Stefani + Jason : The Firefighter and the Creative

If this whole wedding wasn't a lovebomb fest, then I don't know what is. I got teary myself throughout multiple parts of this special day because you could just feel the love. Not the cheesy kind. But the soul-deep, plucking your heart strings kind. The kind where you knew every person in attendance celebrated. In every detail, in every word spoken.

This was a stunning, uniquely-made DIY wedding at Northwest River Park. And to briefly segue, Stef, you're amazing, and I nod in respect to your awesome organizational creativity. (A gal after my own heart!) Folks, this bride had it down. Stefani even had a Facebook group for her bridal party to coordinate details/schedules/planning right to the very minute of the wedding (can we say genius!? Where were Facebook groups when I was getting married?!). She needs to write her tips and blog it somewhere (ooo... nugget of an idea tucked away... heeeyyyy, Mrs. Rubio! ;) ).

From Jason's tie clip with a fireman's axe to the merry literary quotes on the reception tables, there were so many personal touches. It was an honor being part of such a once-in-a-lifetime day.

And heck, how many couples can say that they had a mini-high school reunion at their wedding!? Not many! ;)

Jason and Stefani, I wish you the very best and all the magic that a marriage can bring! Many hearts!













[Typically I don't put bridal party photos in the Mr. & Mrs. posts but these ladies and gents were such a huge part of these two's support system that they just had to be included. :) ]






[Why, yes, this is the mini-Bayside High School reunion. :)]

Veronica, Orlando, and Charlie | Chesapeake Couples Photographer

It all started last Fall. Last Fall when I got an email that briefly stated "I was referred by Megan." And instantly I knew she was good peoples! (For those new to the blog, Megan was our September 2010 bride!) I love word-of-mouth clients immensely! Because friends don't tell friends to get bad things. haha

Veronica was new to the area, and she wanted portraits taken of her, her husband, Orlando, and their doggie, Charlie. Orlando is also in the military and we all know how the military is with scheduling... soooo, what was going to be a Christmas card session ended up being a winter "just because" session. (Which I just received their March Christmas card... and it is one awesome idea. Send people a Christmas card when they don't expect it, and shazam! Instantly more memorable. I need to take notes for next year.)

These two have become good friends of ours (it helps they literally live right around the corner!). I mean, come on, how awesome is it to be invited to have a dog birthday party with a piñata?! They filled it up with dog treats, and oh my goodness, it was the CUTEST thing ever watching Charlie go after that colorful thing. He LOVED it, and Rusty and I loved watching! haha

Anyway, their session was so easy-going and so much fun. And Charlie was the most posable, lovable dog ever. Seriously, you could mold him into any position you wanted! Orlando's a pro at it!

Vero and Orly, I'm SOO excited that this isn't the last time I get to work with you guys! I'm ecstatic for Chicago to celebrate and document Monica's quinceañera this July!! AHH! Chi-town, here we come!

















You can see some other images from their Sneak Peek post!

- Chelsea :)

Veronica + Orlando (and Charlie!) | Sneak Peek from the Chesapeake Arboretum

I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and this is one of them. We were scheduled to do this "Anytime" session right before Christmas, but Orlando's work had him in training, so it just wasn't meant to be then.

Well, today was the day! We had a beautiful day with perfect weather AND just an awesome time at the Chesapeake Arboretum.

Enjoy the sneak peek, you two! The rest of the photos are just... eeeee... you'll love them. :)











- Chelsea :)

Just a Sneak Peek! | Chesapeake Family Portrait Photography

Photographing a friend and her family just gives me so much joy. They know and appreciate how artsy-fartsy I am and know I'll not only get those shots but the "traditional" ones as well.

As per Amanda's request, her family's sneak peeks are up on the blog instead of Facebook! Gotta keep Christmas card photos a surprise!! ;) So no traditional ones here (okay, maybe one)... just my artsy-fartsy self in love with these dreamy black and whites!

I'll give a more detailed post when I actually blog their session after their cards have gone out. So for now, enjoy some adorableness and beautiful light!










- Chelsea :)

Sabbatical + July = Texas - An Announcement

It's almost July, and it's that time when I take my annual "sabbatical" to Texas. It's not really rest (though I get plenty of it, my colleagues will joke!) since it is a job I love and do every summer for the Summer Institute for the Gifted... however, it is a mini-sabbatical from Bit of Ivory. The fun part is that the blog nor Facebook will be a ghost town because you all will get to see lovely images from Austin, Texas! Yeehaw! :)

What does this mean for you?

* If you are a bride wanting to book a wedding...
I will still be available for calls and emails and would love to talk with you! However, I will not be able to do any in-person meetings until Thursday, August 5th. So we can schedule, make plans, and get to know each other in the old-fashioned way with the written word! :)

* If you are someone who wants to book any type of portrait session...
Just like the brides, I will still be available for phone calls and emails. I can send a contract via email, and we can book things electronically. :) Please look at my Calendar for availabilities.

* If you are a current client wanting to place a last minute print order...
Though an announcement was already personally sent, all orders after June 30th will be placed on hold until Thursday, August 5th. If you need to republish your gallery, then I can still do that for you after the republishing fee is paid. You can still place your order, but please know that it will not be sent through to the printer until my return.

* If you are an Austin resident wanting photos and found my site through happenstance...
Then awesome! Just drop me an email, and I can let you know my schedule. :)


(A tribute to Ansel-- A favorite from this weekend!)

