My beautiful Livi: Military Ball 2017 | Personal

• March 20th, 2017 •

My Olivia is her own unique girl. She’d rather wear jeans than dresses, brush her hair with her fingers rather than a brush and doesn’t have any social media accounts because it is “all fake hiding behind a computer.” She loves volunteering and helping children. She’s a tomboy with a HUGE heart who knows who she is and what she believes in.

This year was her first big school dance. She picked out a beautiful blue lace dress but, of course, wore converse tennis shoes instead of heels. She even agreed to get her makeup done! (Carly with MakeupbyVega is amazing!) She got her hair re-shaved and was ecstatic to get a mohawk that completed her look.

She HATES having pictures taken (I’m sure that has nothing to do with a mom who has had a camera in her face since she was born!!) but she had no choice in getting portraits taken before the dance. She kept running away though, saying “Enough MOM!!!” (I do get some validation though as when she sat down to view her portraits she said “Are there anymore?” When I told her no because she wouldn’t let me shot for more than 5 minutes, she begrudgingly agreed that she should have let me take more!!)

My sweet girl looked stunning. She is such a beautiful soul inside and out. To see her in a beautiful dress, all dolled up, wearing makeup… momma wasn’t ready. She no longer looked like a little girl, but a woman. I’m not ready. She is beautiful and amazing but I’m not ready for womanhood yet. That said, she is handling it with grace and beauty. I am so proud of my girl.

Her date, Shanyn, is a very nice young man. He was respectful and a perfect first date to her first dance. They had a great time dancing and laughing together. When I picked them up they told me stories about the evening, which took forever to tell between the bouts of laughter. 🙂 I am so glad they had fun together… I remember awkward moments of silence and uncomfortable conversation during my dances back in the day!

My favorite part of the whole night was when she got home and curled up in her daddy’s lap to tell him about her night. Always has been and will always be a daddy’s girl. <3 <3

A Year in Review | Hampton Roads Photographer

• December 31st, 2016 •

Another amazing year has passed. Last year at this exact time, I was just so thankful 2015 was almost OVER. It was a year filled with so much sadness and loss. I prayed for 2016 to be a BORING year at least! I just wanted to get past all the pain of 2015. God answers prayers and more. Like he states “There is a time and a season for everything.” The BORING year I was praying for didn’t happen, instead He gave me so much more.

Personal highlights of 2016… I started the year off on a cruise with my family. The first cruise we have done together and it was a beautiful welcome to the new year! In the spring, I visited NYC with my son and godson and got to see my childhood crush, Will Smith (aaaaahhhhhhh) film the movie Collateral Beauty. (Seriously, I was like a giddy child- and the coolest thing was it was an unexpected surprise to see him on set!! Thanks to an amazing friend who set it up!) In the summer, I visited Ethiopia again, with Habesha Momma, and got to start the process of opening a home for homeless and trafficked children. I also FINALLY got to take my husband to NYC. I love NYC and Brett has said for years “NEVER” when I ask if he’d like to go with me. However, he finally agreed and we had a fabulous time together enjoying the big city!

One of the biggest personal and business highlights was I moved my business out of my house and into a true commercial space!! It was a HUGE leap of faith but I am so very thankful I took the risk. I LOVE having my own space. I’ve been a successful photographer for years BUT having my own name on the outside of a building makes me feel “I’ve made it!” It has been an amazing whirlwind of a year! I had a phenomenal Open House in my new space and felt so much love poured out. I have been blessed by the opportunity to photograph so many amazing people, families and projects. I truly love my job and don’t take for granted the fact that I am given the gift of creating moments in time for each of you.

This blog every year is one of my hardest… to go through the year and pick my favorite images to share. Each one of you are so special to me, all of our shoots hold special moments and laughs. In every single session- I am creating memories that I pray will be cherished for generations to come. Narrowing that down to 15-20 images to show my year in review… it is SO HARD! But here are some of the highlights I was able to narrow it down too… and once again thank you. Thank you for trusting me, thank you for supporting me, thank you for allowing me into your family.

I pray blessings, love and lots of laughter in 2017!

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An Answer to Prayer: Welcome 3D | Virginia Beach Newborn Photograher

• November 4th, 2016 •

Watching families grow is simply one of the best parts of my job. I can remember years ago photographing the David family while they were praying for another child, and getting to see where they are now is such a honor.

Welcome Little Moses the third!! This little guy is such an answer to prayer for the David family. God’s timing is always perfect and while “not yet” was hard to hear for so many years, we are so very thankful for His perfect timing!

We welcomed Moses (aka 3D as he is Moses David the THIRD) in July and he was such a star during his session. He cooed and smiled and slept like a champ! Already a superstar like his Daddy.

Big sister Amani is in love with him too, I love seeing older siblings love on their baby siblings and I can already tellt hat Amani will be like a second momma to little 3D!

Enjoy the David family and some of their favorite portraits from their session. <3 <3 photography_002

Real Estate Portraits | Hampton Roads Professional Portraits

• September 19th, 2016 •

Years ago, I visited Colombia in South America on a mission trip. Jamie, one of my fellow travelers, and I lost touch over the years, although we stayed FB friends. (Jamie is now living the adventure life in ALASKA! So jealous… until I realize I’d have to be cold all the time! Then I realize why I like Virginia Beach!)

