Norfolk Pagoda Garden Proposal | Norfolk Engagement Photographer | Carson + Grace

Norfolk Pagoda Garden Proposal | Norfolk Engagement Photographer | Carson + Grace

It is absolutely THE most amazing thing in the world to me that I get to share in the most special moments of our friends' lives because I am a photographer! This moment is something both Nathan and I had been anticipating for a long time. Nathan knows Carson through his former band, Fox Hole Kingdom, and we have gotten to know these two since before they even became a couple.

I could tell that Carson wanted to make everything perfect for his proposal to Grace. Of course he wanted the moment documented, and we were more than happy to be there! He and I had secretly been texting for weeks, and the all of us (minus Grace, of course!) even drove down to the Norfolk Pagoda Garden just to scout it out. Carson set a date for the proposal, made reservations at Voila just down the street, and mapped out what would be a perfect day...

Williamsburg Senior Portraits | Hampton Roads Family Photographer | Emily

Williamsburg Senior Portraits | Hampton Roads Family Photographer | Emily

Emily is an extremely special girl to me for several reasons, not the least of which is that I have grown with her family through the years. The first time we met was at her older brother's senior session a few years ago when I was still figuring out that I wanted to specialize in weddings and families. Two years later, though, with Emily graduating this summer from Gloucester High School, I knew I wanted to be the one behind the lens for her senior portraits!

We took a trip to downtown Hampton last year for her junior portraits, but the spring time begged for an adventure in Colonial Williamsburg. The cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom, the day was beautiful, and the Governor's Palace looked gorgeous as the sun started to sink below the horizon. It was a joy to spend time with such a sweet young woman (and future Longwood University student! Woohoo!), hearing about future plans and talking about life...

Holly Ridge Manor Bridal Portraits | Virginia Beach Bride | Jessica

Holly Ridge Manor Bridal Portraits | Virginia Beach Bride | Jessica

I have been waiting to share this bridal portrait session for months. I love bridal portraits, but the only thing that drives me crazy is waiting until after the wedding to share! Now that Jessica and Brad are married (and what a beautiful day it was!) I can finally show how gorgeous she looked in her hair, makeup, and dress a few months ago.

This was my first trip to Holly Ridge Manor in Virginia Beach, but it certainly won't be my last! It is a new, up-and-coming wedding venue that has a gorgeous old-time mansion feel with a fully renovated interior and exterior. The house sits on a field with so much open space it's amazing, and when the sun sets the light is just perfect and golden...