or size requirements for specific uses.
Wear something you feel great in! That confidence will shine through in your photos. It is a good idea to bring 2-3 choices in dark and light neutrals or earth tones. Layers work great to vary up your style by mixing and matching jackets or scarves with different tops.
Spring for professional hair and make up. You’ll feel much more confident for those closeup shots.
Have fun and trust your photographer! I love to chat with my clients and move from location to location - not only does it offer more variety, but they also don’t have time to get bored or nervous.
Contact me for available dates and times, and book your head shot session before January 31st, 2020.
Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.
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, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers
Mariner's Museum Park Couples Session - VA Wedding Photographer
Mariner's Museum Park Couples Session - VA Wedding Photographer
Today I’m sharing a sweet couples session that was shot on the Noland Trail, at Mariner’s Museum Park in Newport News.
The Pritchett’s are a military couple who, like most military couples, spend more time apart than they’d like. They scheduled a mini session to capture some portraits that celebrate their first year of marriage.
Since they enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors, the Noland Trail was a great choice for our anniversary session.
I enjoyed getting to know this beautiful couple as we wandered the trails along the waterfront. The golden light and reflections off the water offered up a dreamy glow for their images.
Thank you Pritchett’s! I wish you many more happy anniversaries together. - XOXO, Melissa
Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.
To find out more about my wedding photography services, contact me today! Serving VA & NC. Also available for travel destinations worldwide.
Thank you so much for visiting! If you enjoyed this post, please share it.
PIN IT:
Norfolk Engagement Photos, Virginia Elopement Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, East Coast Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers
Norfolk Botanial Garden Wedding Portraits - Norfolk Wedding Photographer
Norfolk Botanial Garden Wedding Portraits - Norfolk Wedding Photographer
Norfolk Botanical Garden Wedding Portraits, Bride & Groom
A few weeks ago I shared some images from Hyosik and Rahee’s sunset beach session. Today, I’m sharing part two of their wedding photos, which were taken during a separate session at the always lovely Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Norfolk Botanical Garden, Renaissance Court Wedding Photography
Norfolk Botanical Garden is beautiful year round, but these portraits were taken in early October. It was actually unseasonably warm and in the 90s that day. You wouldn’t know it from their photos, but we were all melting during our shoot!
We started our bride and groom portraits in the Renaissance Court, which is a beautiful formal garden where many wedding ceremonies are held. Our sunset beach shoot was playful and informal, and the couple wanted something a bit more traditional from our photo session at the garden.
After spending time at Renaissance Court, we made our way to the romantic rose garden as the sun began to set.
Rahee & Hyosik were an absolute joy to photograph. They are truly lovely people inside and out. Having had a very private and intimate wedding ceremony, without photos, they wanted an opportunity to capture some wedding portraits they could use for an album, and share with family and friends, many of whom reside in Korea.
Norfolk Botanical Garden, Rose Garden Bride and Groom Wedding Portraits
The Rose Garden at NBG is absolutely stunning, and I love that it is still so full of color in the fall months! It is a perfect location for wedding portraits.
Following our time in the rose garden, Kyosik and Rahee changed into their traditional Korean wedding hanbok for some final portraits near Baker Hall. I really love these beautiful portraits that celebrate their Korean heritage.
Thank you for visiting! If you would like to see more photography from Norfolk Botanical Garden, pop over to this post. If you enjoyed this post, please share it.
PIN IT:
Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.
To find out more about my wedding photography services, contact me today! Serving VA & NC. Also available for travel destinations worldwide.
Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers
Holiday Photography Gift Certificate Sale!
I am so incredibly grateful for all of the wonderful clients who put their trust in me. 2019 has been another amazing year! As it draws to a close, I am especially thankful for all of the wonderful people I have met through my work, and for the opportunity to support my family by doing something I love so much.
This month, I have passed another MBP anniversary - 7 years since I started this little one-woman show! I look forward to new adventures and continued growth in 2020!
As a special thank you, I am offering a sale on Photography Gift Certificates through December 15th, 2019. These may be purchased online and make a lovely gift.
If you purchase a gift certificate in the amount of $200 or more, I will include an additional $50 credit! But hurry, offer ends soon!
My deepest gratitude for all of your support and encouragement through the years! Thank you!!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!! - XOXO, Melissa
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 creative photography experience, contact me today!
Norfolk Maternity Photographer, Virginia Beach Maternity Photographer, Suffolk Photographers, Chesapeake Maternity Photographers, Portsmouth Photographers, Williamsburg Maternity Photographers, maternity session, maternity photography
Hampton Roads Creative Lifestyle Photographer
Hampton Roads Creative Lifestyle Photographer
As usual, this fall has proven to be a crazy busy time for weddings and photo sessions. I have been cruising all over Hampton Roads for sessions and ceremonies!
It has been a whirlwind, but I have enjoyed every moment. Since I do not currently have the bandwidth to put together a blog post for each session, I’m piling in several sneak peeks for you today. Don’t worry I will, eventually, give each session it’s due.
There are so many fun shots to share! I know this doesn’t do each session full justice, but I wanted to share at least a few for now. I truly appreciate each and every client that spends time with me! Every session is unique, and I love getting to know my families and couples so that I can capture what is most meaningful for them.
From maternity sessions to first birthdays, and engagements to first anniversaries and beyond, it is always an honor to collect these memories for my clients.
I can squeeze in a couple more appointments before the New Year, and I am currently booking weddings for 2020 & 2021. If you have an important milestone coming up, or you would just like some updated photos with your favorite peeps, I want to hear from you! Let’s chat about how we can create some beautiful images to fill your heart, and your walls!
Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.
If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it. Thank you!
Let’s get social! Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LInkedIn.
Virginia Beach lifestyle photographer, Norfolk lifestyle family photographer, family photo sessions in Hampton Roads, VA including Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News & Williamsburg.