GrantDeb Wedding Photographers.

Danielle + Brandon are married at Half Moone, Norfolk Waterside

deb — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Danielle 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.

Emily + Daniel's Engagement Session at Yorktown

deb — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A 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.

Jennifer + Brent - Norfolk Engagement Session

deb — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 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!

Casey + Rob | Maternity Lifestyle

deb — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Every now and then Grant and I decide to shoot a session on our own. Casey's Maternity Session was one that I just had a feeling would be fun to do by myself. I actually visited with Casey and Rob at their home a few weeks before, and from the moment I met this couple I was excited. Their home was adorable, and not only were they excited to see me but so was Ruby, a lovable little white fluffball who is the baby for now as they wait on their first born due in August. I love it when clients allow me to experiment and be creative, and so I had the idea that it would be so much more of a Lifestyle Session if we could incorporate Rob and Ruby in to Casey's session as well. I wanted to capture this moment in time for them as they prepare and wait. And once we finally began their session weeks later, it was everything I had hoped for and more. Our evening together was relaxing and fun and I can't wait to meet the little one in a few more weeks for their newborn session.

Carrie + Eric | Williamsburg Winery Engagement Session

deb — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I love that Carrie planned a theme for their engagement session, and the Williamsburg Winery was the perfect setting inside and out for what she envisioned. Since it was warm, and humid outside, we began their session down in the cellar and then upstairs in the great hall. Carrie is a videographer and has such an eye for detail, so it was fun walking around the property with her and Eric looking for great light. At the close of their session, they took a walk through the open vineyard as it was bathed in perfect light. Eric and Carrie, we can't wait for your upcoming wedding in Ghent!

Crystal + Brian are married at UVA Chapel in Charlottesville, Virginia

deb — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Charlottesville is one of our most favorite cities, so you can imagine how excited we were when Crystal and Brian chose us to capture their UVA Chapel wedding. Everywhere you looked there was something beautiful to capture with our cameras, including the wedding party, family and guests. And capturing your UVA Chapel wedding photography was an amazing and beautiful experience, truly.

And after the formals (way too fun) were done, we all headed over to the UVA Alumni Hall to celebrate. It was a super awesome party.

Crystal and Brian, thank you for the honor of celebrating your wedding day. It began like a whirlwind, and was filled with love, beauty and laughter. We trust that as you see your images, the story of your day will come rushing back and you will experience that joy all over again!

Ceremony: UVA Chapel
Reception: UVA Alumni Hall
Bridal Gown: Priscilla of Boston - Melissa Sweet
Catering: Glorious Foods
Floral Design: Couture Design, Crozet VA.
DJ: Jake Ritchie of Dream Day DJs

Julie & Jonah's Wedding at Edgewood Plantation Bed & Breakfast

deb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Julie and Jonah decided to do things a little different for their wedding. They envisioned a garden theme with a small close-knit group of family and friends and highlighted that theme with a color palette of cornflower blue and sunflower yellow. We had been looking forward to their laid back outdoor event for a long time, and the day of their wedding was quite warm, but filled with gorgeous blue skies. They even chose a different setting for their ceremony, away from the traditional white-latticed garden backdrop that the plantation normally offers. Instead, they saw their nuptuals taking place in front of the property's rustic old barn. A structure covered with tangles of ivy and full of character. It proved to be the perfect backdrop for their splashes of color, and there were times I pinched myself over how lovely of a scene it was unfolding before our cameras.

I get excited at all weddings, but this quaint garden themed affair breathed new life into us that day. Sure it was a perfect backdrop for pictures, but only because the bride and groom planned for it. They planned where they would get ready...how the rooms would look like bathed in light and surrounded by antiques. They planned everything down to the very last detail, by hand, and then they sat back and enjoyed their party. We adore it when couples plan for great photos. As a result, Jonah and Julie were both relaxed, unstressed and beautiful as the day unfolded... and we've got the pictures to prove it!

Some of the fantastic vendors we worked with:

Ceremony and Reception: Edgewood Plantation Bed & Breakfast
Caterer: Pam Gianotti
Cake: Carrot Tree Kitchens
Flowers: Aleen Floral Design

Kristen + Ian are Married! | Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Wedding Photography

deb — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It was a beautiful, balmy Summer day at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens when Kristen and her Father walked down the bricked garden path. Amidst the lush gardens, she pledged her heart to Ian, the love of her life. Even though the temps were over 100 degrees that day, outdoor weddings are a true joy to capture. Nothing beats the warm evening glow that reflects off the water and peeks past the trees... well, maybe an ice-cold lemonade! ;)

Ceremony + Reception - Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Event Planning - McBride Events
Catering - Meriwether Godsey Catering
Acoustic Guitarist - Bobby Simpson

Sara & Jeff are Married! Tides Inn, Irvington Virginia

deb — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Tide's Inn in Irvington, Virginia is such a perfect place for a wedding. The day we arrived, the skies were blue, the clouds were fluffy and a slight breeze kept everyone comfortable as they prepared for the day's events. Sara and Jeff's ceremony was set up on the lush green croquet lawn, overlooking the waters of the Northern Neck. A perfect day, for a perfect couple that surrounded themselves with all the things they hold dear... family, friends, water, boats and yes, even the Red Sox. Living on the water prepares you for storms, and one started brewing fast as we were just finishing up the group photos after their ceremony. Most guests took cover, but as wedding photographers, we know that those precious minutes right before the clouds give way will yield some of the most spectacular lighting nature has to offer. It was, and we captured it... just in time for the Bride and Groom to literally run for shelter.

