They borrowed from several traditions to create a moving ceremony that was both personal and meaningful not just to them but also to their family and guests, who literally circled them on the beach in support. My favorite part was that they included a reading from the Massachusetts State Supreme Court Ruling on Same Sex Marriage- signaling their steadfast support of all who wish to be married.

As a photographer it was nice to take a different approach. Honestly, it took some getting used to. Sometimes I get comfortable capturing the same elements of a wedding day over and over. Yes, each wedding is different, but usually there are key elements that stand out. Libby and Drew also had key moments but not always the “obvious” ones and for that I’m thankful.

There were times when Libby and Drew wanted me to be a bit more in the background than might be traditional, and since they were married just off the balcony of the beach house, it was perfect to shoot the ceremony from the balcony – I was able to capture the sentiment of the ceremony without interrupting the circle. And while they kept the details simple and focused on the time together with family and friends, I love the colorful and comfortable vibe displayed with beautiful live plants and fabric streamers blowing in the wind on the screened-in porch where they served dinner.

I hope their photos capture that outside-the-box, warm and as Libby told me the somewhat “bohemian” vibe they were going for.  I also want to thank Christene Schaaf of C.S. Photography for second shooting the wedding with me. Several of her photos are featured below – shot by Christene and processed by me. Christene is one of my favorite photographers in the area and I am blessed that she gives me her time as a second shooter.

Christene captured these great photos of Drew just before their First Look.

Another great shot by Christene Schaff below – knew when I saw her snap this that it would be a good one!

Christene captured the first shot here while I caught the second from my perspective. Together they’re even better and that’s the power of multiple points-of-view. May seem odd to have two people photographing the same moment sometimes but it really does create great things.

I shot the photos below through the porch screens and love the soft, vintage effect.

venue | Seafarer House, Sandbridge, Virginia Beach
catering: Catering Concepts
band: Gypsy Roots Jazz Band
macarons | The Sweet Lobby, Washington DC
Libby’s Dress | Nicole Miller

I’m currently booking high school senior portrait sessions for both Class of 2012 grads and Class of 2013 grads. This is a great time of year for high school senior photo sessions – the weather is still beautiful and the humidity hasn’t crept in yet. There are so many pretty spots in Hampton Roads – popular spots and hidden spots, too. I love planning out sessions that really reflect the personality and style of each high school senior client. You can see more of my senior portrait sessions on my website! And use my contact form to schedule your session!

The location was especially symbolic since the wedding took place on Margaret’s family property located on the shores of Hog Island Bay on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The ceremony took place in front of the main bunkhouse on the property, which was designed and built by Margaret’s family. The time and thought that Margaret and Noah put into their day was evident throughout. They even had a booked created for guests – a “Field Guide”  with directions, details and more for their wedding weekend. I hope you enjoy this peek into their memorable day. It was a special start to my wedding season.

venue | Brickhouse Neck Property
coordinator | Brittany Barham Platinum Events
dj | Taylor Haycox
cinematographer | Shaking Hands Productions
photo booth | Boardwalk Photo Booth Company
cake | Becca’s Cakes and More
flowers | Norfolk Wholesale Florist & arranged by family and friends
catering: Chef Charles Thain from the Island House Restaurant (Wachapreague, VA)

I’m currently booking high school senior portrait sessions for both Class of 2012 grads and Class of 2013 grads. This is a great time of year for high school senior photo sessions – the weather is still beautiful and the humidity hasn’t crept in yet. There are so many pretty spots in Hampton Roads – popular spots and hidden spots, too. I love planning out sessions that really reflect the personality and style of each high school senior client. You can see more of my senior portrait sessions on my website!

P.S. I’m in such a time-warp that I originally put “Class of 2011″ on Faith’s post and photos. Hello it’s 2012! So please forgive me but yes, it’s 2012!

Not many people shoot film these days. But among the photography community, film is making a resurgence. For a lot of photographers, film is new to them. For us more, ahem, seasoned photographers, we cut our teeth on film. I started with film a long time ago but don’t claim to have shot professionally when I was shooting film. It was more of a hobby at that time. But I remember the discipline that went with shooting film – it’s slower and more methodical.

I’m glad to see film making a comeback. I’m sure it will never be what it once was because it’s so expensive compared to digital. And it’s a lot of work. But it’s making a comeback because, in my opinion, it is beautiful. Why work so hard for an image when you can get it faster and easier with digital? Because you can’t get these tones, the white balance, the saturation, the contrast, and the grain that comes with film. The photos in this post are 100% unprocessed by me. They were developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab (which I highly recommend if you’re exploring film). To get the look you see in these images, I’d have had to spend hours processing them for the right contrast, white balance and toning. Oh, and I’d have had to add grain – digital creates nearly no grain – which is why we love it so for low light situations. But sometimes grain is good. Really really good.

Anyway. I love these images. And getting back these first two rolls of film scans was like Christmas. Reviewing each image, trying to remember the settings and the lens used and just remembering once again why film is so unique. I shot these over the course of a few weeks – between January and February. I went out once a week or so and captured the Bradford Pear trees in our front yard as they were budding. This spring was fast and early – and I had no idea they’d bloom so quickly. Within just four weeks or so the tree went from winter dormant to spring blooms.

My film study of the trees is below: shot on my Canon 1VHS with my 85mm 1.8 lens and Fuji 400h film. If you’re interested in learning more about film photography, I highly recommend the book “Film is Not Dead” by Jonathan Canlas. I am by no means an expert and have much to learn. I’ll share another post soon – have some sweet images of my girl on film.

I love the sass in this one!

I see the shape of Texas in this tree. My daughter sees a heart. Either way, these bendy trees are awesome!

I love this series.

I think Drew got a little “handsy” in these and the look on Libby’s face was priceless!

They did this naturally – love the pose.

Libby grabbed Drew’s glasses for a few fun shots.

Drew is all “yeah, I got this,” in this one and I love that about him!

I told Drew to whisper a secret in Libby’s ear to see if we could get a funny laugh. Love her shy hand to mouth!

Libby pinned a couple of funny photos to her pinterest inspiration board of couples on their cell phones together. So we wanted to recreate that in their session. Because I don’t know a couple around today who doesn’t occasionally text one another while sitting across the table from one another. Wait, just me and my husband?!

They’re so pretty/handsome. And so is the sun going down behind them in these shots.