Garcia Family | Virginia Beach Maternity Photographer

Kathryn contacted me for her maternity photos, just in time before their bundle of joy, little Mr. Ezekiel arrived in the wee morning hours of August 31st. Kathryn is a fellow military spouse and It Works! Distributor in the area.  We originally met several months ago while participating in a photo project for our friend Angel Whisenant, who photographed us for I Am Her Voice, that was part of a campaign to help bring awareness to Sex Trafficking (http://www.angelwhisenant.com/nopriceisworthmyvoice).

We met up on the trail side of First Landing Park to capture some photos along the wooden walkways, then headed across the street to the beach side and captured some awesome sunset photos as well. I tell ya, just something about that golden hour.... I can't get enough of it!  


Joggin' For Frogmen 5K & 31 Heroes WOD | Hampton Roads Event Photographer

Bright and early on a Saturday morning in August, thousands of people gathered at Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk to honor the sacrifices of our service members and veterans, as well as remembering those that have fallen and supporting their families.  Joggin' for Frogmen is to activate communities from around the world to honor the sacrifices of our service members and veterans, and to support the families of our fallen heroes.  The races they coordinate bring communities together, in which they celebrate the lives of America's fallen and to express our deep gratitude to those that still serve today.

Being a Air Force veteran and Air National Guard spouse, I am always involved in the military.  From homecomings to command functions, my life revolves around different military members, whether veterans, current service members, as well as their spouses and family members.  The military community has always made me feel as if I were part of a big family, and has brought different people in my life.  I was honored to be a part of this special 5K, and providing my services for such an awesome organization meant a lot to me. 

After the 5K, the 31 Heroes WOD started.  Groups and groups of crossfitters from all over Hampton Roads, took part in this special WOD; With a partner, the duo completes as many reps as possible in 31 minutes. They must complete 8 thrusters of 155 or 105 lbs, 6 rope climbs (15ft), and 11 box jumps at 30 or 24 inches high. While one partner is completing the WOD, the other completes a 400m sandbag carry.  Once the partner completes the carry, they switch places and continue on.  Let me just tell you, watching the waves and waves of crossfitters giving it all they got to honor our heroes, it was awesome seeing the dedication and determination that each person had.

A bunch of my photos haver been shared on the Joggin' For Frogmen 5K website (http://www.jogginforfrogmen.com/race-photos/), but here are my favorites!


Katie & Jay - Married at Smith Mountain Lake | Central Virginia Wedding Photographer

In the words of Taylor Swift, today was a fairytale.  And I have to say, Katie and Jay's wedding day was definitely a fairytale.  Katie looked stunning in her dress, and Jay looked dapper in his tux.  However, Mother Nature tried to have her way that day.  Days prior to everyone arriving to Bernard's Landing Resort, we all received an email from Katie that the entire wedding day was being shifted due to the pending storms set to roll in later the day of the wedding.  

The next day went off without a hitch.  The girls gathered in the Matron of Honor's suite for hair, makeup and mimosas, and the guys gathered in the Best Man's suite for some grooming, shots and laughs. We nearly got away from the rain and the crazy storms, but it eventually rolled in. But did it stop everyone from partying? Heck no! Most of the guests that were staying on the property went back to their condos, changed into comfy clothes and continued to party through the rest of the night!

Katie & Jay, thank you so much for allowing me to photograph your special day.  And thank you to Jamey of Jamey Brown Photography for second shooting with me! You definitely kept the guys in check for me and Katie!

Venue: Bernard's Landing Resort at Smith Mountain Lake
Hair: Crystal Whilden
Makeup: Erin Fortuna
Dress: Maya Couture
Florals, Designer & Coordinator: Matthew Thomsen
Catering: Tiffany Silva & The Landing Restaurant
Band: Project 4 Band

Kristi & Brian - Engaged | Virginia Beach Engagement Photographer

Kristi and Brian are getting married next May and I can't wait for their wedding!  We met up at Red Wing Park for their engagement session.  They brought along their daughter Braelyn, who had her own sign for the session! Even though it was later in the afternoon, it was humid and we all were sweating like we were in a sauna.  But Kristi, Brian, and Braelyn pushed through it and we got some awesome shots!! 

