smithfield winery wedding

2019 Wedding Favorites

2019 Wedding Favorites

This year was different than any other, in a lot of good ways. I got to photograph two gorgeous elopements, one at Fort Monroe Beach and one at The Historic Post Office in Hampton. I had two military weddings, my first Jewish wedding, and almost zero travel all year long…and as much as I love travel, it was wonderful to sleep in my bed the night after a wedding most of the time!

Each time I approach a wedding, I put pressure on myself to do something different. I truly want to capture the individual personalities of the bride, groom, and their friends and family, because no two weddings are the same…and they shouldn’t look like each other, either! Fortunately, when I walk into weddings and already know the couple from their engagement session, it’s easy to remember why I love them as a couple and why they love each other. From there, each pose and each moment is completely individual, and while I will always take the smiling-at-the-camera family pictures, so many of the in-betweens are uniquely beautiful to every day…

Smithfield Winery Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | John + Lauren

Smithfield Winery Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | John + Lauren

John and Lauren are two wonderful individuals, but together they clearly make each other better. Both were a little nervous as they got ready to see each other one one of the prettiest days of the year, but their expressions and excitement at the first look were all worth the wait. They instantly relaxed, completely confident in their choice of their forever partner. Lauren’s smile could not have been bigger, and John treated her like the princess she is all day long.

The Smithfield Winery is one of the best wedding venues in Hampton Roads. The modern but rustic interior makes everything and everyone look instantly gorgeous, and beautiful natural light flows in from all angles. Everly After Events made the space absolutely perfect, with elegant florals, copper chargers, and cute little touches like a fun DIY photobooth and dog treat bags for guests with furry family members at home. If the day was beautiful the night was even more so, twinkle lights and all. Customized donuts and a harpist who played some of the prettiest wedding music I’ve heard were just the cherry on top of a stunning and memorable day…

Top 10 Best Wedding Venues in Hampton Roads | Business

Top 10 Best Wedding Venues in Hampton Roads | Business

I’m thankful to have the privilege to travel up and down the East Coast for weddings, but I’m also proud to say that I photograph a lot of weddings right here in the Hampton Roads area. I moved here five years ago but I did not truly get to know my surroundings until I became a wedding and family photographer. Driving all over our little area for engagement sessions, family sessions, and weddings has made me fall in love with the 757.

It’s difficult to choose my few favorite wedding venues for a blog post, and I know there are so many places I get to shoot this year that I am sure this list will grow over time! That said, here are the ten best wedding venues in Hampton Roads that I have visited so far - with one honorable mention!