Lion's Bridge Engagement Session | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Sam + Nicole

If you have followed my work long enough, you know that family is so important to me. My family - though I am biased - is the absolute best, and they have been beyond supportive of my photography. So when I found out that my brother recommended Nicole contact me, I was both thrilled and nervous, wanting to do the best job I possibly could!

Sam and Nicole told me early on that THEY wanted to drive to ME for their engagement session. Considering they live in northern Virginia, this is no small feat! We headed out to Lion's Bridge last Tuesday for a session I will never forget. Despite the crazy heat that day, Sam and Nicole were full of joy, and full of love for each other. Looking back through the pictures, there are SO many where they are sneaking peeks at each other instead of me. And somehow I don't mind!

Spending time with these two made me even more excited for their December wedding, when they finally get to start their lives together and make their crazy schedules work! Sam and Nicole, thanks so much for spending time with Nathan and I. We truly enjoyed the time we spent with you, and we are both counting down the days until your wedding!

Joyful engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia
Khaki and navy blue engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia
Joyful engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia (black and white)

Just in case you can't tell, they couldn't stop making each other laugh!

Khaki and navy blue engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia
Joyful engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia
Intimate engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia (black and white)
Intimate engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia

I cannot help but mention my amazing second shooter, my husband - this was his FIRST TIME using a DSLR on his own, and he got shots like this. Nicole and Sam spoiled him a little with how natural they were, but still!

Joyful engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia (black and white)
Joyful engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia
Joyful engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia
Ring shot on greenery during engagement session
Sunset engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia
Sunset engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia
Sunset engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia (black and white)

And I'm ending with this one, because I think this describes Sam & Nicole's relationship - joyful, natural, and beautiful.

Sunset engagement pictures at Lions Bridge Park in Newport News, Virginia

Maria Grace Photography

My name is Maria, and I am a wedding and family photographer based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia, but I am always excited about traveling. I love families who truly enjoy spending time with each other and living life together. I love couples that are looking forward to their wedding day because they are so excited to finally be married to.