Our First Hampton Roads DIY Bride Workshop | Business

September 24, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Business

Well, we did it! It's hard to believe, but less than a week ago we held out very first Hampton Roads DIY Bride Workshop. I previously introduced what the workshop was in this post, and on Saturday all our plans came to fruition.

We met our lovely brides-to-be at The Starving Artist Studio in Port Warwick, one of my favorite places in Newport News. With some snacks in hand and worksheets in front of them, the workshop began. Jackie kicked us off with an incredible walk-through of how to build a wedding budget, complete with a sheet that broke down how much brides should spend on each wedding vendor. After that, she talked through a wedding planning timeline, from when to send out save the dates to what you should be doing 2 weeks prior to your wedding.

September 17, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Family

Noland Trail Family Portraits | Newport News Family Photographer | Scott, Dianne, Ethan, & Oliver

September 17, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Family

One of the biggest joys in my year so far has been meeting this family because I've gotten to spend so much time with them. I wasn't sure how it would look to have four sessions with the same family in one year, but so far it's been amazing. Not only have the boys (especially Oliver!) changed so much over the last few months, but Scott and Dianne bring creativity and fun elements to each and every session.

This time, they brought a train, kites, and tons of other toys so they could have fun family playtime to keep the boys happy and occupied. I LOVED this not only because it accomplished their purpose, but it also added such a natural element that you just can't get in posed family portraits. Of course, we walked The Noland Trail in Newport News for some time and got great pictures to hang on the walls in their home, but towards the end I captured how the family actually is when I'm not there - and that's what I love.

January 29, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Engagement

Daniel & Hattie // Lee Hall Depot Engagement Photographer

January 29, 2015

Maria Grace Photography

Engagement

This is an engagement session that's been such a long time coming! Hattie and I first got to know each other over the summer, and fall/winter felt so long as we waited for the perfect time to capture her engagement session with Daniel. Since they are in the middle of a long distance relationship, that's no easy feat. But in just a few months, that will change for good!

About 20 minutes into their engagement session, we hit a small snag. Daniel's sister had kindly brought a few props that they had forgotten, but as she drove away her car got stuck in mud, the wheels spun, and by the time she left the side of Daniel's leg was covered in mud! Definitely not the most ideal way to start out an engagement shoot we'd been waiting over 6 months for. After a minute of staring and wondering what to do, we quickly commissioned Daniel's dad to bring out a change of outfits and worked around all the mud, knowing it would be a great story...much, much later. And looking back on all these pictures, I think we can all finally laugh about it with ease!

If there's one thing I can say about Daniel and Hattie, it's that they are so full of joy. Joy at being together, joy at life, joy in all the little things. Even in the quiet moments, when Hattie isn't bubbling over with laughter and Daniel isn't teasing and flirting with her, both exude contentment and happiness at being together. I'm so glad I got to spend time with them on a freezing day in January, and I can't wait for June and all the beauty it will bring.