Michael & Joy's Surprise Proposal // Hampton Roads Engagement Photographer

Let me tell you: this was one VERY special day. I first met Michael a few years ago during my first year or working when he interned at the church. It seems like so long ago! We had such a fun summer, mostly stayed out of trouble, and became great friends by the end of it. Fast forward to November 18, and he was ready to propose to Joy! I was SO excited when he emailed me asking if I would take pictures in the moment. I have pictures from my engagement/proposal, and I treasure them so much.

On the actual day, I hid at the top of the Worship Center at Liberty. Joy came in and was instructed to sit on the front row. And then it was just her and the video - that's where I came in. Michael was awesome and told me to go crazy with pictures, so I did. It wasn't hard! Joy laughed, cried, and got so excited as she watched what Michael had made for her. Then, when the video finished, Michael walked on stage with his guitar and played a sweet, sweet song he had written just for Joy.

At the end of the song, he came down off the stage and asked Joy to marry him. She said yes! They were SO excited and it's so easy to tell how much they love each other. After she said yes, Michael brought Joy back to a room where so many of their friends and family were there. I had to wipe back little tears of joy. It was such a sweet moment, especially when Joy and her brother had a little moment together.

Joy and Michael, congratulations a million times over. I'm so thankful I was able to be there at your proposal, and I'm so excited to see how God uses you together in the future as husband and wife.

such a sweet moment between Joy and her brother

Zac & Tori, Engaged // Smithfield Engagement Photographer

It has been SO hard to wait to post this one! If not for all the great business that has hit me in November, I would have done this in a few days! When Tori talked to me about shooting their engagement and wedding, I was so ecstatic. I have known Zac for a little while, and I knew who Tori was...and they are so sweet together! It's so nice when you know a couple, and they love each other so much, and it's obvious beyond just their engagement shoot.

Originally we scheduled a sunset shoot, but there was a conflict and I suggested sunrise instead. And let me tell you - Zac and Tori are CHAMPS. It was so cold I wore two coats and took an hour to heat up, and they were pros at posing and looking happy and not cold or tired at all! We had such a great time hanging out at Windsor Castle Park, and I am just beyond excited for their wedding in June!

Zac and Tori, congratulations on your engagement! Thanks so much for letting me capture this sweet time in your lives.

Dylan & Mary // Engagement

Tracye and I have worked together for about 6 months now and during that time, her oldest son has been at home, left for boot camp, completed boot camp, and visited over Christmas. When he did visit, Dylan proposed to his girlfriend, Mary, at the airport when she picked him up.

It was so fun hearing all the details about the ring, the proposal, and everything that went along with it at work every day, so I was really excited when Tracye asked me to take their engagement pictures. It was cold out, but we had a lot of fun, especially when the whole family took a few portraits. Sandy Bottom Park was so crisp and beautiful, and I was so happy with the results!

Also on a side note, I just started a Facebook page for my photography business! If you haven't already, check it out here. I'll be posting sneak peeks, exciting news, upcoming events, and other stuff, so feel free to like it and follow along with me!