bridal portrait

William & Mary Bridal Portraits | Williamsburg Wedding Photographer

William & Mary Bridal Portraits | Williamsburg Wedding Photographer

Heather was absolutely glowing, and it wasn’t even her wedding day…but it WAS the first time her hair, makeup, dress, and flowers all came together so we could capture her bridal portraits on the campus of William & Mary, her alma mater. Her smile was bright and the excitement in her eyes was real - not just to look beautiful (which she did!), but to be married to the man of her dreams in a little over her month.

This is why I love bridal portraits. It’s a chance to try everything on and make sure it fits and looks beautiful together. It’s an opportunity to feel like a bride before the wedding day. It’s a moment when a bride can remember exactly why she’s getting married - and get excited about how much more amazing the wedding day will be…

Norfolk Botanical Gardens Bridal Portraits | Elysse

Norfolk Botanical Gardens Bridal Portraits | Elysse

You may just recognize Elysse from her wedding at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago! In general, we schedule bridal portraits to happen before the wedding, but in this case we booked a date that ended up being the Friday Hurricane Florence rolled in. Of course we had to cancel and reschedule, and with a busy fall in front of us it had to happen after she got married. But oh was it worth the wait!

Christopher Newport University Bridal Portraits | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Megan

Christopher Newport University Bridal Portraits | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Megan

After about two frames I had to wipe the tears from my eyes. My baby sister, the one who I constantly have to remind myself is no longer just 8 years old, was getting married in a month. When she first put on her dress (and we all cried then!), we knew she had to wear it more than just on the wedding day. Despite the threat of thunderstorms and some weekend mishaps, we spent the morning just a few weeks ago at Christopher Newport University, capturing her beauty and the anticipation of what was coming soon.

Megan is beautiful, both inside and out. She is generous and caring. She is extremely kind and gracious towards those around her. I have watched her walk through the difficulties of high school, college, and graduation with integrity and joy, and I have seen her relationship with the Lord grow deeper as a result. It wasn't hard to capture her beauty, and it was easy to make her smile as she thought about her groom and the upcoming wedding.