DRAKE & MCKENZIE | Virginia Beach Wedding Photography

Just a couple weeks before his wedding date, one of my good friends from high school posted on Facebook looking for wedding photographers. I immediately commented with an emoji and sent him a direct message volunteering my services. I couldn’t have been more flattered by his response, which was something along the lines of “I’m so glad you reached out because I was honestly thinking of you when I posted that.” Luckily we were both on the same page, and I feel so privileged to have been a part of their day.

We were graced with an unseasonably warm December day, and the sunset over Sandbridge beach was stunning. This was a super small family affair beginning with a brief ceremony in the over-sized living room at the top floor of a beach house. Decorations and details were simple and elegant, and the cake was home made by the mother of the groom. I’m sure she’ll hate me for it, but I couldn’t help but take a picture of the cake after it had been partially deconstructed. It looks almost as delicious as it actually was. I think my mouth is beginning to water just thinking about it.

I’ve been eager to start taking wedding photos for a while and this was the best possible way to begin my journey. I’m excited for everything 2019 has to offer.

Michelle Elaine Designs | Product Photography

I put out a message on Facebook looking for friends who needed product photography. Reconnecting with people from high school on Facebook isn’t exactly at the top most people’s priorities, but in this case it was a total joy to be able to work with Rachel, the daughter and marketing brain behind Michelle Elaine Designs. We captured some styled shots of products to be used on their shop and in their social media marketing for fall and beyond. Can you believe our model had never done this before? She’s stunning.

NIKKI SMITH

Nikki is one of the many wonderful humans I have the privilege of knowing from the Virginia Synod youth events. She’s known me since I was a middle schooler as an event participant and is one of my favorite people to talk to while I’m photographing the events these days as staff. She introduces herself as “Mama Nikki” (this is also how she’s entered into my phone) and I truly can’t think of a more accurate way to describe her.

Nikki came to me a while ago with the idea to capture her weight loss journey so she can look back and appreciate her progress. We also most certainly captured how truly beautiful Nikki is anyway. Inside and out. Body positivity and being healthy are both non-negotiable.

Pungo Ferry Bridge

This is one of my favorite spots of all time. The fisherman I chatted with while I was here agreed.

It has become a sort of tradition of mine to visit this place every time I’m in Virginia Beach. I made many trips here to clear my head in high school. This particular visit seemed especially significant because we'll probably be retiring the Chevy Blazer (my first car!!!) to a junkyard death soon. This was probably his last journey here. :(

Even though I was apparently 15 minutes late for the best part of the sunset, I still think the journey was super worth it.

HALFORD FAMILY