Ford's Colony Wedding | Williamsburg Wedding Photographer | Evan & Sarah

I love the opportunity I get to come alongside other photographers on days my couples aren't getting married to shoot a wedding, have fun, learn more about photography, and get to know so many people who I never would have met otherwise. I got to do this and more at a beautiful Ford's Colony wedding with Dani White Photography just a few short weeks ago.

Sarah and Evan met the same way Nathan and I did - at their college's Baptist Collegiate Ministries. It was there that they got to know each other and, after some time spent together, fell in love and got married on a beautiful day in May. Their first look was a touching tribute to their joy at being together, as they stood on the Crim Dell Bridge at William and Mary and cherished the moments they had together before the ceremony started. Their wedding, start to finish, was about God and their love for Him first and foremost. It was beautiful.

I'm so grateful for days like this, where I get to take a step back during a wedding and realize just how big this day is for each couple who gets married. It's the start of a brand new adventure - a little scary, but beyond exciting and hopeful. Congratulations, Sarah and Evan!

I love it when a bride and groom choose to have a first look...it makes for some beautifully touching moments.

The ceremony was a beautiful display of love for God and each other.

Afterwards, we headed over to Ford's Colony Country Club, where a beautiful area was set up for cocktail hour, eating, and dancing.

I'll leave you with this - the sweet embrace of a mother and her son.

Mariners Museum Wedding | Newport News, Virginia Wedding Photographer | Andrew & Lauren

With gorgeous red hair and a laugh that lights up her entire face, Lauren began her wedding day in joyful anticipation of soon walking down the aisle to meet her future husband. With each detail carefully put in place, she was able to enjoy time with her sister/matron of honor, her niece, and her mom as the girls talked and laughed all morning. 

Because Lauren and Andrew opted for a first look, they got to spend intimate time together before the ceremony - those are moments they never would have had otherwise, and they were both grateful to spend a few minutes alone. I always tell my couples to ignore the cameras for a few minutes, and they did just that. It takes a lot for me to tear up, but as both of them became emotional about what was coming that day, I wiped a few tears from my eyes just seeing their happiness together and love for each other.

From the beginning to the end, Lauren and Andrew's ceremony was about their faith in God and love for each other. When a rainstorm broke out in the middle of their day, there was no stress - just another moment stolen together for a sweet kiss in the rain.

Andrew and Lauren - how can I thank you for allowing me to witness the beginning of something so beautiful! You were both carefree, relaxed, and kind towards one another and towards me. Your wedding day was beautiful, and Lauren - you were a stunning bride. Yet I could tell none of that mattered as much as the marriage you were about to embark on. I'm so grateful to know you both, and I know your marriage will only gain strength each passing day.

Click here to see their sunrise engagement session at Christopher Newport University.

Lauren's bouquet of yellow sunflowers added such a bright pop to the day!

Lauren is a classically gorgeous bride!

And this is why I love first looks...Lauren and Andrew were both nervous, but all of the nerves went away when they were able to see each other just outside of the Mariner's Museum prior to the ceremony and spend a few moments alone together.

And because one kiss wasn't enough, Andrew and Lauren stopped on their way back down the aisle for a sweet moment together.

Their first dance as husband and wife...

...and then their friends joined them on the dance floor.

What do you do when it rains on your wedding day? If you're as easygoing and wonderful as Andrew and Lauren, you run out for a kiss in the midst of the stormy weather.

We stole a few minutes near the end of the day to capture more portraits for Andrew and Lauren. This is always one of my favorite parts of the day.

When it was time for them to leave, they broke out the sparklers...

...and Andrew and Lauren stopped for one final kiss on their way to their first days together as husband and wife.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to their big day!
Photography: Maria Grace Photography
Video: LNR Productions
Flowers: Pam Pollard's
Wedding Dress: Blush Bridal Boutique
Hair: Victoria's Day Spa
Ceremony/Reception: Mariner's Museum
Catering: Smoke BBQ
Cake/Cupcakes: The Fresh Market
DJ: Mixin Mike Productions

Pernell & Maggie // Downtown Hampton Wedding Photographer

When I walk away from weddings, I honestly feel a little sad. Yes, I just spent a beautiful day with two people who love each other (and my husband/second shooter by my side). Yes, I just captured portraits that will be printed and hung on walls or put on mantels for years to come. And yes, I just jumped in on the Wobble during dancing. But it feels strange to leave two people who have become so dear to me, even though I know I'll be in touch with them long after their wedding day.

I remember feeling this way exactly when Nathan and I left Pernell and Maggie's wedding. The day couldn't have been more perfect. The bridal party was a blast, the families were a pleasure to photograph and work with, and of course, Pernell and Maggie are so obviously meant to be together. So I'm not surprised that walking away was a little bittersweet.

From the moment I stepped in, all through her time getting ready with her ladies, to the end when Maggie danced the night away, she was a relaxed bride from start to finish. Her face lit up when the minister pronounced her and Pernell husband and wife at last and although she would only get a short break until she was back in the classroom on Monday, her excitement at spending her future with the man beside her was infectious.

Pernell and Maggie, thank you for letting me not just into your day, but into your lives. You both have a special connection with each other and the people around you. Keep laughing, keep dancing, and keep holding each other close as you walk into the next phase of your journey together.

Click here to see their Windsor Castle Park engagement session.

Maggie chose to get married in the same church her parents did over 40 years ago.

We'll just start with one of my favorites, because this girl is simply gorgeous.

After a wonderful time of portraits with the newlyweds, the reception started!

Of course they had to play the shoe game...I'd say they did pretty well ;)

After the cake cutting and other formalities, the DJ got the guests on their feet to DANCE!

Congratulations, Maggie and Pernell!

Photographer - Maria Grace Photography
Dress - Blush Bridal
Hair/Makeup - 3 Bowls of Color
Ceremony - Tabernacle United Methodist Church
Reception/Catering - Crowne Plaza Hotel
Cake - Cakes to Remember
DJ - Sound Waves DJ Entertainment