chesapeake wedding photographer

Intimate Wedding in Chesapeake | Chesapeake Wedding Photographer | Chris + Rebecca

Intimate Wedding in Chesapeake | Chesapeake Wedding Photographer | Chris + Rebecca

Marriage is a huge commitment. Marriage when kids are involved becomes a whole new matter entirely. When Chris and Rebecca said their vows, they did so before the typical friends and family...but they also had her three children by their side. It was the most touching moment of the day as the kids helped exchange rings, then plant a new family tree that will grow and flourish through the years as these two families are now one.

Their vision for their day, an intimate backyard wedding right on the water in Chesapeake, was a celebration of this close-knit feeling that would last as the sun set and the couple drove away (in a Viper, no less!). All Rebecca wanted was to feel like a bride, capture the love she had found in Chris, and relax on a gorgeous summer day on the Elizabeth River. She got it all and more. Together these two have the most natural and sweet interactions - it's a love you just can't fake, and a happiness that will last through the years…

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

Taalib & Ellica // Traditions Grill, Chesapeake Wedding Photographer

The morning of Taalib and Ellica's wedding, I woke up with such excitement for their big day. When I had met them just a few months earlier on a beautiful morning in East Beach, their mutual love and admiration for each other was evident with each movement, each smile, each kiss. 

They met just over four years ago at Chinese food with friends. Ellica still remembers Taalib's seersucker suit and paisley tie - even back then, he was a sharp dresser. They developed a friendship over the phone, talking as much as six hours at a time, before it blossomed into something so much more, a love that will last forever, a love celebrated on their special October day. 

Taalib is a man full of laughter and good fun, especially around his groomsmen. But around Ellica, he exudes a strong gentleness that ties the two together. Their favorite time is time spent together, and their quiet confidence in each other has created a bond that will last a lifetime. Throughout the whole wedding process, Ellica has been on top of every single detail, and planned everything meticulously so that each detail worked together to make a beautiful day. But around Taalib, Ellica allows herself to be a little more carefree, a little less planned, a little more spontaneous.

Together, Taalib and Ellica complement each other in the best of ways. I'm so grateful that both of them are in my life, and I know we will stay in touch for many years to come. Thank you both for letting me be a part of the most amazing day in your lives! I have grown to love you both dearly, and I look forward to seeing you two grow together!

Traditions Grill in Chesapeake, Virginia

Ellica's mother spent moths sewing her wedding dress by hand, and the result was amazing...

Handmade wedding dress hangs on a tree

Ellica added her own special details to the day, like handmade earrings using her wedding invitations.

Necklace and handmade earring wedding details
Purple high heels with a bow
Bride getting ready for her October wedding in Virginia
Black and white bridal portrait in the getting ready room
Purple mason jars at wedding ceremony
Cute chalkboard wedding ceremony sign
Groom walking into the ceremony at Traditions Grill in Chesapeake
Maid of honor wearing purple at an outdoor wedding in Virginia
Bride meets her groom at the altar of their wedding ceremony (black and white)
Bride and groom at their outdoor gazebo wedding ceremony
Bride and groom's first kiss as husband and wife

Taalib and Ellica shared a sweet moment after the ceremony. While everyone was rushing around trying to find family and sort everything else out, they danced together in the place where their marriage began.

Bride and groom share a sweet moment after  their wedding
Groom with his groomsmen in light tan suits and purple bowties
Groom walking with his groomsmen in light tan suits and purple bowties
Bridal party in light tan suits and purple dresses after the wedding

We had fun...can't you tell?!

Bridesmaids in purple dresses with white flowers
Bridesmaids gather around the bride in purple dresses and white flowers
Purple and white bridal bouquet
Bride and groom portraits on a golf course in Chesapeake, Virginia in October
Bride and groom portraits at their October wedding in Chesapeake, Virginia
Bride and groom sharing a moment at their October wedding in Chesapeake, Virginia

I don't know what Taalib said to Ellica, but it made her smile...these two are precious.

Groom whispering into his bride's ear (black and white)
Bride and groom gaze at each other after their October wedding in Chesapeake, Virginia
Ring picture on a cattail outside
Ring picture on a picture frame with wedding date
Bride and groom portraits after their purple and white October wedding in Virginia
Groom pulls bride in for a kiss after their October wedding in Virginia
Groom kisses his bride on the cheek on a golf course in Virginia
Bride and groom walk down a path together after their wedding 

These shoes were the first pair Taalib ever bought for Ellica, and they were what carried her to him on their wedding day.

Dark brown shoes and purple heels at a wedding

And then they shared their first dance...

Groom twirls his bride during their first dance at their wedding reception
Wedding guests dance at the wedding reception
Wedding guests dancing at the reception (black and white)

Ellica LOVES her grandfather, and he loves her right back! They had a blast dancing at the reception.

A bride dances with her grandfather on the wedding day
Bride holds her grandfather's hand at her wedding reception (black and white)
Bride and groom dance at their wedding reception
Wedding guests dance at the reception

...and so their journey begins!

Bride and groom kiss on a path in a golf course in Chesapeake, Virginia

The team that made it happen was...
Photographer: Maria Grace Photography
Event Coordination: Ellasin of Ellasin's Events
DJ: Cedric of Big Dreams Entertainment
Cake: Cake Delights
Second Shooter: Susan of Fowler Studios
Venue & Catering: Traditions Grill & Catering