The Inn at Warner Hall Wedding | Gloucester Wedding Photographer | Sven + Michelle

The Inn at Warner Hall Wedding | Gloucester Wedding Photographer | Sven + Michelle

It was a beautiful day in May when Michelle and Sven got to the Inn at Warner Hall in Gloucester, ready for a beautiful ceremony and an even more beautiful marriage. Michelle was nervous throughout the day - not at the prospect of marrying Sven, but about all the details that had to be done before that moment. Yet everything came together perfectly, and as she walked down the aisle to her future husband, Sven cried as he grew in anticipation for their many years together that were starting that day.

Sven's family is German, and as such, they are HILARIOUS. Everyone had a blast, from jokes about marrying 'American women' to dancing the night away. It was especially beautiful to see the love between the two families being united as one at the same time. They both spoke of their gratefulness to each other for raising such wonderful children, who have grown and found each other at the perfect time.

Maggie's Bridal Portraits // Poquoson, Virginia, Wedding Photographer

Maggie is someone so special to me. She is the unique kind of person that has a sweet, serious side, yet pulls out the joking and funny faces when the camera is turned off. She is confident in herself and her decisions. She loves the children that she teaches, and is constantly striving to give them the best she can, even if it means longer hours and hard work for her.

You'll see from her bridal portraits that Maggie is drop dead gorgeous. What you won't see is the person behind the pictures - the one cracking me up in between shots, the one who has been beyond kind and generous to me since I met her in December. The one who is now married to the love of her life, enjoying being a newlywed after so much hard work planning the wedding!

Here is Maggie, sweet, funny, and beautiful.

Iconic church bridal portraits
Iconic Bridal Portraits | United Methodist Church | Black & white
Madden Girl Wedding Shoes | Coral wedding shoes | Bridal portraits
Iconic Bridal Portraits | United Methodist Church
Iconic Bridal Portrait | United Methodist Church | Black and white
Iconic bridal portrait | Church bridal portrait
Coral wedding shoes | Madden Girl wedding shoes
Iconic bridal portrait | Black and white

...and I thought I'd save the best for last...

Iconic bridal portrait | United Methodist Church

Steve & Lori // Shifting Sands Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer

Before we got to their wedding, I told Nathan over and over that he would love Steve & Lori. They are such a unique and wonderful couple, the kind that have you laughing with just a few words, and who keep you smiling throughout the day.

Steve & Lori have both been through hard times, and are getting a second chance at love and a life of happiness together. Their wedding day was not only beautiful but stress free. Lori spent the morning with the ladies she loves most - her mom, sister, and daughters - getting ready to walk down the aisle to the one she had fallen in love with. Her sense of humor carried her effortlessly through the day, and as her daughters walked her down the aisle, the peace she had at knowing this was the best decision she could have made was obvious in her countenance.

Steve is the perfect support for Lori. He jokes with her, laughs with her, and pulls her out on the dance floor so they can steal a few minutes alone. The most touching moment in the ceremony was when he surprised Lori's daughters with a ring for both of them, promising to be their support in life's ups and downs as well.

Steve and Lori - what can I even say? You have made a mark on our lives. You asked both of us during YOUR wedding if we'd had enough to eat! Your kind words about our adoption when we had to say goodbye nearly brought me to tears. The simple fact that you cared enough about someone else on a day that's supposed to be all about you is a testament to your character. Thank you for allowing us into your lives, to witness such a special time for both of you. May the rest of your marriage be as joyful and stress free as your wedding day.

View their Chesapeake engagement session here.

Bridesmaid getting her makeup done for a wedding
Wedding hair updo with a tiara | Black and white
Sparkly pink and silver wedding shoes
Pink and silver wedding details and jewelry
David's Bridal Wedding Dress | Beach wedding | Virginia Beach
Bride getting ready with her daughters | Black and white | Getting ready pictures
Bride getting ready | Bride with her mom | Black and white 
Bride walking down the aisle with her daughters | Pink wedding colors
Shifting-Sands-Virginia-Beach-Wedding
Ring ceremony with daughters | Military wedding | Pink and white
Wedding ceremony | Military wedding | Black and white
First kiss at wedding | Military wedding
Pink and white wedding centerpieces
Pink, white, and silver wedding cake | Cake Delights
First dance | Bride and groom
Emotional first dance | Wedding couple | Black and white
Wedding reception dancing
Mother and son on wedding day | Black and white
Wedding exit with ribbons on sticks | Pink and white wedding

We took time after the ceremony for some pictures of the ladies (and gent!) with Steve and Lori, as the sun began to set on this gorgeous day by the water.

Bridal portrait outdoors | Black and white
Pink and silver wedding bouquet | Bridal portraits
Groom portrait in front of brick wall
Wedding party of two | Black and white
Pink and white wedding | Bridesmaids dresses
Pink, white, and silver wedding bouquet | Pink bridesmaid dress
Bride with her sister | Maid of honor | Black and white
Wedding day family photos | Pink and white wedding | Daughters as bridesmaids
Pink and white wedding | Bridal party portraits
Virginia Beach ring shot | Macro photography
Virginia Beach Boardwalk ring picture | Macro photography
Virginia Beach wedding pictures | Bride and groom portraits
Beach bride & groom portraits | Virginia Beach wedding
Beach bride and groom pictures | Virginia Beach wedding | Black and white
Beach bride and groom portraits | Virginia Beach wedding | Pink flip flops
Beach bride and groom portraits | Virginia Beach wedding
Beach bride and groom portraits | Virginia Beach wedding | Black and white
Beach bride and groom wedding pictures | Beach wedding | Pink, white, and silver wedding

Thank you to everyone who made the day amazing!
Getting Ready: The Cottages at Dam Neck
Ceremony & Reception: Shifting Sands
Catering: Linda with Shifting Sands
Photographer: Maria Grace Photography
Makeup: Dhalia Edwards
Hair: Adrienne at Full Blown Hair Salon
Cake: Cake Delights
Dress: David's Bridal