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. :)]

High Voltage Hair and Lauren Townsend | Chesapeake Hair and Makeup Artists

It's always pretty cool when some fellow vendor friends come to you asking to photograph their artistry. AND even better is when they are in your neck of the woods. Chesapeake represent! :)

I had a ton of fun with Crystal of High Voltage Hair and Lauren (who co-owns Rudy and Kelly on Battlefield Blvd.). The lovely models, Katie and Kaitlyn, were equally wonderful and toughed out the crazy random bugs at Chesapeake Arboretum. (Random fact: Crystal hates bugs, specifically spiders. Shoes will go a-flyin' if spotted. ;) ) Granted, we did see a few ticks. Now people can't think I'm crazy when I say I love winter and why I was bummed we didn't have a cold season. Toooo many ticks this year that were not "maintained" with the freezing temperatures. Yuck.

Anyway, I digress... :) Of course, many thanks to Barefoot Bride Fine Consignment for allowing the ladies to use the gowns; it's super refreshing to see some gowns with sleeves! (Where were they when I got married two years ago!?)

To see a few more from the shoot (since these images are for Crystal and Lauren's ads), you'll just have to pick up a copy of Hampton Roads Wedding Planner Magazine, the new publication coming to town at the end of the summer.

Ashley + Ryan : An Ice Skating and Lifestyle Engagement

Let's REALLY go back to when it all began. January 2011.

Ashley saw me at the Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase, and throughout the year, she kept seeing my name in random places. Then she found out I shot a mutual friend's wedding, Robyn and Greg. THEN she moved into the same apartment community I live (we learned this after the fact). THEN she finally contacted me. ;) We both realized after several other encounters that we were just meant to be.

No joke, she was even a server with Sweetwater Cuisine for Meghan and Preston's wedding. She STILL pops up everywhere and now even encounters Rusty on his clinical visits to hospitals. So we've affectionately dubbed her the "LaVere stalker." haha! We love it. Little does she know after she gets married, I will continue to feed her wedding industry love by bringing her into the photo-world. ;)

So when she said she wanted a different kind of engagement session, I was pumped. It was to be at Chilled Ponds ice skating rink in Chesapeake (because of their love for the Boston Bruins... I KNOW! BOSTON!! Even more confirmation of soulmate-ness!) and then afterwards, a lifestyle session with their furry kid, Bella (a sassy, smug kitty that definitely rules the roost).

Ryan may not be part of the stalker club, but he has a keen artistic eye, a penchant for watercolor, amazing ice skater, and loves to work with his hands. I'm mega-jealous of all of his international travels-- including Germany! It was great getting to know him since I interacted with Ashley so much more before the session. And just seeing them together made my heart go all mushy. :)

I'm sooo excited for their amazing wedding (that TOTALLY has silhouettes and Bella incorporated!!) at the end of April!





















[I crack up EVERY time I see this photo! I definitely did a meme that defines Bella as "Epic Cat." No shame.]






[Won't lie. Felt kinda surreal like I was in my own apartment... as our places are similar in structure.]














[How cool is Ryan's collection?! It's housed in an old printer's letter tray! LOVE.]


- Chelsea :)

P.S. Okay, I'm posting this because I know how much Ryan and Ashley loved the meme I made... it basically fits Bella to a T. This is why I couldn't get to sleep that evening because I kept laughing too hard! :D

Now presenting... the future Bit of Ivory Photography HQ!

... okay, the word headquarters makes it sound like some covert operation. Whatev. ;) But yes, yes! I am officially moving into a larger office space to better accommodate my photo-fam, host photo-fam get-togethers (one is already in the works!), and just have a bit more space in which to have a dream office with a TEAL accent wall and super fun silhouettes everywhere. Swooooon.

I still very much pride myself on opening up my home so people can get to know me and where I come from and will continue to do so, but this consultation site will allow me to be a bit more flexible and help me achieve a healthier work schedule. :) It's all about being bold in 2012 and having a better life, folks!

I am sharing the office space with my friend, Julie Morgan of As You Wish Weddings and Events. (You will have known her from Amanda and Josh's wedding in October 2011!) She's a phenomenal wedding planner and such a great person who runs her business exactly the way I strive to do everyday-- with professionalism, integrity, and genuine love for clients. And heck, she knew my love for natural light and let me have the best naturally-lit space in the place. :)

We will be located off of Cedar Road in Chesapeake and super convenient to all of that fun stuff in Great Bridge. (Not going to lie... the 10 minute commute is pretty nice.)

It's going to be epic! We will have a grand opening in the future. We don't move in until May 1st and will be busy bees preparing the space to look spectacular when we do get the keys. So once it's up to our perfectionist standards, we'll be ready to celebrate, and you all will be invited!

Thank you so much for my photo-fam for making me want to be the best photographer for them. Thank you to my loved ones who have cheered me on through the years. And especially thank you to Rusty for not only believing in me, but supporting me in every thing I do. I couldn't do it without you.

God flung a door wide open, and I'm walking through. Here's to things never imaginable. Here's to things you never thought would be. And here's to becoming a better person to all of the people in my life. :)



[BIG OLE TEAL WALL!! ... will be there.]


[Julie and her office area AND the view of when you walk into the door into the reception area.]




[That's right. It's gorgeous.]


[Our name will go in that blank spot!! :D]


- Chelsea :)

Amanda + Josh : The Couple Who Loves to Volunteer | Chesapeake Wedding Sneak Peek

One thing has always stood out about Amanda and Josh... they are just so giving of their time. Over the year I got to know them, they had always humbly mentioned their community involvement. Whether Josh was making balloon animals for the local kids' event (as you saw in their engagement photos!) or Amanda was helping out at Shriners events, it just made me smile that there were still people who had a heart for service.

These two are so down-to-earth and easy going that I knew their wedding was going to be a beautiful, calm, special day. And it was! I just about got all sniffly when Amanda demanded I sit at their table for dinner. "You're part of the family now!" she called out with a sweet "duh Chelsea" expression. How can you NOT love these two!?

And she found me gluten-free recipes. She's stuck with me for life. :)

Hope you two enjoy the Caribbean and many safe travels!










[Okay. I had to post this spoon photo... because this wedding REALLY made me have a new obsession... gold spoons. I know. Random... but aren't they a gorgeous touch, especially for a fall wedding!?]



The vendors responsible for those above stunning details...
Floral Design : Daevid's
Event Coordinator : As You Wish Weddings by Julie
Catering : Sweetwater Cuisine

- Chelsea :)