When Past, Present, and Future Love. | Newport News Generational Portraits

We all know Jasmine from her being my main makeup gal for Persuasion Boudoir but also from her own photo-fam sessions... first with her baby bump and then with her new family.

But now it's with her family of beautiful generational women. Visiting all the way from California, both Debra (Jaz' momma) and Shirley (Jaz' Grammie) came to be a part of Dixon's growing months... and dang, even as I post this, he's grown SO much from when this session took place earlier this year. :)

To have four generations all together is beyond special; it's to see past, present, and future enjoy life with each other. It's such a very, very beautiful thing.

What does Holly + Dazzle Equal? | Hampton Roads Event Photography

It's the Kevin Bacon theory. You always know someone through someone and it ends up networking somehow. It's how this happened.

A current bride of mine emailed me, asking about if I did events. I LOOOVE events. There are so many details, you're never bored, the joy on people's faces, AND I don't have to talk much! It's all candid! It's the most freedom I can get in photography!

I actually have to end up turning away some events because I reserve most of my weekend dates for weddings (which is where my passion is)... so it's really exciting when one just "happens."

Well, it just so happened that this one date was open, and the director emailed me after my bride gave her my contact info. So I did my research and whoa. F-U-N! The City of Newport News is hiring me as the photographer for their big Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, family activities, shopping event put on by the Department of Parks and Rec called Hollydazzle on Friday, December 3rd! (Check out more Hollydazzle information here!)

Over the years, Hollydazzle has grown to awesome proportions and is a huge family pleaser. Basically, I'm inviting everyone to go! I'll be milling about the crowds, getting in people's faces, and capturing some exciting things.

AND... I get to climb up on awesome buildings to get awesome shots during the fireworks with the awesome 70-200mm (alas, it is a mere rental lens for now, but I was dying to have the opportunity to test it out! And now I get to!). Now if only I can bribe my husband to be my bag/tripod boy... ;)


(Just because every post needs a photo. Here are some flowers Rusty gave me for my birthday!)


- Chelsea :)

Becky + Jason | Virginia Beach Engagement Photography

I don't even know where to begin with Becky and Jason. We go way back, you see. In the times of baggy zip-ups and socks with sandals. Jason is the twin brother of my good friend, Erin. Becky is the drama/high school theatre friend of Elaine. Becky met Jason at high school youth group through Elaine... So we're all connected and have been ever since.

You know the feeling when you put on a favorite comfy sweater that you've had forever and know it will always be around in one form or another? You feel relaxed and are yourself in that sweater. Well, that's like knowing these two. Of course, I'm not comparing them to a hole-y, worn-in garment.... but you get the picture! :)

So for their engagement session, we wanted something unique and not traditional in terms of location. What better shout out to local history than the Adam Thoroughgood House for Part I of the e-session? [Side note- We were rebels. ;)]

For Part II, we hopped on over to City Center in Newport News for the gorgeous fountain scenery. Loved it!

I can't wait for their January wedding! After all, I will forever be biased for winter weddings. :)















- Chelsea :)