Date Night Ideas in Hampton + Newport News | Business

Date Night Ideas in Hampton + Newport News | Business

To be honest, winter is my least favorite season. I love that it is punctuated by Christmas, New Years, and my birthday, because even though the days are so much shorter the months seem so much longer. I cannot tolerate the cold very well (knock on wood that I never move farther north than Virginia!) and I love being outside - two things which do not work in my favor during the winter!

That said, winter is also the perfect time to slow down and focus on your family - especially your significant other or spouse - and spend time with them. Now that I have lived in Hampton Roads for 6 years (time flies!) I've grown to know and love the area, and I've found so many things to do on a date night. So even if you're mostly inside watching Netflix re-runs, here are some great ideas for date nights in Hampton and Newport News (since I live on the Peninsula after all)...

My First Print Feature! | Richmond Weddings Magazine | Richmond Wedding Photographer

My First Print Feature! | Richmond Weddings Magazine | Richmond Wedding Photographer

As much as I love to see so many weddings over the past few years featured in online blogs, there was something about me that wanted to see just one in print. I know how difficult it is to get any wedding featured (the day itself has to be beautiful, match the style of the blog, not be too similar to other published weddings, and come during the right season) so I was sure that having a print feature was several years down the road. Content with this idea, I have been working harder and harder each wedding to be better for my couples and for myself, with lofty future goals in mind.

After Michael and Jessica's wedding at The Manor House at Kings Charter in Richmond last May, I was able to develop a relationship with the wonderful coordinator there. When I sent over images she told me what I had only hoped to believe: she thought this was a wedding that had the potential for a print feature. I didn't let myself get too excited, but I finished the submission process as quickly as possible, sent off an email, and held my breath...

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session | Alexandria Wedding Photographer | Ryan + Jessica

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session | Alexandria Wedding Photographer | Ryan + Jessica

An engagement session in Old Town Alexandria has been on my photography bucket list from the moment I first stepped into its quaint little shops and rode a trolley down King Street, so when I chatted with Jessica about meeting her there, I was beyond excited. And nothing about the city disappointed! From brick-lined architecture to the incredible Wilkes Tunnel and the sun setting over the Potomac River, each part of the area was more beautiful than the last.

Ryan and Jessica share a love for traveling the world and have big plans to honeymoon in Portugal on their next big adventure. They fell in love strolling the streets of Alexandria, visiting eclectic restaurants, and spending time with each other through the years. With a wedding in front of them coming this fall and a future that is just starting to show its promise, the bond between them was a beautiful thing to see...