Behind the Scenes in 2016 | Business

December 26, 2016

Maria Grace Photography

Business

Every job has a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make the more public part flow smoothly. Wedding photographers take beautiful pictures but on the wedding day we become so much more. Looking back through the past year is a hilarious reminder of all the different roles I take on a wedding day - and all the fun I've had to boot!

I've been so fortunate for Nathan to accompany me at most of my weddings this year, and I think at some point we started a friendly competition to take the most ridiculous pictures of each other possible. Combine that with the wall of exhaustion that comes rushing in after hours of constant thinking, moving, talking, and shooting, and the end results have me cracking up as I finish out the year.

Have fun - and a good laugh on us - looking through our official 2016 behind the scenes pictures!

September 15, 2016

Maria Grace Photography

Wedding

Nautical Navy Poquoson Summer Wedding | Poquoson Wedding Photographer | Alex + Ellen

September 15, 2016

Maria Grace Photography

Wedding

From start to finish, it was obvious that Alex and Ellen are much beloved by their friends and family. I lost count of how many people (besides the amazing vendors) helped make their day memorable – from a last-minute reception venue change to all the hard work her mom poured into each detail, these two are certainly blessed by the people who will surround them for the rest of their lives. A relationship that started at Longwood University has blossomed into a love that will forever be remembered on a beautiful wedding day in Poquoson.

Ellen chose to not just have one but TWO first looks – first with her dad, a tear-jerker if I ever saw one, and then with her groom, a touching tribute to the two most important men in her life. As she gripped her dad’s arm and walked down the aisle to say yes to the one she has built a new life with, everyone knew that the life she already had would not be soon forgotten...

June 3, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Wedding

Pernell & Maggie // Downtown Hampton Wedding Photographer

June 3, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Wedding

When I walk away from weddings, I honestly feel a little sad. Yes, I just spent a beautiful day with two people who love each other (and my husband/second shooter by my side). Yes, I just captured portraits that will be printed and hung on walls or put on mantels for years to come. And yes, I just jumped in on the Wobble during dancing. But it feels strange to leave two people who have become so dear to me, even though I know I'll be in touch with them long after their wedding day.

I remember feeling this way exactly when Nathan and I left Pernell and Maggie's wedding. The day couldn't have been more perfect. The bridal party was a blast, the families were a pleasure to photograph and work with, and of course, Pernell and Maggie are so obviously meant to be together. So I'm not surprised that walking away was a little bittersweet.

From the moment I stepped in, all through her time getting ready with her ladies, to the end when Maggie danced the night away, she was a relaxed bride from start to finish. Her face lit up when the minister pronounced her and Pernell husband and wife at last and although she would only get a short break until she was back in the classroom on Monday, her excitement at spending her future with the man beside her was infectious.

Pernell and Maggie, thank you for letting me not just into your day, but into your lives. You both have a special connection with each other and the people around you. Keep laughing, keep dancing, and keep holding each other close as you walk into the next phase of your journey together.

Click here to see their Windsor Castle Park engagement session.