Newport News Park Family Photographer | Newport News, Virginia | The Roquemore Family

The first time Jackie's family planned to meet me for family pictures was a few weeks ago when constant rainstorms caused several sessions to be rescheduled. At the very beginning of their session, a few drops of rain fell and I feared it would happen all over again!

Fortunately the sun came out as we spent the evening in Newport News Park capturing their updated family portraits. Jackie told me that they had not had family pictures taken in 7 years, and it was gratifying to know that they would be able to cherish these memories for years to come.

From the bridges to the water and everywhere we went in between, the Roquemores exuded a quiet sense of harmony during their session. And when two kids who are pre-teens/teenagers can get along, you know the parents are doing something right! One of my favorite times during these sessions is always pulling mom and dad aside for a few pictures with just the two of them. Brett and Jackie's love was still present and obvious after 18 years together, and I'm so grateful for their example of steadfast love.

Daniel & Hattie // Lee Hall Depot Engagement Photographer

This is an engagement session that's been such a long time coming! Hattie and I first got to know each other over the summer, and fall/winter felt so long as we waited for the perfect time to capture her engagement session with Daniel. Since they are in the middle of a long distance relationship, that's no easy feat. But in just a few months, that will change for good!

About 20 minutes into their engagement session, we hit a small snag. Daniel's sister had kindly brought a few props that they had forgotten, but as she drove away her car got stuck in mud, the wheels spun, and by the time she left the side of Daniel's leg was covered in mud! Definitely not the most ideal way to start out an engagement shoot we'd been waiting over 6 months for. After a minute of staring and wondering what to do, we quickly commissioned Daniel's dad to bring out a change of outfits and worked around all the mud, knowing it would be a great story...much, much later. And looking back on all these pictures, I think we can all finally laugh about it with ease!

If there's one thing I can say about Daniel and Hattie, it's that they are so full of joy. Joy at being together, joy at life, joy in all the little things. Even in the quiet moments, when Hattie isn't bubbling over with laughter and Daniel isn't teasing and flirting with her, both exude contentment and happiness at being together. I'm so glad I got to spend time with them on a freezing day in January, and I can't wait for June and all the beauty it will bring.

Daniel and Hattie are planning a travel-themed wedding, and all the little details made this session that much more unique!

Ohhh that light...we hit it just right!