Historic Polegreen Church Maternity Pictures | Josiah + Megan

Historic Polegreen Church Maternity Pictures | Josiah + Megan

It’s been a strange season of life for a lot of people, but when I think about handling the unexpected, those who are pregnant and giving birth right now always come to my mind. Of course, this is probably because my little sister Megan is expecting a baby boy at the end of August, and this pregnancy has come with far more ups and downs than is usual to say the least! She and Josiah, her husband of just over two years, have handled the changes with grace and hope. They have been understandably disappointed in some areas without denying their feelings, and yet their faith in God and their unity in marriage has never been more evident, either.

Adoption Mini Sessions, Part 1 // Smithfield, Virginia Family Photographer

Last weekend was one to remember! On the most gorgeous day in October I could've hoped for, ten families met me to take pictures as they supported our adoption. There were families of all ages and sizes - from a couple barely a year into marriage, to a family of six, to a whole bunch of cute dogs, the variety of people from all stages and walks of life was incredible.

I am so amazed that there was such an incredible response to our announcement, and to the mini sessions themselves! I remember right before I hit publish on my blog, wondering aloud to Nathan if ANYONE would sign up. And here I am, with 10 down and 9 more to go this weekend, blown away by the love people have shown us.

So I hope I've done justice to these families who have become a part of our story! It's hard to choose just 5 or 10 images to send, let alone one or two from the blog, but I've narrowed it down to my absolutely favorites. The only thing more exciting than this is that I'll have even more to share next week!

Cute yellow sweater with a belt and boots for family pictures
Girls kissing their brother's cheek during family portraits
Four siblings wearing casual outfits for family portraits
Dad throwing his daughter into the air
Black and white of husband and wife laughing during family portraits
Dad holding his daughter in a sweet moment
Maternity pictures with gray sweater and bright yellow scarf in the fall
Mom and dad swing their kid in cute family pictures
Mom and her boys on a bridge for family pictures
Couples' shares a sweet moment at anniversary portraits in the fall
Boy taking family pictures in the fall with jeans and a blue shirt
A family walks on a trail wearing blue and white and navy
A dad with his daughters in the fall
Newlyweds with their dogs for family pictures in a park in the fall
Newlyweds take anniversary portraits at a park in the fall (black and white)

Best of 2013 // Hampton Roads Photographer

I have LITERALLY been looking forward to this post the whole year (Parks & Rec, anyone?). With each portrait session and wedding, I've become a stronger, more confident photographer who can deliver better images. I'll be honest - launching my business was terrifying! And really, it still is. I get nervous before each portrait session, and before each wedding, and every time I get a new inquiry...the list goes on. I've realized, though, that I'm not nervous because I'm afraid I can't deliver stunning images. It's because I want to get better each time I click the shutter, and I want each of you to see that progress.

I know I can tell my improvement throughout the year, and I hope you can, too. I'm excited for 2014 and all that it will bring. Have a wonderful New Year and enjoy some of my favorites from 2013!

Jasmine Plantation | hampton roads wedding photographer
Richmond African American wedding photographer
hampton roads maternity photographer
Hampton Roads & Virginia Beach senior portrait photographer
Hampton Roads, Virginia, wedding photographer
Hampton Roads & Virginia Beach Smithfield maternity photographer
Hampton Roads, Virginia, wedding photographer
Jasmine Plantation | Hampton Roads & virginia Beach wedding photographer
Baltimore, maryland | Newton White Mansion Photographer
Baltimore, Maryland | Newton White Mansion wedding dress photographer
Baltimore, Maryland | Newton White Mansion wedding photographer
Smithfield, Virginia engagement photographer
Smithfield, Virginia Windsor Castle Park engagement photographer
Hampton Roads family photographer
Veritas Vineyard Charlotteville, Virginia wedding photographer
Lesner Inn Virginia Beach wedding photographer
Lesner Inn Virginia Beach wedding photographer
Red  Wing park Virginia Beach wedding photographer
Virginia Beach wedding flower photographer
Smithfield, Virginia Windsor Castle Park engagement photographer
Maria Grace Photography Maria Grace Photography