hampton roads engagement photographer

First Landing State Park Fall Engagement | Jeff + Jenna

First Landing State Park Fall Engagement | Jeff + Jenna

The stars, weather, and flights aligned to make Jeff and Jenna’s engagement session happen. They were flying in from Austin, Texas, to attend a friend’s wedding on a quick weekend trip, so as soon as they landed at the Norfolk Airport they headed over to First Landing State Park to meet me for engagement pictures. We had no backup rain plan but the weather was perfect, and despite a long day of travel they were relaxed, happy, and ready to capture their love.

Jeff and Jenna are hilarious together - it’s always a good thing when the three of us are trying hard not to crack up during pictures! They have a shared love for their dogs, adventure, and each other, and with the decade they have spent together as a couple, there is a solid foundation for their future lives together. As they reflected on the move from Hampton Roads to Austin, the thing that has kept them grounded, sane, and joyful through it all is their relationship and support for each other.

Aberdeen Farm Engagement Pictures | Stephen + Anne Stuart

Aberdeen Farm Engagement Pictures | Stephen + Anne Stuart

Anne Stuart grew up running around the fields and beaches of Aberdeen Farm in the back corner of Smithfield. It was a place she loved and knew all throughout her childhood, full of the best memories that will be with her forever. It was only fitting, then, that she and Stephen would take engagement pictures at a place that feels so much like home to her as they look towards their future together, with all the new memories it will bring.

From rocks to a beautiful barn to a secluded beach (we literally saw nobody else there!), Aberdeen Farm is an absolute dream for engagement pictures. The weather was beautiful - we missed the rain that would come the rest of the week! - and the sunlight was absolutely golden. It was the perfect send-off for Stephen and Anne Stuart as they prepared to drive back up to Northern Virginia after a weekend with family during a season of ever-changing travel plans…

Neon District in Norfolk Engagement Pictures | Barak + Heather

Neon District in Norfolk Engagement Pictures | Barak + Heather

It’s not often that a couple is TOTALLY up for a 5am wake-up call just so we can capture that gorgeous morning light…but Barak and Heather were all in (or at least she was! Ha!). I would say Heather is a morning person, but I think it’s more accurate to say she’s an all-day person. All day long she is happy, joyful, and smiling, and has been since I met her years ago. And Barak? Despite the crazy morning hours and the fact that he is NOT as much of a morning person, he was just happy to be with Heather.

I couldn’t hold back my excitement as we explored all the fun murals in the Neon District of Norfolk for their engagement pictures. There are colors and patterns for every style, and we explored all around the Chrysler Museum of Art, then ended with some trendy photos around Grace Street. Bonus: Heather wore the most adorable romper (WITH POCKETS), and I am a little obsessed.

Based on how the morning went, I am just dying to fast-forward to April when these two will have their wedding at the Womans Club of Portsmouth. Until then, I’ll just look back through their sunrise engagement pictures and remember that the early morning wake-up is ALWAYS worth it!