At first, Sara was a little shaken, after all, they had planned sunset photos, and a vintage boat farewell after their reception. But as quickly as the storm arrived, it left, and after dinner we managed to squeeze in the tail end of a beautiful sunset. Sara and Jeff ended the day just as perfect as it began as they waved goodbye to all their family and friends and sailed off into the watery night.

And be certain to check out the HD Tides Inn Wedding Photography Slideshow of Sara & Jeff HERE

This young girl was following her mom back to the pool, when she quite suddenly noticed the wedding. I love how Grant captured her too... foot tilted, fingers clenched, dripping wet and dreaming of the day when she will wear such a beautiful gown to marry her Prince. ;)

This next photo is credited to our super fab awesome assistant, Amanda Potter (we think she rocks!)

I love this next pic. Told the girls to "throw their flowers up in the air BUT TOTALLY MAKE CERTAIN they could CATCH them." Looks like everybody paid attention... but what is Sara doing? So funny cause she looks like she's waving "bye bye" to her's and throwing them to someone in the next city. She didn't catch hers on the way down. Way funny.

Rachel & Ehren's Virginia Beach Engagement Session

grant — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When a couple is in love, capturing them in love is easy. There's not a lot of "do this", "walk here", etc. In fact, within the first 8 minutes, I had captured enough of Rachel & Ehren's cuteness and love with my camera that the next 88 minutes of our engagement session together was almost unnecessary. Just A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.

As we were walking (fast) together, I asked them what their favorite thing to do was, and the answer was almost obvious; "exercise!" And as we went between a few different locations (walking in sand - fast), had a couple changes of clothes, I had to ask them to slow down because, well, exercise is NOT my favorite thing to do (maybe my extra 45 lbs. should hang out with them). But you would totally expect exercise to be a huge part of their lives because they are both proud West Point Academy Cadets - and our country - trust me - is better because of their commitment. In fact, Rachel is on her way next week to Air Assault School to learn how to repel out of helicopters; sounds way fun. Now there is a pic I'd love to capture!

Guys - when I say it was difficult to choose - I'm not kidding. But here are a few of my favorites from our super fun session. Deb and I cannot wait to be part of your big day!

And be certain to check out a full screen, HD Virginia Beach Engagement Photography Slideshow of Rachel & Ehren's Engagement Session HERE.

Be certain to check out a full screen, HD Virginia Beach Engagement Photography Slideshow of Rachel & Ehren's Engagement Session HERE.

Elizabeth + Andrew are Married in Williamsburg

deb — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Elizabeth and Andrew...Finally your sneek peek! Grant and I were incredibly privileged to capture your wedding. We showed up as friends and left feeling like family! Andrew it was a joy to meet you finally, and I trust you will enjoy the sweet memories of your wedding day as you serve our Country as a Captain in the Army. You both are an amazing couple and we wish you a happy and blessed life together.

Venue: Colonial Heritage Golf and Country Club
DJ: Liz Daley Events
Makeup Artist: Richmond Makeup Artist - Kirsty Wingfield

And be certain to check out a full screen HD Williamsburg Wedding Slideshow HERE of Elizabeth and Andrew's wedding.

Fun reflective shot in the elevator ;)

I am not lying when I say that Andrew had a perpetual smile on his face, I think he was excited just-a-tad!

When Bride and Grooms decide to see each other before the ceremony privately, we call it the "First Look." And we were thrilled when Elizabeth called to tell us they had decided to do a First Look. The images from these sessions are, hands down, our Bride and Groom's favorites of the day. In fact, we've never had one single regret... other than the fact we've had couples wish (after-the-fact) they had chosen to do it. Our engaged couples sometimes think a First Look might take away from the moment the Bride walks down the aisle, when in fact it does not. Rather, it allows a private time for the couple to tell one another how much they mean to each other, it allows time for admiration and often it helps chase the nerves away. This session rarely takes longer than about 20 minutes and then the Bride is free to get groups shots with her bridesmaids or we can even shoot the entire wedding party at this time as well. The wedding party actually loves you for it, since they get to enjoy cocktail hour a little sooner.

One of the things that was so much fun about their wedding were the surprises they had planned throughout the day. Like when Elizabeth and her Dad showed up to the ceremony in Steve's green Model A Ford, a car that he and his Dad had built many years ago.

I love it when Brides are playful and full of energy. Elizabeth couldn't WAIT to walk down that aisle.

Grant Rocked the group shots!!! And thanks to Amanda and Tre for their assistance as well. This was the first time, we each had our own assistant and I'm pretty sure we're spoiled now. ;0

Elizabeth and her Dad bustin' some moves.

We snuck them out at sunset, and drove the car around on the cart path. love!

Fun times!

And... you can see a full screen Williamsburg Wedding Slideshow HERE