noland trail

Noland Trail Engagement Session | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Patrick + Morgan

Noland Trail Engagement Session | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Patrick + Morgan

When you plan an engagement session date weeks in advance, you always cross your fingers and hope for good weather. The good news is that when we woke up the day of Patrick and Morgan's session it was sunny...but the bad news showed when we checked the forecast and the high of the day was in the 40s!

Despite the freezing conditions, these two showed up with the brightest smiles on their faces and so much joy in their hearts. They had gotten engaged less than 2 months before in the beautiful state of Hawaii during a birthday trip and after 7 years together, nothing could bring them down from the joy of looking to their future together...

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

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.

Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Tattoo engagement
Newport News Engagement Session | Colorful fall leaves engagement

Noland Trail Family Portraits | Newport News Family Photographer | Scott, Dianne, Ethan, & Oliver

Noland Trail Family Portraits | Newport News Family Photographer | Scott, Dianne, Ethan, & Oliver

One of the biggest joys in my year so far has been meeting this family because I've gotten to spend so much time with them. I wasn't sure how it would look to have four sessions with the same family in one year, but so far it's been amazing. Not only have the boys (especially Oliver!) changed so much over the last few months, but Scott and Dianne bring creativity and fun elements to each and every session.

This time, they brought a train, kites, and tons of other toys so they could have fun family playtime to keep the boys happy and occupied. I LOVED this not only because it accomplished their purpose, but it also added such a natural element that you just can't get in posed family portraits. Of course, we walked The Noland Trail in Newport News for some time and got great pictures to hang on the walls in their home, but towards the end I captured how the family actually is when I'm not there - and that's what I love.