I first began my love affair with The Wedding Chapel at the Magnolia House Inn last October when I met Philip and Katy there for the first time and I was the only witness to their marriage besides the officiant. Since then, I've visited there on multiple occasions and I just keep loving it more and more! The intimacy of the ceremony is so special, and the owners are such kind-hearted people. On top of that, shooting there challenges me to be better so that each elopement or wedding looks different - and I love a good challenge!
Magnolia House Inn Elopement | Hampton, Virginia Elopement Photographer | Ulysses & Kim
Langley Chapel Air Force Wedding | Military Wedding Photographer | Daniel & Hattie
It's a little surreal that I met Hattie a year ago this month. When I first sat down to talk with her, I left knowing we would instantly become friends. Throughout the months, as we emailed back and forth about life changes, met for their engagement session, and laughed over cups of coffee, I got to know the beautiful heart of this girl who was preparing to walk into life as an Air Force wife.
Daniel and Hattie met in high school and although they were not immediately interested in each other as more than friends, that soon changed as they began to grow closer through each interaction. The uniqueness of their relationship was always in their independence - although they loved each other, Daniel always allowed Hattie to be herself and vise versa. This led Hattie to live in China for a semester, and it gave Daniel the freedom to join the Air Force.
The months leading up to the wedding were stressful - anyone who is a military spouse knows that plans can change at the last minute! - but through it all Daniel and Hattie remained steadfast and focused on the end goal of becoming husband and wife. The strength of their love was obvious not just on their wedding day, but during the many years leading up to that point.
Daniel and Hattie - what can I say? Thank you for being such a strong and enduring example to me. Thank you for welcoming Nathan and me in with open arms throughout our relationship. Thank you for being open, honest, and vulnerable. I love both of you and though I am excited for the many places the Air Force will take you, I will certainly miss seeing both of you. Many blessings on your new family!
Click here to see their travel-themed engagement session!
Click here to see their wedding feature on The Knot!
These ladies were a blast to spend the morning with!
Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.
After the Arch of Sabers, we took the bridal party around for some fun shots on the Chapel grounds.
In a special touch, Hattie used her bouquet to pay tribute to her late grandmother.
Such happiness!
After getting out of the limo and into the reception, Daniel and Hattie danced the night away.
There was a caricature artist who spent hours drawing personalized portraits of the wedding guests. Such a unique touch!
The wedding wouldn't have been complete without the groomsmen throwing the groom into the pool, right?
They exited to a group of guests waiting to toss airplanes at them!
And we will end with one of my favorites - a sunset portrait of the bride and groom. Congratulations, Daniel and Hattie!
And many thanks to everyone who made the day happen...
Photographer: Maria Grace Photography
Hair: Oasis Salon
Dress: The Inspired Bride
Shoes: Calvin Klein
Flowers, Design, and Coordination: The Main Event by Emily and Cindy
Ceremony: Langley Air Force Base Chapel
DJ: Ray LaPointe
Reception: Langley Air Force Base Officer's Club
Transportation: Ashworth's Limousine Service
Caricature Artist: Geoffrey Preudhomme
Cake: Creative Cake Designs
Magnolia House Inn Wedding | Hampton, Virginia Wedding Photographer | David & Candis
There's just something about intimate weddings and elopements at the Magnolia House Inn that I've come to love. To witness a couple get married as one of only a select few in the room is truly a joy and an honor. David and Candis had been waiting for their day for many years, and it finally arrived in June, where a room filled with 20 of their closest friends and family witnessed their love story take the next step.
Before the ceremony, David told me he was all nerves - not because he had any doubts, but because he couldn't wait until the end of the ceremony when he would finally be able to call Candis his wife. On Candis' part, from her blush David's Bridal gown to her gorgeous hair and makeup, she was a picture perfect bride. As Candis and David flirted their way through portraits afterwards, it became so obvious that they were truly meant to be.
David and Candis, thank you so much for inviting me to your intimate and beautiful wedding ceremony. Thank you for being an example of love that can stand the test of time. I truly wish you and your ever growing family the best in life, and I can't wait to see where you go from here.