first landing state park

First Landing State Park Fall Engagement | Jeff + Jenna

First Landing State Park Fall Engagement | Jeff + Jenna

The stars, weather, and flights aligned to make Jeff and Jenna’s engagement session happen. They were flying in from Austin, Texas, to attend a friend’s wedding on a quick weekend trip, so as soon as they landed at the Norfolk Airport they headed over to First Landing State Park to meet me for engagement pictures. We had no backup rain plan but the weather was perfect, and despite a long day of travel they were relaxed, happy, and ready to capture their love.

Jeff and Jenna are hilarious together - it’s always a good thing when the three of us are trying hard not to crack up during pictures! They have a shared love for their dogs, adventure, and each other, and with the decade they have spent together as a couple, there is a solid foundation for their future lives together. As they reflected on the move from Hampton Roads to Austin, the thing that has kept them grounded, sane, and joyful through it all is their relationship and support for each other.

2019 Family + Couple Favorites

2019 Family + Couple Favorites

When I look through these pictures - and all of the families and couples who I had the privilege to photograph throughout the year - I can’t help but be filled with thankfulness. I would count many of these among my friends, and in fact some were friends first before they ever became clients! This year I saw babies born, families move across the country, and new life announced for the first time. I got to meet people who I never would have otherwise spoken to, and reconnect with others from throughout the past 9 years in Hampton Roads.

What a privilege it is to capture the joy of a family as they grow or a couple as they look towards beginning a new life together after waiting for so long. What an honor to take pictures of past brides and grooms as they progress from the newlywed phase to being more established as a couple…

First Landing Engagement Pictures | Matt + Jackie

First Landing Engagement Pictures | Matt + Jackie

Matt and Jackie are two of the kindest souls you will meet. They were full of smiles from the first time I said hello until the very last picture, and it was obvious that their love for each other overflows toward the people around them. The evening was the most picturesque Virginia Beach can be, with clouds that broke into a stunning sunset as the evening wore on. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to summer - warmth, golden light, and happiness all around.

Because of the military, Matt and Jackie have been separated by many miles for awhile now, and even with their upcoming wedding it will be a long time before they can actually call the same city their home. But despite the difficulty of a long-distance relationship, they’ve decided to make the most of it by exploring new cities and enjoying the time they do have with each other, no matter how short it may seem.

A beautiful night, a beautiful sunset, and a beautiful couple…this was truly a memorable engagement session…