Have a fabulous summer month, and I will talk with you soon!
Chelsea :)

Cupcakes and Prom Dresses at the Carolina Cupcakery - Chesapeake, Virginia

It's been a hectic kind of week! It was the final week of school for teachers (YAY!) and just a lot of general housekeeping stuff. The amount of laundry my husband accumulates makes me rethink the whole "let's have babies in 3 years" idea. haha We did, however, get this beautiful laundry basket for the bathroom two weeks ago, and it's quite magical. Since then, clothes have not ever been found on the floor. ;)

On Monday, I did the cupcake graduates shoot for Carolina Cupcakery. Dawn wanted some portraits of her employees who were the Class of 2010 to hang up in the Chesapeake shop. These girls donned their prom dresses and caps and gowns in some pretty terrible humidity. Nevertheless, they were beautiful and exuded enthusiasm and excitement. When clients have fun in front of the camera, it makes my job so much easier and more fun. It's contagious. I love laughing, and I love the spirit of "I'm going to be goofy and be proud!"












- Chelsea :)

Celebration Portrait Session Giveaway! - Hampton Roads, Virginia

As the cherry on top of this anniversary sundae, I will be giving away a FREE portrait session (value of up to $375). I told you I like to celebrate, and who doesn't love quality freebies? (I probably would wrangle someone for the title of "Queen of Loving Freebies." haha)

The winner will choose a portrait session out of the following: Growing Together (family/children), Next Chapter (senior/model), Persuasion (boudoir), or To Be (engagement).

How to Enter
Anyone can enter with up to two entries! However, to count as two entries, wall posts must be posted separately.

* 1st Entry- Become a fan on Facebook and write a note on the wall which portrait session you would love to have. If you're already a fan, then kudos! Just say which portrait session you'd love.

* 2nd Entry - Suggest the page to other fans and write on the wall how many people to whom you suggested the page. (e.g., "I rounded up 6 new fans for ya! ;)") [Note- this is done with a little bit of the Honor Code, I know!]


Giveaway begins Sunday, June 13th and ends on Sunday, June 20th. Winner will be chosen by a randomizer selection tool. I will screen capture the number, find that numbered comment within the giveaway timeline, and the winner will be announced on Monday, June 21st at 10pm EST.

Some Rules
* The portrait session must take place on a mutually available date in August or September of 2010 somewhere in the Hampton Roads area.
* The winning session may not be substituted for an already booked portrait session.
* Any location fees (if applicable) are not included in the prize package and must be paid by the client.
* The prize only includes the portrait session and applicable digital files associated with that session. There are no prints or other tangible items included.
* The prize is non-transferable-- the winner who wins is the winner who gets.
* ... and finally, you must have fun and be excited! :)


Yes, it's a random photo I took! Random photo for a random winner! ;)

So, go now and get on Facebook! Best wishes, and I look forward to getting to know at least one of ya better! :)

- Chelsea :)

A Blast from the Past - Boudoir Session in Hampton Roads, Virginia

The worst part about photographing these types of portrait sessions is that you can't just pull out the albums and share them with friends and family! ;)

This was actually my first boudoir session, and I was so honored that J asked me to do them for her as a gift for her special guy and had faith in me that I'd do it right. I just think it's so beautiful how God made women so distinctly different from men. And if you look all throughout the history of art, we were created to inspire, to love, and to be cherished.

J is a classic. It was as if she stepped out of a page of a 1940's pin-up calendar and modeled for me. (It's more obvious when she broke out the red polka dot shoes!) She trusted me with these shots, and from the bottom of my toes, I'm humbled by that.

... P.S. The gal who did her makeup was none other than the fabulous Jasmine (who seriously needs to get to using her cosmetics background! So, if you need professional makeup done for your wedding or portrait session, I can connect you to the best woman around!).

If you're curious to what boudoir photography is, check out this simple and straight-to-the-point page. For those new to the whole photography world, boudoir is a beautiful, unique way to celebrate a woman. It is tasteful and timeless with the hint of intrigue.

If you're interested in booking a boudoir session, just drop me an email (bitofivoryphotography at gmail dot com) and we can chat. :)






- Chelsea :)

P.S. There are spots still available for the mini-session event on June 19th!

Chase - A Brotherly Photo Session.

It all started with my getting a new prime lens (the kind that doesn't have zooming capabilities... which is the ideal portrait lens). My family came over to my house so we could celebrate my Dad's and my father-in-law's birthdays. I made lunch, and we had a good time... AND of course, I figured this was the perfect time to get some photos. A new lens needs a willing subject to test it out on. (You can only make your husband to succumb to so many shots. :) ) Since I have no children or pets, I asked my little brother to be my little model. He's such a good patient kiddo. :)













To see more from this session, check out the website or Facebook.

- Chelsea :)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

All over Hampton Roads, Facebook statuses called out the arrival of our first real snow this morning. It really is an exciting time, especially for a place that rarely sees the white stuff actually stick. Granted, the snow is a month late and should have been here for my wedding... but I'll take what I can get. ;)

What I love most about the wintry season is you really see how resilient nature is. It's when their stubbornness really shows and says, "Ha! I may have nothing on my branches, but you'll see in a few months when spring comes back!" I suppose I can relate. :) I love the patterns, weight, and textures of snow on plants. Each plant is different with its reaction... and it's really awesome to witness. One little snowflake becomes many, many snowflakes. And it's a whole new ballgame for how strong a leave is.

My husband and I woke up around 7:30 this morning (which is becoming a terrible ritual for a sleep-in Saturday)... and darted outside before the neighborhood children got hold of the snow. We wanted to play in it first! :) So here are some of our antics and findings...

Stay warm!

-- Chelsea :)