Blue Horizon Sandbridge Beach Wedding, VA Destination Wedding Photographer

Blue Horizon Sandbridge Beach Wedding

 VA Destination Wedding Photographer

What a beautiful wedding I have to share today! Caitlin and Dan officially tied the knot in Virginia Beach this week, and it was such an exciting event! Family and friends gathered from all around the globe for this fabulous British-American destination beach wedding. Scroll on for sneak peeks from their day and a wedding preview slideshow. 

Caitlin and Dan met in the UK several years ago and currently live in California. They selected Virginia Beach as the destination for their wedding so that family and friends could come together from near and far to celebrate. 

I met with Caitlin last fall as she was putting together all the vendors for their big day. After months of planning, lots of travel, and much anticipation, it was truly thrilling to see it all come together for these two lovely people!

It was such an honor to be invited to be part of this momentous occasion! Everyone came together to pull it off so spectacularly! Caitlin's mother did much of the event decor, and her aunt, who isn't a professional florist by the way, purchased and arranged all of the flowers for the wedding. I was absolutely stunned by what an amazing job they did. It was all SO gorgeous!

All of the wedding prep and the reception took place in a beautiful, and big, beach house just steps from the ocean. In case you are wondering, this spectacular cottage, the "Blue Horizon", is managed by Sandbridge Vacation Rentals. 

Many professional vendors also did a bang up job of completing the set up, catering, bridal party prep, entertainment and event coordination. My hats off to the team for their excellent work! 

Wedding Vendor Team:

Hair/MUA: Katie Cistola, www.beautyboxstudiosva.com
Venue: Blue Horizon, Sandbridge Vacation Rentals
Catering: www.traditionscateringva.com
DJ: Astro DJs (Entertainment) DJ Larry
Cake: Incredible Edibles Bakery
Day of Coordinator: www.SandbridgeBeachEvents.com
Flowers/Decor: Jennifer Lavoie, Melanie Lavoie (Brides Aunt & Mother)
Second Photographer: Chava Lind Photography

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Bishop! I wish you both love and happy days always!

XOXO -Melissa

Stay tuned for a full post on this beautiful Sandbridge beach cottage wedding!

If you have had a session with me in recent weeks, or plan to book one, be sure to follow MBP on Facebook , Instagram and Google+ as I always post there first.

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Creative Wedding & Lifestyle Photography, Hampton Roads, VA + Travel Destinations 

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stores in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

To find out more about our wedding event photography, contact us today!

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Wedding Photographer, Virginia Beach - Kira + Ryan

Wedding Photographer, Virginia Beach - Kira + Ryan

Today I am sharing some highlights from Kira & Ryan's beautiful spring Virginia Beach wedding! They tied the knot on April 14th at the Indian River Plantation Dome in Virginia Beach. The ceremony was followed by a fun-filled reception at the always awesome One Fish Two Fish, Virginia Beach. 

It was a perfect spring day - warm and breezy with blue skies and whispy white clouds. And sunset on the dock at One Fish Two Fish can't be beat (not to mention the crab cakes)! We really had an amazing day!!

My hats off to the fantastic vendor team for this event. Everyone did a smashing job of bringing it all together for this lovely couple. 

Ceremony Venue: The Dome at Indian River Plantation
Reception Venue/Catering: OneFish TwoFish, Virginia Beach
Event Coordinator: Everly After Events 
Florals: Flowers at Hilltop
Cake: Custom Cake Shop
Transportation: VA Beach LX Limo
Rentals: Affordable Luxury Tent
Officiant: Amanda Burns
Music: Matt Fattal, Actualized Entertainment
Bride's Hair/Make Up: Salon at 31st
Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography

And congrats & best wishes to Mr. & Mrs. Lindner!! Thank you SO much for inviting me to be part of your special day! More to come soon. - XOXO Melissa 

Creative Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer, Virginia & Destination Weddings

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today!

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Top 2018 Wedding Trends

Top 2018 Wedding Trends

'Tis the season for engagements, and that means wedding planning becomes a top priority for many couples over the next several months. Today I'm talking wedding trends! So, what's the scoop on wedding trends for 2018?

Pantone's color of the year is ultra violet, so that will influence many details like florals, tablescapes, and invitations. Dresses are becoming a bit more modest than last year, and more romantic, with sheer sleeves, minimal veils and simple floral touches. Other trends include hanging florals or greenery, wreaths (not just for Christmas anymore), and transparent or glass touches for everything from venues (think greenhouse) to  invites, and to tabletop displays.

I've put together a fun little graphic that covers more of the style changes likely to dominate weddings this year:

Some other popular trends for 2018, according to their popularity on Pinterest, include rose colored dresses, messy up-dos, long lush lashes and metallic cakes...what are your favorite wedding trends?

You'll find lots more 2018 wedding trends and wedding style inspiration on my Pinterest Board below: 

I'd love to hear about your favorite wedding styles and trends! What makes you swoon? What makes you cringe? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact me today!

2018 Wedding Trends, Wedding Style Inspiration, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Hampton Roads Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers, Elopement Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photographer Hampton Roads, VA + Destinations World Wide

Wedding Photographer Hampton Roads, VA + Destinations World Wide

'Tis the season for love!

To celebrate new beginnings, rad love stories, and my awesome clients, I am offering a pretty sweet deal this February! 

If you know someone who is planning to propose, who is recently engaged, or who is planning a wedding, I'd love to hear from you! I love working with couples to create images that document the bond that tethers their souls. Send me all your amazing love stories!