Kristi & Brian are Boston Red Sox fans, so we definitely had to get some photos of them donning their best Red Sox apparel. Braelyn of course looked adorable  in her cute tulle skirt. Anyone know where I can get one in my size?! 

Here are a few of my favorite shots from their session! Can't wait for the wedding next year!!

Welcome Them Home - Owens Family | Hampton Roads Homecoming Photographer

My friend and fellow photographer Kayse of La Mia Bella Photography messaged me one day asking if I could help out her friend Stephanie.  Stephanie's husband was returning home from a deployment and she needed a photographer to capture it.  When she told me he was with ACU-4, I got excited since I have never photographed a homecoming that involved LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion)! 

Stephanie, Caidyn and Kylee waiting for 7 months to see their hero. And let me tell you, just like at any other homecoming, I got teary eyed as I watched them reunite with him.  Owens family, thank you for allowing me to be able to capture your special reunion!


Adventures in Second Shooting: Michelle and Ronnie | Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer

In May, I had the opportunity to second shoot for Sarah of Sarah Ashley Photography.  It was my first time shooting with her, and had so much fun! The wedding was held at Grand Affairs in Virginia Beach in a very intimate setting.  Michelle and Ronnie had all of their closest friends and family there to celebrate with them, and as usual, Grand Affairs created a beautiful backdrop for such a sweet and awesome couple! 

Here are some of my favorites from the day. Thank you Sarah for allowing me to second shoot with you!

Spending Time with Family on Memorial Day | Personal

On Memorial Day weekend, we headed over to my parents house to BBQ and enjoy some pool time.  Can't deny having some free pool time, whenever you want, right?!?!  And little miss Aliyah LOVES spending time with her cousins every chance she gets to see them.  And obviously having too much fun in the sun, you get tired while eating your lunch!

Katie - Bridals at Holly Ridge Manor | Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer

I am sooooo happy that I can finally share this session with you guys! Katie and Jay were married on June 21st at Bernard's Landing Resort at Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Virginia.  I have to admit, it was such an awesome wedding! Despite the crazy weather that made its appearance that weekend, Katie and Jay and their friends and family. Can't wait to share their wedding with you! But first, check out Katie's bridals we did at Holly Ridge Manor in Virginia Beach.  Since we had Goliath a part of the engagement session, we had to have his little brother, Ghost in his mommy's bridal session!

Her beautiful gown is from Maya Couture.  Thank you Jordan McGrath and the Events at HRM team for having such an awesome location!

A Workout to Remember - The 31Heroes Project Main Event Launch Party | Hampton Roads Event Photographer

The 31Heroes Project was established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011 when their Extortion 17 helicopter went down in Afghanistan.  They serve to impact the lives of our nation's heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.  On June 4th, The 31Heroes Project held their Workout to Remember Main Event Launch Party at CrossFit Rife in Virginia Beach.  They hosted a WOD (Crossfit lingo for Workout Of the Day) to spread awareness about Boot Campaign's Pushups For Charity initiative. lululemon athletica was there with a selection of awesome workout gear, the Lucky Peach food truck serving some deliciousness to die for, and Astro DJs spinning the ones and twos to keep everyone jamming and rocking their WOD.  

