anielle and Brandon were married in spectacular fashion last Saturday at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk. It was an amazing event packed with color and sparkle and we couldn't have been happier for them as they pledged their hearts to one another in front of the gorgeous floor to ceiling glass that overlooks the Port of Norfolk. It wouldn't have been an event had it not been for the vision and design of their Wedding Planner, Lindsey Hocker of Simply Perfect Events. She and her team worked tirelessly to create an evening that Danielle, Brandon, their families and guests will remember for a long, long time. The entire venue was transformed with the florals and linens of Bella Flora, Distinctive Event Rentals, lighting and production by Tidewater Productions and Ampa Events. Programs and stationary were designed by CME Design Services and our favorite DJ, Luke Barton kept the dance floor hopping all night. Their gorgeous cake was by Chef De Long at Gourmet Bake Shoppe, and the delectable food was catered by East Beach Catering. And of course the night wouldn't have been complete without a Happily-Ever-After send off from Smithfield Horse and Carriage.

few years back, I had a 'word of the year' for myself.  It was a word I chose that I wanted to authenticate in my life, and that word was REAL.  My goal was to bring it into the forefront of my life and filter all my experiences through it.  I wanted to be real, and I wanted to invite others to feel comfortable in being real around me.  I am a crafter by nature and so I created a vintage looking board with large letters, added some decor and hung it on the wall in my office.  I see this word every day and while there are still times I struggle with being real, I know I've grown and the plaque serves to remind me of that goal. 

When we photograph couples in love, it often takes time for them to break down the barriers in order to be comfortable and real around us.  Why is that important? Well, because the images we capture for their session are to be a real moment in their lives.  Not what we think they look like, but what they are really like together. Every couple is beautiful, and every couple shows beauty differently. 

Visually, we want them to answer the question: What does your love look like? 

Emily and Daniel showed up for their session with all kinds of creative ideas about their session together.  We were giddy with excitement over the bags of green apples, flowers and their cool outfits splashed in color.  But as our time together grew, Grant and I became even more excited over the fact that they began to melt together and be real.  It was as if our cameras looked right through them and saw what their love REALLY looked like.

That's our goal with every session...  it's a tall order; and it's beautiful when it happens. 

he colors, the clothes, the jewelry...they were all chosen, scrutinized, coordinated and laid out on hangers and in boxes when the day finally arrived for Jennifer and Brent's engagement session. Jen was beside herself with excitement! Brent was relieved. Not that he wasn't excited too, it's pretty much hard not to be excited when you're in a room with Jen. No, Brent was just relieved that the day was finally here and they could stop shopping. ;) 

Even though it was hot and humid out on the streets, this couple rocked their session. They took our direction and literally blocked everything out but each other, and when you've got a couple like that, it's hard to stop shooting! ;) 

We eventually took breaks, Tropical Smoothie style, changed outfits, and headed to the beach just minutes before the sun set. And those shots ended up with a whole nuthu' set of hotness to them. Enjoy!