Tiffany + Josh : The Couple Who Gives Thanks

This wasn't the first time Tiffany was in front of my lens. She was our wicked-awesome Elphaba for Orchestrated's Emerald Encounter... and she was amazing.

That day had also been my first day meeting Josh. He came to see his beautiful wife-to-be model go "green" for us. To see the sweet pride and joy on his face as he watched her... oh my gosh. It's that same look that whispers, "I cherish you."

But together as a couple, there is one word that comes to mind when I think of them: genuine. Genuine in love, friendship, faith, and thanksgiving.

They balance each other. They keep their faith at the center of their relationship. They love. And it was very evident throughout the whole wedding day-- at the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach and at the Hilton Oceanfront.

You can't help but feel warm and fuzzy around them. And with Tiffany's many, many awesome facial expressions, you can't help but feel happy, too. (Seriously, she's my rival in spectacular faces.) ;)

I wish you two all the very best God has to offer in a marriage for the many years ahead. Bucket loads of blessings for you both!















Many thanks go to Sarah, Jessica, and Tianna for helping me make Tiff and Josh's wedding day story through their lenses and extra hands. And a big thanks to Stephanie, Brittney (and the other Emily Weddings gals), Mary and Shannon, Liz, Tyler/Martin/Graham, Shawn, and Jay for creating the visual aspects to their perfect story!

Crystal + Lannin : The Couple Who Predicted the Fun | Virginia Beach Wedding Photography

You can't help but smile when you see Crystal and Lannin together, side by side. As we learned at their engagement session, these two complement each other in most every way. She has one of the most beautiful (and hilarious) hearts, and he has a devotion that's something wonderfully fierce.

Lannin has a long-time connection (and a major love of golf) with Signature at West Neck so it was practically a necessity that it was to be their wedding site. If you've seen the grounds and landscape, you'll totally understand why Crystal was in love with it as well! (And let's be real. The golf carts and shenanigan potential make it kind of awesome.)

Despite the whoa crazy humidity, their special day was nonstop fun and filled with exuberant celebration. There were special touches with the hilarious photo booth props that many guests ended up wearing during the reception, the memorial magnolia flower for Nana and her necklace nestled in Crystal's bouquet, a favor donation to Edmarc Hospice for Children, and even a hilarious "garter" surprise just for Lannin. ;) I'll let her tell you that story. Let's just say the lacy accessory soon became its own prop to a lot of the bridal party (especially the groomsmen) throughout the evening! :D

Crystal, remember what you first said in your very first inquiry to me? "We will be getting married at Signature at West Neck with about 150 of our closest friends and family there to party with us!" Mission accomplished. :)












Because Crystal and Lannin wanted a day-after session, I thought it was only appropriate to stick some sneaks in this bride and groom post. It was wonderful just to have more time to devote to just celebrating them and... heck, those awesome ruffles. ;)









Many, many thanks for Valerie for second shooting with me! :)

Robyn, Greg, and a Ton of Waves | A Kite Flying First Anniversary Session

The neat thing about first anniversary sessions is that you, loyal readers, already know the couple's story from their engagement session and their wedding! So Robyn and Greg truly are all sorts of cozy in the Bit of Ivory photo-fam. :)

When Robyn emailed me and said, "Let's book the first anniversary session! And I think I want kites!" you could guess what my reaction was. ;) These two are the epitome of life and fun. With Robyn around, life is never boring (see engagement session above! haha).

It was a perfect day with the temperature and spotted clouds. Robyn's parents, the Collins, came, too, and were the dog whisperers for Riley, their furry kid.

To bring the "wedding day" memories into the session, Robyn and Greg brought many shades of purple into their wardrobes and elements of the session... even the purple blanket which was SUPPOSED to make its debut at the wedding last year... but somehow it ended up at MY house by the devices of Rusty who absconded with it after their ceremony. I still don't know how that one happened. But in Rusty's defense, I do have a very similar plum-colored throw blanket. :D

So cuddle up and enjoy their beachy celebration of one year of wedded bliss!

Crissy + Charlie | A Country Vintage Wedding

To feel appreciated without words is one of the best feelings in the world. And these two very special people ooze it. I can't even count how many times I teared up on June 2nd because you knew that with the fibers of Crissy and Charlie's hearts how much they loved and appreciated every single person in attendance.

And to feel loved and be loved is a very close second of best feelings. I'm going to get a little sappy for a moment (Charlie, go ahead and just smile and nod your head while we women gush over husband cuteness. ;) ). One of the best parts of my job is that I get to build relationships with some amazing people, and with that, I get to see couples' own relationship just bloom before my eyes.

Ladies, get ready to be swooned because the way Charlie gazes at his wife is heart melting. That is the look of "I cherish you." If you didn't know that man loved his bride just by these images, I don't know what would convince ya! I was so honored to be part of this very special day.

And something new I learned... The entire Copeland family has some serious dance moves. Like WHOA amazing. If you've been around the blog or had me at a wedding, you'll know of my intense love affair with the Electric Slide. I LOVE IT. Well, they made my Electric Slide look like I was a seal flopping on a beach. Even Momma Copeland and one of the ring bearers broke it down like AMAZING. Are you ready for that expectation, Crissy?! haha ;)

Hope you two have a beautifully relaxing honeymoon and look forward to seeing you when you come back! Lots of love!







[I normally don't put ceremony shots in the bride and groom feature post... but this magnolia tree played such an integral role in the whole wedding that I felt it needed to be in here! It is the second oldest magnolia tree in the state of Virginia. Talk about having a historical wedding. ;)]















Many thanks to my second and third shooters Valerie and Tyler for being a part of my team and always keeping my back (Word, Cray Cray Tattoo and Prissy Hippy!). :)