Blush and White Newport News Wedding | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer | Matt + Megan

June 22, 2017

Maria Grace Photography

Wedding

Megan is the kind of person who is always looking to lift up those around her. She is never one to be in the spotlight or the center of attention. Yet all eyes were on her last weekend as she said "I do" to Matt, the man who has become her safety net, her security, and her best friend. With her Matt is gentle and kind, placing Megan's needs above his own and constantly looking for ways to make her smile.

A day full of thunderstorms called for an indoor ceremony, but the weather held off long enough for sweet bride and groom portraits in their venue's courtyard. Megan added a long blush ribbon to her wedding dress, and the combination roses she carried were the perfect match for her two-toned look. The Ferguson Center at Christopher Newport University, where the bride attended college, was a beautiful location for Megan's bridesmaids to spend time with their closest friend, finally able to lift her up and make her the center of attention - if only for a few hours...

June 8, 2017

Maria Grace Photography

Wedding

Christopher Newport University Wedding | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Doug + Jen

June 8, 2017

Maria Grace Photography

Wedding

Excitement. It was written all over Jen's face all morning as she anticipated what the rest of the wedding day would hold. She couldn't stop from smiling as she opened her gift from Doug and wiped the tears away, or as she slipped into her wedding gown, or as she began to walk down the aisle toward her groom. Jen's laughter is one of her best features, and all day long it rang out as she celebrated the most joyful day of her life.

Doug and Jen are deeply committed to one another, and it showed throughout their day. Two pastors spoke during the ceremony - one who Doug has known from childhood and one who became important to them as they met and began to date at their church's small group. The best man told stories of how deeply Jen would listen whenever Doug taught the lesson, and the maid of honor recounted how much stronger Jen and Doug are together than they were before they became one.

Stormy weather threatened all week long..

November 13, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Engagement

Noland Trail Engagement Session | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Vinnie + Melanie

November 13, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Engagement

I'll never forget when I first met Melanie at the Smithfield Bakery one Sunday afternoon. She was excited about her wedding and her marriage, and excited that we got to work together. I knew from the minute I met her that we would be a good fit, especially when I heard the way she spoke about Vinnie. Fast-forward to November, and I finally got to know them both together when we met on a Sunday afternoon (again) right near the Noland Trail and Mariner's Museum.

Melanie and Vinnie are both soft spoken, but I could tell the instant I saw them together that they have big hearts - both for each other and the people around them. Nathan and I got to hang out with them for a few hours, laughing at some of the hilarious things that happen when you're trying to shoot an engagement session in the midst of runners, other photographers, and lots of nature.

But in the midst of joking and laughing, we learned that Melanie and Vinnie love each other. We learned that Vinnie has a special place for his late mom in his heart, and even has a tattoo dedicated to her (scroll down to see it!). We learned that despite his and her crazy schedules, these two consistently make time to be together and build their relationship in view of having the best marriage possible. And that made for the perfect day.