I don't think there's any better way to end a day (and a visit with Grandparents) than heading to the beach (Virginia Beach in this case!) and flying a kite and hanging out with your loved ones. Even on the uneventful, ordinary, mundane days- that's when the real memories are made. Life is made up of the little moments more so than the big moments.
We tend to remember feelings...and buddy, these are good ones. 

And I'd like to add as well that including grandparents in a relaxed and unposed session like this, allows them to interact with their grandchildren in a meaningful way. When they grow up, the kids are going to be able to see and remember what it was like to truly spend time with them.
​And you know what? I honest to goodness believe that photo sessions and being in front of the camera is a validating experience. It subconsciously tells us that we are seen, we are loved, and we are important. It makes us feel appreciated and valued. 

To schedule your own session (and maybe include grandparents?), click here to send me a message. And if you'd like to read more about why I think it's so important to have grandparents involved in your family portraits, click here. While you're at it, here's another great article about why I think summer is the perfect time to have family pictures done! 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet up with some fellow boss babes and create some magic. We traveled down to Virginia Beach and got to work. 
We fostered an atmosphere of community over competition and I left feeling inspired and empowered. 
Leave it to the documentary photographer in me to take all the behind the scenes shots and tell the story of our evening. What can I say? I do what I do and I'm true to who I am as an artist. 
I told the story of women (most of us strangers) coming together to uplift and create with one another. I followed along as the spirit of inspiration carried us from one location to another. 
When night fell and we parted ways, we left as friends- bound together by the spirit of entrepreneurship and art.  
We only live this life once. Spend your days making the world a better place. 
Enjoy the story, my friends. 

I think Hampton Roads will always remember the 2018 Hurricane Season; I think we will all remember it as "the time we dodged the bullet". Hurricane Florence was headed straight for us as a raging, massive Category 4 hurricane. And if you've ever been to Hampton Roads, you know we have some serious flooding issues. We're knee deep in water at the first sight of a raincloud. I've seen people kayaking the streets of Downtown Norfolk. 
Whenever I think back to Hurricane Florence, I'll always remember my "hurricane bride". We nervously watched the news and anticipated the storm. Each day it got closer and I said, "Okay, I've got to call my bride. We need to make a plan." And when she answered, she was the epitome of cool. Absolutely calm, collected, and totally unworried about the impending natural disaster just off our coast. She assured me that she had already had her freakout and was now at peace, but it took her a whole lunch break to calm me down. I'm not kidding.
She assured me everything would be fine, the venue was far enough north that we might get rain, but no flooding. Hurricane or no hurricane, this wedding was happening. Why? Because this union was 10 years in the making. So, I sat and watched the news religiously for the next 72 hours. And wouldn't you know, the giant monster shifted- we were in the all clear. Just like she said. Crazy how things work out like that, huh? It must be fate.  

It was my favorite kind of wedding. The kind where everyone is your friend. The kind where you feel like you belong. The kind where you feel like you are welcomed into their family. Intimate and warm, filled with love and laughter. Fourteen people gathered there that day to witness the union of this couple and it was absolutely beautiful. I stepped out of the car and was immediately greeted and hugged by everyone. That's the kind of wedding it was. 
The grey skies and remnants of Hurricane Florence were brightened by bold yellow sunflowers, lush greenery, floral accents, and twinkling lights hung around the front porch giving the perfect ambiance. Truly an evening to remember. 

The old English Manor style farmhouse sat on 23 private acres and made the perfect venue for this small and intimate wedding. From the mammoth fireplaces to the ivy covered walls, the farmhouse oozed country charm and understated elegance. The candles and strings of lights gave the perfect romantic touches. Throughout the breezy evening on that big farmhouse front porch, there were stories shared, tears shed, good food, and a whole lot of smiles. There was even a lost dog, a search party, and an emotional, happy reunion! Also, fabulous cupcakes. Let's not forget the important things in life. What's a wedding without cake after all?

Here's a few more images from their special day. Feel free to leave a comment and congratulate the Mr. & Mrs.!
My personal note to the newlyweds is this: I wish you many years of happiness and adventures. Truly, you two are were made for each other. Come hell or high water (sometimes literally), I know that you two will embrace whatever life throws your way because you've got each other. Thank you for including me on your wedding day, my Hurricane Bride! 

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and on Facebook. If you'd like to book  your small wedding, courthouse nuptials , or elopement with me, use the contact tab above and let's chat!