As I will be photographing the Joggin' for Frogmen 5K, which will be held at Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk on August 1st, Trisha Snelgrove, the Chief Operating Officer of The 31Heroes Project and Cameron Cooper, the Race Coordinator for the Norfolk Joggin' for Frogmen 5K invited me to join them at the event.  It was an amazing event, watching, photographing, and cheering on everyone crushing the WOD.  The WOD consisted of the following:

  • 90 seconds of pushups
  • AMRAP 10 (As Many Rounds As Possible in 10 mins)
  • 10 burpees
  • 15 kettlebell swings
  • 20 sit ups
  • 200M run

It was an awesome event, with awesome music (thanks Astro DJs) and awesome food!  If you haven't had the Lucky Peach, you are SERIOUSLY missing out!!! The menu they had during the event was seriously mouth watering.  I indulged in the sweet potato biscuit withe pulled pork and apple slaw.  It was so delicious, I was tempted to lick the plate!

But any who, here are some photos from the Workout to Remember!


Beach Surprise Proposal - Ian & Kelsey | Virginia Beach Photographer

Last month, my gal pal Leslie of La Bella Bonita Photography asked me to photograph a surprise proposal on the beach one evening.  She had me at surprise proposal, so I had to say yes! We arrived at the location while Ian, the proposer and his girlfriend Kelsey (now fiance!) ate dinner.  We patiently waited for them at the location, and were entertained by the kite surfers, doggy running and catching the ball, as well as another photographer and his client taking senior photos.  We got the word that they just parked and of course we tried to make sure we didn't look too awkward sitting on the beach with cameras in our hands.  We had no where to hide and sneak, so while Leslie acted as if she were taking photos down the coast line, I sat in the sand acting as if I were taking photos of the crashing waves.

Ian and Kelsey walked to the water's edge hand in hand, and we knew it was go time.  All I have to say is that Ian pulled it off! Kelsey had NO idea!!!  Congrats again to Ian and Kelsey on your engagement and thank you to Leslie for allowing me to photograph this with you!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Adventures in Second Shooting: Kelly & Mikey | Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer

Amber's first wedding of the season, and my second. We're back at it again!!!  I ALWAYS love second shooting with Amber. We ALWAYS have fun together no matter what.  And let me just say, that Kelly and Mikey's wedding was awesome! They were married in the chapel at Grand Affairs, and their reception was right across the way.  After the ceremony, we hurried to the beach down the road from Grand Affairs to get the wedding party formals.  Needless to say, it was windy as heck, but they were able to pull it off in the short amount of time we had before the reception started. 

Throughout the night, there were tears, laughter, and a lot of dancing.  Of course, I got into the action with the bride and groom and their guests, and left with a sore throat and achy feet.  Thank you Amber for allowing me to tag along on another awesome wedding, and congrats again to Kelly and Mikey!!  Here are a few of my fave shots:


North Carolina Adventures: Corolla, Outer Banks | Personal

Jake and I decided to go on an adventure on our own ever since the last time we ventured down to North Carolina.  Instead of heading down towards Kitty Hawk and Cape Hatteras, we decided to drive to Corolla.  After I heard about the awesome beach that we can actually drive on and encounter wild horses, we knew we had to take the Jeep for some sand and sea therapy.  As we drove down, we were in awe of the beautiful homes and rentals we saw, wishing that we could just move into to one right now.  Once we finally arrive at the beach, we were just amazed at how beautiful it was.  Windows rolled down, the smell of the sea and the serenity of the waves crashing just a few feet from us.  We continued down the beach to a location where cars were allowed to park in the middle.  Feeling the sand between my toes again made me miss home even more!  All I can say is that I can't wait to go back down again and spend the entire day there.  Seriously with every visit that we make to the Outer Banks, it makes me want to move out of Virginia Beach.  I'm a water baby at heart; I belong at the beach!  

On our way back to leave the beach, we came upon some wild horses that we heard that frequent the beach from time to time.  I swear when we first passed the spot, they weren't there.  But glad that we were able to see them before we left the beach.   Seriously, can't wait to go back!!


