chesapeake virginia

Oak Grove Lake Park Maternity Pictures | Chesapeake Photographer | Sam + Lacey

Oak Grove Lake Park Maternity Pictures | Chesapeake Photographer | Sam + Lacey

Sam and Lacey got married less than 3 years ago, and it was an absolute honor to photograph their elopement at the Virginia Beach courthouse. Meeting them again with a little girl due in less than a month was such a joy - and so surreal! A lot of my brides have started to grow their families within the last year, which makes me feel extremely proud (and a little old, if we’re being honest).

Marriage has been so good to Sam and Lacey. They are settled into their home and have wanted a child of their own for a long time. Yet they are still the same relaxed, fun-loving couple they were just a few years ago when they said I do. Their relationship today is clearly so much stronger than it was on their wedding day, and I know it will continue to grow by leaps and bounds…

Steve & Lori // Chesapeake, Virginia Engagement Photographer

Steve and Lori's story is as long as it is beautiful. The two have known each other for years - through the ups and downs of life, they remained friends for a very long time. It was only in the past little while, however, that they realized their friendship had blossomed into something so much more than that, and before they knew it they were engaged to be married.

Oftentimes, a couple excels at joking with each other, whereas another is never anything but sweet. Steve and Lori are a hilarious combination of the two - between the laughter and the joking, there is a tone of sweetness and seriousness that demonstrates their deep love for each other. I both laughed harder than I had in awhile at their engagement session and experienced sweet, intimate moments beyond words.

I can only imagine what their wedding day next month - and their lives for the next 50 years and beyond - will be like.

View their engagement session slideshow by clicking here.
Makeup by Dhalia Edwards.

Beautiful wintry engagement session in January
Winter engagement session in January at golden hour
An engagement session for a second marriage
Engagement session posing tips for second marriage
Romantic, intimate engagement session poses
Sweet engagement session for tall couples (black and white)
Winter engagement session in January
Details at an engagement session
Winter Ring Shot
Ring shot on pink Chuck Taylor shoes
Engagement session posing ideas with a bench
Winter engagement session posing tips
Sweet, intimate engagement session poses
Engagement session at golden hour in the winter
Romantic, intimate engagement session (black and white)
Engagement session on a walking path in the winter

Stephanie's Bridal Portraits // Oak Grove Lake Chesapeake Photographer

This day was every photographer's dream! Stephanie and Tim have been married since May, but she wanted a full set of bridal portraits to gift to her family, as well as keeping some for herself. When she asked me if Tim could come along for a few pictures, I just smiled. I got time with both of them during a perfect fall day at sunset, with nobody else and no other timeline to adhere to. And I was overjoyed!

First of all, can we talk about Stephanie's dress? It was incredible. The bodice is beautifully woven, and petals make their way all down the train. Her hair and makeup was done to perfection! And her bouquet...she made it at home, by herself, that morning. Everything came together perfectly for her portraits. Even though it was cold, Tim kept her warm with his hugs (and his jacket, on occasion), and Stephanie looked like a glowing bride despite the wind.

Tim and Stephanie, I can't thank you enough for spending time with me on a chilly fall day. You two are such a beautiful picture of what marriage is after the wedding - an amazing friendship that continues to unfold each day. I can't wait to see what life brings your way!

Hair and Makeup: Major Tease Designs

Gorgeous wedding dress with a crossover bodice and petaled train
Fall bridal portraits in Chesapeake, Virginia
Great ideas for taking bridal portraits after your wedding day
Cute picture as a groom walks with his bride, holding her train
Bridal portrait posing ideas
Blue and white checkered shirt with pink bow tie for the groom
Classic bridal portraits in a park
Intimate black and white classic 1950s bridal portraits
Cute, fun fall bridal portraits in Virginia
Classic bride and groom portraits in the fall
Giggling bride and groom share a sweet embrace
Gorgeous petaled wedding dress and checkered blue and white shirt with pink bowtie
Classic bride and groom portraits with beautiful fall leaves
Pink rose necklace and gold bracelet with beautiful crossover wedding dress
Sunset black and white bride and groom portrait with gorgeous glowing light
Pink rose and white petal bridal bouquet
Glowing sunset bridal portraits with a gorgeous petaled dress
Ideas for bridal portrait poses and lighting
Bride wears groom's jacket over her wedding dress as they walk hand in hand into the sunset