Anyway- back on track, Janie’s mom Margaret has recently gone into real estate and needed professional portraits and Jamie refereed her to me! What a blessing. I LOVE referrals.

Margaret wanted beautiful, relatable, friendly images and the Founders Inn provided a perfect environment. She wanted to incorporate the beautiful gardens and architecture that they are so well known for at the Inn. She knows her architecture too and told me all the names of the arches, windows, treatments, stones, etc that we saw. I’m NOT educated in these things, and I had little to add as she discussed the beauty in the hotel! I can tell she’s going to do amazing in real estate. She knows her stuff, she’s relatable, she’s kind and she’s a joy to be around. If you are in need of a realtor, I think you’d find a perfect fit with her!

Check out her website here: http://www.margaretboundspresents.com/home.html and see her beautiful images enhance her website!

Lauren: The Naturally Inspired Life | Hampton Roads Photographer

• September 15th, 2016 •

Lauren is great friend of mine who is SUCH an inspiration. She is a wonderful mom and wife and loves all things natural and is a phenomenal business owner! In fact, she has so much talent, ideas, inspiration and passion, she has multiple businesses!

She has her own natural skincare line and I have been purchasing her homemade organic soaps and skincare for over a year now.

Then recently, she completed school and is now a Professional Esthetician! (I have gotten a facial from her and it’s heaven!!) You NEED to check out her spa services!

She contacted me recently to help her with pictures for her website and we had such a great time together! She truly does lead an inspiring life and you can find lots of great tips and ideas on living a budget friendly, natural life plus you can order products, schedule appointments and just find some daily inspiration!

Please take a moment to check out her website! http://www.thenaturallyinspiredlife.com/

Lifestyle Maternity | Baby’s First Year Photographer

• September 15th, 2016 •

Baby number two is on the way for Raf and Claire!! They are longtime clients that I am OVER THE MOON excited for as they welcome a new sibling for little Jack! Claire called me and asked for a family session that would include a few maternity portraits, but WOULDN’T focus on the “belly” the whole time. She is such an adorable and beautiful pregnant mommy… but just didn’t want a ton of pictures withe focus being on her belly!

Since it was SUPER HOT and had been raining for days, we decided the best bet was a lifestyle session at home. We are all so glad we did as the pictures turned out amazing . As there will likely be a household move in the future, these portraits will be some amazing treasures showing the love in the home where both their children were born and spent their first years.

Of course, as I LOVE maternity portrait showcasing the bump- I did convince Claire to do a FEW in a maternity gown that focused on how beautiful she is with that beautiful baby bump! Enjoy and say a pray for Claire and Raf… they are officially past the due date and ready to welcome their newest little one!

UPDATE: I wrote this blog and guess who arrived the very next day? The beautiful Katherine… a perfect little girl to add to this amazing family!!! Great job Claire, I am finishing up her newborn portraits now and she is so adorable with her chunky little legs! I can’t wait to share with you!

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Actress Headshots: Megan | Hampton Roads Headshot Photographer

• August 24th, 2016 •

Megan is an up and coming actress in Hampton Roads- already doing amazing things in the area… and she’s still in high school!!! Next year she’ll be heading off to college and has some very big dreams. So very proud of her and can’t wait to say “I photographed her when she was just a teen!”

Megan- you were a joy to photograph and can’t wait to see all your dreams come true. Make sure I get an invite to your upcoming shows this year!

Jaita Turns Two

• August 22nd, 2016 •

Turning two is a pretty big accomplishment and grandma (GiGi) wanted to celebrate with a photoshoot! Little Jaita totally rocked her two year old session. (Of course, like any two year old, she wasn’t completely cooperative and attentive the entire time… but with a little patience and bribery we made it work.)

We included her momma’s favorite team, the Cowboys, much to dad’s surprise (not HIS favorite team) Elmo and her favorite baby doll. Jaita is such a beautiful little lady and I love seeing her sassy little smile every time I get to photograph her!

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Welcome Mr. Gabriel | Newborn Portrait Photographer

• August 5th, 2016 •

Mr Gabriel was ready to come into this world… so ready he came the very day we had scheduled his mommy for her maternity portraits!!! So sadly, we don’t have maternity portraits for mommy and daddy, but we do have some amazing newborn portraits! He was such a little star during our session. He slept and cooed and was such a joy to photograph. Mom and dad did pretty amazing too! I can’t wait to watch him grow and I look forward to our next session!

Check out Mr. Gabriel in all his adorableness!

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Getting Ready for Moses III | Maternity Photographer Hampton Roads

• August 1st, 2016 •

I met Moses and Angel David almost 10 years ago. Even back then I can remember them talking about having a 2nd child, but waiting on God’s timing. Well… God finally said it was time! I was SO EXCITED to hear they were expecting a little boy and that Amani was going to be a big sister! I can’t wait to meet Moses III, aka 3D.

Their maternity session was AMAZING! We got a break in the crazy heat and the sunset was GORGEOUS! Add in the fact that the David family is stunningly beautiful… well, it was a photographers dream! I can’t wait to photograph 3D’s newborn session… and maybe more maternity sessions in the future! I think the world could do well with a few extra little David’s running around! Enjoy!

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