I've Waiting My Whole Life to Meet You Daddy! | Norfolk Navy Homecoming Photographer

It all started with an email from my fellow homecoming photographer friend, Tricia of Teal Tree Studios.  As homecoming photographer, we all know that the date we're initially provided at first contact with a client is not set in stone.  Dates in the military are NEVER set in stone!  Well, Tricia emailed me asking if I could take on her homecoming client due to the new time and date conflicting with a personal matter.  As I have been shooting homecomings for the past six years, I absolutely LOVE shooting them, so I couldn't say no!  I then received an email from Sarah to touch bases about the date and tentative time.  And of course, as expected, the time changed. Again.  But let me tell you, I am glad the time changed! The warmth of the sun setting as the friends and families of the sailors aboard the USS Mitscher provided the perfect backdrop.  

Sarah mentioned that this is the first time in 16 years that she will have a photographer present at a homecoming.  But this was a special occasion.  Baby Mia was born while daddy was deployed.  The first meeting between daddy and baby NEEDED to be documented! And boy, the feels.  Seeing daddy holding his baby girl for the first time gave me goosebumps. And yes, teary eyes.  Thank you Sarah and family for allowing me to capture your special day.  

Welcome home to Randy and his fellow Mitscher crew!

Heather & Samuel - Married | Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer

You may recognize these two lovebirds.  I did their engagement photos the weekend prior to their wedding at First Landing State Park.  I have to say that their wedding day was beautiful! They were married on the lawn of the Best Western Plus Oceanfront Hotel, and of course, because it was in front of the Oceanfront boardwalk, they had additional guests.  But regardless, they were married in front of their family and friends.  They were famous a few times when a few beach goers wanted to take selfies with them, as well as some guys wanted to take a selfie with the ladies as we did their version of the Bridesmaid pose.  Such a fun night!!!

Congrats again Heather and Sam and thank you for allowing me to photograph your special day!

Oh How Time Flies By.... | Personal

Tomorrow, I will be celebrating three years with my love, Jake.  Oddly enough, it's also his birthday (He can NEVER say he forgot what day our anniversary is on!).  I met Jake during a rough patch in my life (those that know me personally will know what rough patch I'm talking about...) and meeting him was at the most perfect time.  He has been my sounding board when I needed to vent, my shoulder when I needed one to cry on, and my cheerleader when I needed support.  Like any other normal couple, we have had our ups and downs, but have always stuck by each other no matter what.  We may not be the perfect couple, but we are perfect for each other.

I love you Jake and always will. No matter what.

Love, 

Your future wife


Heather & Sam | Virginia Beach Engagement Photographer

I met Heather and Sam through my sister, Breanna.  Bree was over at my house hanging out when she heard the news that Heather and Sam were engaged.  She chit chatted with Heather and next thing I knew we were discussing about the date.  Heather and I discussed different location ideas for their engagement photos, and I suggested the 64th Street entrance for First Landing State Park.  The last time I was there, I did the engagement photos for my June bride and groom, Katie and Jay.  I shared with her the link to that session and she loved it! 

It was a BEAUTIFUL day, not too hot, not too cold.  But BOY was it windy as heck!  I was at shock when I first got there because the water was so low that I could just walk over to the rocks, unlike the last two sessions I had there.  We had to walk around and wade through jellyfish infested waters to get to the rocks.  I KNEW it was a good sign! All I can say is that Heather and Sam made it so easy for me.  I swear, they knew what they were doing. :P 

Tomorrow, I have the honor of capturing their I Dos and can't wait! 

Outer Banks or Bust | Personal

A couple weekends ago, we made a spur of the moment trip down to the Outer Banks. Jake had been working HVAC jobs down there with a friend and couldn't stop gabbing about it. Despite the cold and dreary day and a short snowfall (which was more like sleet), the beach baby in me felt like I was back home again. 

The vibes that I felt reminded me of home, from the friendly and helpful locals, to the overall chill vibe, reminding me that I wasn't in the hustle and bustle of city life like in Virginia Beach. Who knows, maybe  eventually I might make the move down there like Amanda Hedgepeth and her family did last year. And as Amanda quoted when we chatted about the Outer Banks; for an hour away, it really is a WORLD away!  

A world I definitely plan on visiting again soon!