I love weddings. I truly do. I will never get tired of the first time I see the bride as she gets her hair and makeup ready. The moments when her mom helps her put on the beautiful dress she's been excited about for months are precious. The first look with her dad is always a tear-jerker. I can't tell you how many times I've been blessed to witness firsthand the incredible reaction of a groom seeing his bride for the first time, whether before the ceremony or when she begins to walk down the aisle.
I love seeing the incredible time and effort displayed in weddings. From flowers to centerpieces to the venue itself, it's always so evident that each piece was chosen with intention and love. I can't imagine not being there to capture each of these moments, and to preserve them for a lifetime. I'm blessed to be in the industry I am. I'm blessed to meet the incredible people I've gotten the chance to know over the last few years. I'm truly hooked on weddings and all that they bring.
But weddings are just the beginning. They are one piece in a long road filled with joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. I know that my brides are always looking beyond the big day, to the life they are about to begin, and the journey that is about to start with their new husband - and family - by their side.
It is out of my desire to not just capture beautiful weddings, but create strong marriages, that this new series was born. I wanted to share advice from people of all ages and all walks of life. Every single person will experience different struggles, challenges, and triumphs in their marriages, so I wanted to make sure I got a balanced perspective - from newlyweds to couples married over 30 years, from vendors in the industry to women being superheroes in the everyday tasks of being a wife and mother, my heart is that this series will provide advice to any bride awaiting her big day - even if she isn't engaged yet.
The amazing part about this is that so many others share my vision, too. I have contributors ranging from my own mom, an amazing photographer, an event planner, a military spouse, and so much more. Each Friday, another piece of advice will be published, from a brand new perspective. Feel free to share it with friends, family members, and other brides. Even as a not-so-newlywed, I can't tell you how much I've learned from seeing the incredible advice and heart of the women who contributed.
Because a wedding is more than just a celebration, and a marriage lasts much longer than the flowers and the sparkler exit. Let's dive into how you can be successful beyond your big day.
Happy weekend, friends!
Hi there! My name is Maria, and I'm so glad you visited my blog. I am a wedding and family photographer based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia, but I have my passport and LOVE to travel! My heart is to capture the beautiful memories of your most joyful moments, and my desire is that couples have not only a gorgeous wedding, but a successful marriage. I lead a wonderful group called The Rising Tide Society in Hampton & Newport News, dedicated to creative entrepreneurs in the area.
I've been a photographer for 2 years, a wife for over 4 years, and we are in the process of adopting our first child. I can't wait to see what surprises life holds for us!
