Are you one of those folks that get emotional at weddings?
I am raising my hand. It's me. I do. I get emotional at them! 
When Kajohnna and Trevelle asked me to come to their super intimate backyard wedding and document their vows, I immediately crossed my fingers and prayed as I looked at my calendar that I could be their photographer and that I wasn't already booked!
(as you can see, I wasn't and I was able to be their photographer!)
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The bride and groom envisioned a small, intimate gathering in their backyard. They wanted it simple and elegant, all while reflecting their values- their love of their family, their love of each other, celebrating the life they have built together, and being in touch with nature. It was truly every bit of that. 

I think there is something so incredibly special about a couple choosing a small wedding. It's just about their love and nothing else. 
Speaking of which... their vows? The sweetest I've ever heard. 

To read more about Kajohnna and Trevelle, you can read their blog here.
If you would like to talk more about documenting your family and making a beautiful record of your moments, please visit the Contact tab above or just click here. 

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! 

WHAT? No hours of pictures at our wedding? What about the family shots, new in-law shots, group pictures, bridal party, bridal portraits, groomsmen group shots, fourth cousin-once-removed...?
What you should be asking yourself is this: What happens when your day is about celebrating your love,  not executed perfectly down to the minute with tasks to complete before "I do"?

Is that crazy? Am I crazy? No. I'm not! And if this sounds like a sigh of relief to you, you're not crazy either! If you don't like posing, if you're camera shy, or whether you value seeing and feeling an emotional connection in photography- listen up. Because I'm about to be real with you for a minute.

And here it is:

I doesn't have to be that way.

Ya'll. I'm serious. You can have amazingly gorgeous wedding photos without the posing. When you say no to the perfectly posed shots, this is what you are saying yes to.
You are saying yes to real life moments.
You are saying yes to having images that truly represent your day.
You are saying yes to having an image that perfectly captures your grandmother's character.
You are saying yes to preserving the look on your husbands face when he looks at you throughout the course of your day.
You are saying yes to laughter.
You are saying yes to tears, joy, and un-compromised emotion.
You are saying yes to having images that authentically capture your day.
You are saying yes to enjoying your day and celebrating this once in a lifetime moment with your family and friends.

And when you book me, you are saying yes to me telling your love story through my lens.

See? It's not crazy at all. I want to enjoy your day with you. I want to laugh with you, cry with you, cheers with you, and get swept up in your day. And, I'm not going to lie- I'll also say yes when you offer me a piece of wedding cake.

If you'd like to talk more about having your wedding authentically documented, I'd love to hear from you. Let's chat. Message me using the contact tab above, facebook, or instagram. I've got packages for every bride and budget, from courthouse weddings to backyard BBQs to 50 of your closest friends and family at a chapel.