Taalib & Ellica // Traditions Grill, Chesapeake Wedding Photographer

The morning of Taalib and Ellica's wedding, I woke up with such excitement for their big day. When I had met them just a few months earlier on a beautiful morning in East Beach, their mutual love and admiration for each other was evident with each movement, each smile, each kiss. 

They met just over four years ago at Chinese food with friends. Ellica still remembers Taalib's seersucker suit and paisley tie - even back then, he was a sharp dresser. They developed a friendship over the phone, talking as much as six hours at a time, before it blossomed into something so much more, a love that will last forever, a love celebrated on their special October day. 

Taalib is a man full of laughter and good fun, especially around his groomsmen. But around Ellica, he exudes a strong gentleness that ties the two together. Their favorite time is time spent together, and their quiet confidence in each other has created a bond that will last a lifetime. Throughout the whole wedding process, Ellica has been on top of every single detail, and planned everything meticulously so that each detail worked together to make a beautiful day. But around Taalib, Ellica allows herself to be a little more carefree, a little less planned, a little more spontaneous.

Together, Taalib and Ellica complement each other in the best of ways. I'm so grateful that both of them are in my life, and I know we will stay in touch for many years to come. Thank you both for letting me be a part of the most amazing day in your lives! I have grown to love you both dearly, and I look forward to seeing you two grow together!

Ellica's mother spent moths sewing her wedding dress by hand, and the result was amazing...

Ellica added her own special details to the day, like handmade earrings using her wedding invitations.

Taalib and Ellica shared a sweet moment after the ceremony. While everyone was rushing around trying to find family and sort everything else out, they danced together in the place where their marriage began.

We had fun...can't you tell?!

I don't know what Taalib said to Ellica, but it made her smile...these two are precious.

These shoes were the first pair Taalib ever bought for Ellica, and they were what carried her to him on their wedding day.

And then they shared their first dance...

Ellica LOVES her grandfather, and he loves her right back! They had a blast dancing at the reception.

...and so their journey begins!

The team that made it happen was...
Photographer: Maria Grace Photography
Event Coordination: Ellasin of Ellasin's Events
DJ: Cedric of Big Dreams Entertainment
Cake: Cake Delights
Second Shooter: Susan of Fowler Studios
Venue & Catering: Traditions Grill & Catering

Philip & Katy // Magnolia House Inn Wedding Photographer

When I said earlier this year that I wanted to photograph an elopement, I had no idea how in the world that would ever happen! And then Katy gave me a call! She and Philip were planning on eloping at the Magnolia House Inn in just a few short weeks, and they wanted a photographer there to capture their day. I was so excited!

With only the bride, groom, and their officiant, Katy and Philip’s wedding day was a dream. There was such an excitement in the air as Philip waited for his bride to be ready. As soon as Katy walked into the ceremony, his face lit up with a deep joy. Katy cried while they spoke vows to each other of spending forever together.

After a sweet toast and cutting of the cake, we got to spend some time together taking pictures and capturing their day forever. Katy and Philip were so excited to tell friends and family, but more than anything they were so excited to finally be starting their lives together.

Philip and Katy – I can’t thank you enough for letting me witness one of the sweetest days ever. I am so grateful to witness such a pure love, one that I know will last forever. Best of luck in your future life together!

Katy has the most wonderful natural smile!

The pin Katy wore is special - it belonged to her mother, and stayed with her on her wedding day.

...and after an expectant wait, they are finally married!

They're so happy...can't you tell?!

The streets were empty, so we took full advantage. Philip and Katy didn't care where they were, as long as they were with each other.

What better way to end in this? Congratulations, Philip and Katy!

Matthew & Kelsey // Portsmouth Woman's Club Wedding Photographer

Kelsey was one of the most calm brides I have ever met. She truly wanted to just enjoy her special day. There was no worry or stress, and the girls had so much fun getting ready. Matthew and his guys joked, laughed, and had a great time, which made for a fun wedding day all around. It's always a blessing to know that the bride and groom are just ready to step into their next phase of life, and all the wedding details are secondary to the marriage that they are about to begin.

The whole day was at the Portsmouth Woman's Club, a gorgeous venue nestled in the middle of neighborhood lined with bright florals, with a ceremony/reception hall to die for. 

 Matthew and Kelsey, thank YOU for letting me be there on the most special day of your lives together. I pray that you have many more carefree, happy days to come as you make the most of this beautiful thing called marriage.