And, when you refer a couple who books a regular wedding package, now through March 15th, 2018, you will receive a free mini session as a special thank you! Plus, the couple who books with me will receive a free mini engagement session. Pretty sweet right? 

So tag a friend, share this post, and tell all your favorite couples!

I can't wait to celebrate all the amazing love stories you have to share. 

Offer valid when a standard wedding package is booked on or before March 15, 2018. Signed contract and initial invoice payment must be received by midnight on 3/15/18 to be eligible for bonus. Mini sessions must be reserved within 30 days of notification, via email, of eligibility. Signed contract & model release required for all mini sessions. Subject to available dates and times. Mini Sessions will be booked for a location within 30 miles of 23703. Offer is non-transferrable. Bonus offer cannot be exchanged or combined with any other offers and has no cash value. One bonus per person. 

Virginia Wedding and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers

Intimate Norfolk Military Elopement - Virginia Wedding Photographer

Intimate Norfolk Military Elopement - Virginia Wedding Photographer

These two beautiful souls were married during a small private ceremony at the chapel on Norfolk Naval Base. While their elopement was to be a private affair, they did want some creative photos to celebrate their union. Devon and Andrew were high school sweethearts, and have been close for years. Andrew will soon be heading to Chicago, so they decided to tie the knot before the move. They will begin a new adventure as Mr. & Mrs. 

When we chatted about their session, they told me they wanted something outdoors and romantic, possibly at the beach. Not familiar with the area (they are both from Texas), they left the location up to me.

We did luck out with an unseasonably warm winter day for our session, but it was windy and I knew the beach would be unbearable. First Landing State Park was the perfect spot for some pretty water views, but also some trees and grasses to break the wind a bit. 

 The sun was out when we began our session, but the skies quickly turned overcast and the wind picked up. These two didn't mind though. As the chill came on, they snuggled into a familiar embrace to keep each other warm. I love how sweet and light-hearted they are together!

I must say, windy days are my favorite for shooting. I love how the wind dances with hair and fabric, adding movement and atmosphere to images. 

And this couple....so gorgeous!! I had a seriously difficult time culling down images for this blog post. The one below is definitely a fave from this session.

What a beautiful reminder of an important chapter in their love story. I hope they hang it big where they can see it often.

After getting some waterside shots, we headed to the woods to change things up a bit. I love the variety of natural beauty that abounds at First Landing. The Spanish Moss is magical and those earthy tones make my soul happy. 

We finished up back by the water for sunset. Even though it was cloudy and overcast, there was a warm golden glow that was lovely. 

I am so grateful that I got to meet and work with this charming couple to create some meaningful photographs for them. 

Congratulations Devon & Andrew! Sending all my best wishes to you for good fortune and many happy days together. - XO Melissa

VA Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer - Destination Wedding Photographer

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Wedding and Elopement Photography services in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville and world wide. 

Virginia Wedding Photographer - Snowy Winter Elopement in Hampton Roads

Virginia Wedding Photographer - Snowy Winter Elopement

On a cold and snowy day, Tia and Eric exchanged vows in a quiet little ceremony in Virginia Beach. Though the atmosphere outside was cold and brisk, the warmth these two radiate was as big as the sun. It was an honor to witness their marriage ceremony, and to be able to record these special memories for them. 

They traveled from North Carolina, to be married close to family. The ceremony took place at a quaint Virginia Beach home.

After the elopement ceremony, we headed to nearby Regent University for some outdoor wedding portraits. The snowy white landscape was a gorgeous backdrop for our session! I just love that clean, crisp snow blanketing the cool evergreens. 

Don't they look amazing?!

We shot outside around the snowy campus, until our noses and toes were numb. Then we popped indoors for a few quick shots, and a little dramatic window light, until we warmed up again.

What a beautiful and memorable day it was! Congratulations Tia and Eric!! May your hearts always be warm with love. - XOXO Melissa

Virginia & Destination Wedding and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

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Intimate Virginia Beach Oceanfront Wedding

Intimate Virginia Beach Oceanfront Wedding 

I have been so busy this fall that I have a backlog of sessions and weddings to blog. Things are just starting to calm down a bit and it is high time I shared this beautiful, intimate, sundrenched beach wedding with you! 

When I met Elaina and Matthew at Cure Coffee to chat about their wedding plans, I knew it was going to be an emotional event. They had been together for many years, and I could tell the bond they shared was deep. In fact, they had been together so long that their friends and co-workers had practically given up on them ever getting married.

They planned a small beach ceremony just for immediate family, and kept everything hush, hush. That way, they could surprise their friends and extended family with a big announcement and party in the spring. Of course, wedding photos were important! They would need proof after all. :)

They were married on a gorgeous, sunny September day at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach.  When I say sunny, it was full sun for the ceremony. Not exactly ideal lighting conditions, but I love how the contrast of the harsh light brings out the blue sky! 

Their personal vows were so sweet, heartfelt, and funny - there was laughter and tears all the way through. 

After they tied the knot - yay, finally! - we headed toward the dunes for some family portraits. 

By the time we were through, the sun was setting and softening.

That glorious golden glow was perfect for some intimate bride and groom portraits!

We took full advantage of all that buttery sunset light! I have to say, September beach days are my favorite. The beach is calmer, less crowded, and the light is just stunning!

It was such an honor to witness and photograph this beautiful wedding! Congratulations Elaina and Matthew! All my best wishes for many happy years as Mr. & Mrs.  - XOXO, Melissa 

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Virginia Wedding and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers